julia issues warning, page-33

"we can lead the world and set an example"

I've travelled more than a bit and I know that unfortunately Australia is just not a country that many foreigners know anything about. The press would have us believe that we are pretty big wheels but we're not, its as simple as that. Our population is smaller than greater Los Angeles, or Mexico City. In all my travels the ONLY Australian stories I have EVER seen in the foreign press have been several cuddly animal stories.

The whole idea that we can lead the world in anything is just not realistic. My Arizona friend who watches lots of news, did not know Julia was in the US at all. When politicians travel they are met by dignitaries who make a fuss, giving them the impression that they are important. But the ordinary citizens of even our friendly countries know nothing about us.

Hard to comprehend, I know, for many who have not travelled extensively and devour our news at home. Since we get foreign news all the time, we automatically think the reverse applies, - it doesn't.

So my feeling is that even if we apply a carbon tax, NOBODY else will even know about it.