Australia jumped to the forefront of the international drive to help victims of Asia's tsunami disaster with a billion-dollar (764-million US) aid offer aimed at rebuilding devastated areas of neighboring Indonesia.
The contribution by Australia, a nation of just 20 million, outstripped other government's aid offers to countries hit by the December 26 catastrophe, when a massive earthquake off Indonesia's island of Sumatra triggered tsunami waves which devastated coastal areas around the Indian Ocean.
Go Australia!!!!!
Welcome aboard Malaysia Airlines! Winner of Best Cabin Staff 2001,2002,2003,2004,2007,2009,2012
Aerobalance From United States of America, joined Sep 2000, 4634 posts, RR: 51 Reply 1, posted (8 years 4 months 2 weeks 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 901 times:
So, do they get the prize?
Good for them, a lot of money. I hope it all goes to good, proper use.
Aloges From Germany, joined Jan 2006, 8353 posts, RR: 47 Reply 3, posted (8 years 4 months 2 weeks 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 883 times:
Hey, if national pride makes our stingy governments spend money on solving problems instead of creating them as they usually do, I'm all for it - as long as all the money promised really gets there and helps the affected peoples. Could we extend those "national pride donations" to e.g. Africa, as well?
Walk together, talk together all ye peoples of the earth. Then, and only then, shall ye have peace.
Chrisrad From Australia, joined Dec 2000, 1006 posts, RR: 9 Reply 7, posted (8 years 4 months 2 weeks 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 852 times:
I just think it is wonderful that our government can offer such a releif package to those affected. I know it may seem like there is a competition between who can give most, but in the end does it matter? So long as they receive the aid, and yes I am proud to be an Australian right now
Welcome aboard Malaysia Airlines! Winner of Best Cabin Staff 2001,2002,2003,2004,2007,2009,2012
ClassicLover From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 4522 posts, RR: 26 Reply 9, posted (8 years 4 months 2 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 834 times:
It's $A500 million in direct aid, and $A500 million in concessional loans. It's solely to Indonesia and it's over 5 years.
The reason this is happening is because it's a good political move.
QANTASFOREVER, Chrisrad has every right to be proud that his country is doing such a thing. You're not the arbiter of what someone should and shouldn't say. Your opinion on the matter has been noted more than once though
Trent.
I do quite enjoy a spot of flying - more so when it's not in Economy!
Springbok747 From Australia, joined Nov 2004, 4387 posts, RR: 13 Reply 10, posted (8 years 4 months 2 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 824 times:
Good for us...but IMO I think that's a bit too much. This whole tsunami thing has been turned into a "who can help the most" thing. I was watching the news the other day and I was disgusted to hear "C'mon Australia, its time to show the world again how generous we are."
That was bad. This shouldn't be turned into a show to highlight how good we are. This is looking more and more like a "tsunami relief aid Olympics".
Chrisrad From Australia, joined Dec 2000, 1006 posts, RR: 9 Reply 11, posted (8 years 4 months 2 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 817 times:
We should not boast about this sort of thing - it is not the olympics!
Who is boasting? Why can't I relay this information like so many other people do here?
I'm not quite sure what the big deal is in being proud of your country which is going out of it's way to help?? I can't understand why you have to be so negative.
Welcome aboard Malaysia Airlines! Winner of Best Cabin Staff 2001,2002,2003,2004,2007,2009,2012
Qantas077 From China, joined Jan 2004, 5745 posts, RR: 49 Reply 12, posted (8 years 4 months 2 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 808 times:
maybe because we are sick of hearing who donated what, frankly i don't care how much of OUR money the government gives, aslong as it get's to those who need it MOST!! it doesn't make me any more proud to be Australian, it just makes me realise that there is alot of suffering and perhaps our offer of assistance can help those who need it most.
does it make us anymore special because we give $1billion, i think not! so quit the self gloating and except the fact that people are in desperate need of our help!
a true friend is someone who sees the pain in your eyes, while everyone else believes the smile on your face.
