The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture made an interesting statement the other day regarding “The Boats” and the live cattle exports.

Well, he was not far off the point.

Firstly, we all know what a botch the Gillard government made of the allegations; and what anguish and damaging effect it had on our farming community.

The Indonesian government, like some other governments over the years in the Asian area, give Australia a hard time and sometimes do not use diplomacy as a Philippines leader a few weeks ago. 

Australia, it seems, has to always take the flak but is not supposed to speak back. However, they will always take our foreign aid money and complain if we make it a little less from time to time.

The Indonesian government, I believe, could have done more or made an effort to control the boats. 

From the many asylum seekers I have worked with, in stories of their passage to many countries, then through Indonesia, it appears that there was little hindrance to stop anyone from leaving their shores. 

There were plenty to collect their money, though. 

The only saving grace in that is who would want to be detained in an Indonesian gaol?

But in the end, our freedom and opportunity to speak our minds is paramount. 

Both the boats and the live cattle export matters should never go on the backburner, but both matters need a two-way diplomatic effort to see these unfortunate matters do not happen again.

I support our farmers and our rural communities, and assist the migrants from wherever they come.

Eddie Whitham

TAMWORTH