midday news report, page-11

Interesting developments. The math is not simple. IMHO it's extremely unreasonable to stop the aid altogether because a very minor bit of the kokoda trail that needs to be rerouted. If the government actually does that then it would give the opposition good reasons to attack. Internationally Australia might even be condemned for doing so. Think about what other countries will say about Australia trying to deny the economical development, or the basic rights of the people who OWN THE LAND and the people of a sovereign country, by cutting the aid that is vital to their survival. I also don't think Australia would even consider stop the aid altogether because of the strategic geographical location of PNG. If say, Japan, China or Indian is aiding PNG, they would develop good ties and give us a fair bit of stress at home. Rudd or Howard can make all the noise they want to get the votes they need, however eventually some sort of compromise will have to be made at the end.