DeskPilot From Australia, joined Apr 2004, 767 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (8 years 4 months 2 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 803 times:
It's good to see Australia take on the responsibility to support a neighbour in need. I recognise, and am proud of the efforts of the Australia in doing this.
Without diminishing the huge need for aid, I think the amount that the Australian government (or any other nation) gives a little irrelevant. The commitment is the important aspect.
So, it's not a competition and let's not view it this way. Let's not also undermine any nation's contribution, regardless of the amount.
By the way, is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?
Flymia From United States of America, joined Jun 2001, 6284 posts, RR: 6 Reply 14, posted (8 years 4 months 2 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 797 times:
Australia and Japan should be giving the most money it is nothing special here. I am glad that Australia decided to give a good amout of aid. They are the two closet rich first world countries to the affected area.
Just wondering has China or New Zealand given aid yet?
And am I wrong or did India not ask for aid. If they did not that's a very helpful move as they know they can take care of them selves. Thank you India in not taking aid that you don't need.
"It was just four of us on the flight deck, trying to do our job" (Captain Al Haynes)
QANTASFOREVER From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 15, posted (8 years 4 months 2 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 790 times:
Who is boasting? Why can't I relay this information like so many other people do here?
Because Chrisrad, you are not simply stating that Australia has given $1billion - you are making this into a point of national pride. I don't think national pride comes into it - as I have said before, we must give aid but with a minimum of fuss - AND we must ensure we give for the right reasons (ego not being a correct reason).
QANTASFOREVER, Chrisrad has every right to be proud that his country is doing such a thing.
ClassicLover, an intrinsic sense of pride is inevitable, but it should be nothing more than that. To gain any sense of joy out of the fact that Australia is providing relief for a disaster which has taken close to 150,000 lives is inapropriate - we must simply do our duty without getting bogged down in ridiculous patriotic tirades.
You're not the arbiter of what someone should and shouldn't say.
I am not even trying to censor him. He can say whatever he likes - just as I can say whatever I like in reply to his comments. Works both ways my friend.
Your opinion on the matter has been noted more than once though.
Obviously it has not as my point seems to be completely lost on certain people. All of a sudden I'm an anti-patriot or some other nonsense.
Qantas077 and DeskPilot summed things up very well.
This is not a time for flagwaving, rather a time to help those who are suffering.
Jasepl From India, joined Jul 2004, 3582 posts, RR: 45 Reply 16, posted (8 years 4 months 2 weeks 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 784 times:
Just wondering has China or New Zealand given aid yet?.... And am I wrong or did India not ask for aid?
China and New Zealand have both contributed, as have a number of other countries. India not only 'politely declined' all offers of financial assistance, they're the 5th largest contributors of aid.
Here's the list of those governments that have pledged 1m or more:
1. Australia 760m
2. Germany 680m
3. Japan 500m
4. United States 350m
5. India 280m
6. Norway 182m
7. Canada 165m
8. United Kingdom 96m
9. Italy 95m
10. Sweden 80m
11. Denmark 76m
12. Spain 69m
13. France 66m
14. China 63m
15. Taiwan 50m
16. Netherlands 36m
17. Saudi Arabia 30m
18. Qatar 25m
19. Switzerland 23m
20. United Arab Emirates 20m
21. Belgium 16m
21. Ireland 16m
23. Finland 13m
24. Austria 11m
24. Portugal 11m
26. Kuwait 10m
27. Luxembourg 7m
28. Hong Kong 6m
29. New Zealand 4m
30. Singapore 3m
31. Libya 2m
31. Bahrain 2m
33. Greece 1m
33. Poland 1m
* All figures in American dollars
* Amounts do not include private and individual donations
Qantasclub From Australia, joined Nov 2003, 753 posts, RR: 3 Reply 17, posted (8 years 4 months 2 weeks 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 756 times:
Australia's contribution is indeed extremely significant and even more so on a per capita basis, in it's size and generosity.
