When I signed up for my citizenship a while ago now, I had to remember my rights and obligations as a citizen. One of my rights was "The right to consular assistance overseas"
In Hicks case he has been short changed. The government not only didnt make any requests, they didnt involve themselves in helping define a process, asking for a process, or in following any process in Hicks case. They pointedly did the opposite of what is promised to citizens, and did not involve themselves at all.
He pointedly was not assisted in any way.
Rather than bolster pride in Australia, Howard caused us to distrust our own country in fundamental areas. Hicks guilt or innocence was far overshadowed by the implications of the governments inaction.
