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Australia

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At Home Negotiations Continue

Monday, 19 June, 2006

The change of heart by PNG on taking boat people is of no immediate consequence to Prime Minister John Howard other than to illustrate the extent of the breakdown in diplomatic relations between Australia and its former colony. (See Bribing a Nation). At the moment Mr Howard's concern is to keep face by getting through the parliament the legislation he has promised that will extend the scope of off-shore processing of would be asylum seekers.

Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone has the difficult task of finding amendments that will satisfy the rebels within the Liberal and National Parties.

Perhaps Mr Howard will opt to have his Minister keep talking until after Parliament adjourns for its winter recess. At least then he will not have to admit to the Indonesian President that he could not deliver what he promised.