"This is a crucial time for Australia and our government need to...

"This is a crucial time for Australia and our government need to think long and hard about the direction they are taking our country. They should be openly talking about trade in a peaceful world. War and conflict with China in the Asia pacific region would be a disaster for Australia"

Pinto,
Which bit about the above quote from Bikemad do you disagree with?
I agree with him that Australia needs a better defense system to back a more independent foreign policy.

"You're safe - as long as you don't lose your accommodation, ------ or your health, or get scammed, or the tax office doesn't target you, or the government call you a crim and chase you"
And if my Aunt has testicles he is my Uncle , probably.

All those things above could happen to you anywhere , yet somehow , because they might happen in Australia , it is hell on earth as far as you are concerned.
Now perhaps you can tell me somewhere that none of this happens , if it exists , now that is somewhere better than pretty good,
In the mean time , we just work towards that unattainable , but worthy goal .
I personally think that good old OZ is a lot closer , overall than most.

cheers