Australians who get into trouble overseas could be billed for receiving consular assistance, under a new plan unveiled by the Federal Government.
There will also be new limits on what help is provided to people who knowingly and recklessly break local laws.
“Some individuals have a pattern of behaviour that has required multiple instances of consular assistance in the past,” Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said as she launched the new policy.
“I want to send a very clear message – consular assistance should not be seen as a right, it is a privilege.
“If you deliberately or wilfully abuse the system, you will only receive the absolute minimum level of assistance and advice.”
According to the new consular strategy, there are some “misunderstandings” about what Foreign Affairs Department staff can do.
Some examples of traveller queries received by the department include:
- “I’m going on a cruise. What will the food be like? Can you drink the water on the ship?”
- A request from an Australian traveller for Foreign Affairs Department staff to feed her dogs while she was away
- Requests to book accommodation, and provide an embassy driver to take the traveller to the airport.
- “What is the best hotel in Phuket?”
Last year, Foreign Affairs Department staff provided assistance to nearly 15,000 Australians overseas.
Ms Bishop said it is important that consular resources were spent helping those most in need and who are most vulnerable, including women and children.
source: abc.net.au
STUDIO 3 NEWCASTLE AUSTRALIA 