What Australian newspapers say Tuesday, April 22

AAP General News (Australia)
04-22-2003
What Australian newspapers say Tuesday, April 22

SYDNEY, April 22 AAP - The seizure of the North Korean freighter the Pong Su blurred
the lines between police and military, but in this case to the community's benefit, The
Sydney Morning Herald says in its editorial today.

"The action against a ship suspected of having dropped 50kg of heroin to smugglers
off Victoria's south-west coast last week was remarkable for its precision, perseverance,
teamwork and courage...

"The inevitability of penetration of Australia's vast and underpopulated coastline
does not mean authorities should succumb to others' conclusions of futility and hopelessness,"

the paper says.

Prime Minister John Howard says there is "bound to be some unease at the unaccustomed
blurring of defence and civilian roles". He helpfully suggests "a deepening co-operation
between the armed forces and the police, in the limited and exceptional cases, such as
this, which call for it".

The Daily Telegraph praises the co-operation between Customs, police and defence force
personnel that led to the interception of the Pong Su.

"The government is correct to take every step in its power to ensure their cruel quest
for riches is stopped before their drugs reach our shores."

The success of the joint operation raises the question why more of our defence personnel
are not used in securing our borders against illegal drug imports, the paper asks.

The Australian Financial Review says if Peter Costello's recent record as federal Treasurer
is any guide, we should not expect too much next month from his eighth and possibly last

budget.

"Do not hold out hope that the Howard government will use this year's budget to announce
significant new policies designed to improve Australia's living standard and competitiveness,"

the paper says.

Preserving the status quo is unfortunately today's political slogan. The introduction
of the GST with its associated tax changes was a major reform, but it seems to have exhausted
the government's reforming zeal.

The Australian says getting North Korea to the diplomatic table is meaningless unless
there is a very big stick underneath the table.

While it is certainly possible to offer North Korea security assurances and economic
benefits, the US and regional powers must insist Pyongyang verifiably abandon its nuclear
weapons program before offering specific inducements.

It is perfectly appropriate in the meantime for the US to undermine North Korean nuclear
ambitions through covert operations.

If all else fails, the paper says, a pre-emptive, targeted military strike against
the nuclear reactor at Yongbyon by the US may need to be seriously considered.

The Herald Sun says Telstra's decision to hire Indian workers for IT jobs at a fraction
of the cost it pays Australian workers is immoral and un-Australian.

"Telstra expects to amass a healthy $3.6 billion profit this year and retains a virtual
monopoly on telecommunications infrastructure," the paper says.

"But it has hired up to 100 IT specialists in India, paying them as little as $12,000.

Australian programmers would receive about $60,000 a year.

"The Government must insist that Telstra rescind its decision to employ foreign computer
programmers to replace appropriately paid Australians.

"If it does not, these sub-standard practices will inherit the tacit approval of government."

The Age says a permanent military presence may be a good thing - but only if Iraqis ask for it.

"The US hopes, reasonably, that a democratic Iraq will be better disposed towards the
West than the deposed Baathist dictatorship was, and that a successful fostering of democracy
in the country will set an example for change elsewhere in the Middle East.

"If Iraqis come to feel, however, that the US is intent on setting limits to their
freedom of choice, the bright prospect raised by the downfall of Saddam Hussein will dim
quickly.

The Advertiser says former government minister Peter Reith's appointment to a $250,000,
tax-free job in London is jobs for the boys by any definition.

"Treasurer Peter Costello nominated his former colleague to the position, as executive
director representing Australia and three other countries on the European Bank of Reconstruction
and Development's board."

"The circumstances of Mr Reith's new appointment show the Government must be worried
about a public backlash.

The Courier Mail says it seems many motorists on Queensland roads are slow learners.

Despite widespread publicity about hefty increases in penalties for drivers flouting
speed limits, police have issued 60 per cent more speeding tickets over the four-day Easter
break than last year.

The figures suggest the new penalties are yet to work as a deterrent.

But the paper says there's every reason to hope the new measures will work one day,
if implemented prudently with a genuine eye to road safety rather than sneaky revenue
raising from minor infractions.

AAP rs

KEYWORD: EDITORIALS

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