From a political point of view, though, it has very clear objectives. Australia wants more influence in the region and it's military and political presence in recent years has increased significantly, as has its wealth and prosperity. John Howard in many public statements has mentioned repeatedly Australia's 'influence' on the world stage and adopted very aggressive posturing towards SE asian nations that may harbour terrorism. This aid package is as much about engaement with Indonesia as it is about actual aid. It is also an opportunity for us to move forward in our relations with the largest and most populous muslim nation on the planet.
So whilst it is nice and wonderful to add to the grwoing pile of aid for the devastated region, I think it also has very significant political objectives.
ClassicLover From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 4522 posts, RR: 26 Reply 19, posted (8 years 4 months 2 weeks 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 735 times:
QFF - "All of a sudden I'm an anti-patriot or some other nonsense."
I never said that at all. Not everyone thinks that because you have a different opinion to others, that you're any less patriotic etc etc etc.
"ClassicLover, an intrinsic sense of pride is inevitable, but it should be nothing more than that. To gain any sense of joy out of the fact that Australia is providing relief for a disaster which has taken close to 150,000 lives is inapropriate - we must simply do our duty without getting bogged down in ridiculous patriotic tirades."
I agree with you 100%.
However, when it comes down to it, these people don't need money. Most of the world thinks that if you throw money at a problem, it'll go away. Not so. What would be more helpful would be skilled people to go over there and rebuild - not just to throw pots of cash at the situation. After all, you can't make a house out of money.
Qantasclub - you're spot on regarding the reasons why we're giving so much aid.
Trent.
I do quite enjoy a spot of flying - more so when it's not in Economy!
Qantas077 From China, joined Jan 2004, 5745 posts, RR: 49 Reply 21, posted (8 years 4 months 2 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 694 times:
the money will be given to Indonesia only and mainly in the form of a $500 million cash grant and $500 million over 3 years in loans, the money will be administered by the Australian and Indonesian govt's and distributed for aid, rebuilding, etc for Aceh, the money will NOT be sent to any aid agency nor will it have any flow via the UN, it will be used the way the Australian and Indonesian govt't see fit.
so it will go where it's needed, and you can be guaranteed of that, by the way it equates to about $50 per person in Australia.
ClassicLover, the money is not going to the victims nor is it being thrown at the problem, the problem is people are starving and are in need of food, clean water and medicine, almost 5 million people are homeless and you say we are throwing money at the problem?!?! it goes to aid agencies who distribute it as they see fit, it cost's money to buy food, water, medicine, purification chemical's etc, the money is not being given away to just anyone, of course the skilled people you speak require payment too, and that's not to mention the fact that the materials they need cost too, so use a little common sense before making comments.
a true friend is someone who sees the pain in your eyes, while everyone else believes the smile on your face.
Tsv From Australia, joined Nov 1999, 1641 posts, RR: 5 Reply 22, posted (8 years 4 months 2 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 636 times:
I was refraining from commenting on these who donated what posts but this bit :
"Rio Tinto Australia managing director Charlie Lenegan said $154,000 would be donated to relevant agencies through Freeport or the company's Jakarta office."
Whichever figure is correct: in the light of the size of Rio Tinto and the BILLIONS it has ripped out of Indonesia from places like Kelian Gold, Kaltim Prima Coal, and Freeport; this donation is PATHETIC.
I reckon that UN bloke's "Stingy" Award should go to Rio Tinto.
Sponsor Message: 
From Australia, joined Dec 2000, 1006 posts, 
From United States of America, joined Sep 2000, 4634 posts, 
From , joined Dec 1969, posts, 
From Germany, joined Jan 2006, 8353 posts, 
From India, joined Jul 2004, 3582 posts, 
From Canada, joined Aug 2003, 3211 posts, 
From Ireland, joined Mar 2004, 4522 posts, 
From China, joined Jan 2004, 5745 posts, 
From Japan, joined Mar 2004, 529 posts, 
From New Zealand, joined May 2004, 6933 posts, 
Printer friendly format 
