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hello sir,i want visa in austrila for my parents because our country conditions are not good.i m undergradute student.i hope you help me
take care

- Runnas, pakistan, 22/07/2009 08:42
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This government's self-delusional arrogance beggars belief ...

- Marianne, SW France, 22/07/2009 07:42
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They're probably talking about their rugby team!

Actually most of my Aussie mates in London think their homeland is almost Third World which is why they are in London in the first place!

- Brian, London, 22/07/2009 07:42
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"Is this the same Australia that is ranked by the UN as the world’s 4th most developed country"

Yeh but these rankings are based on whatever criteria the report authors need to use to back some political agenda they have.

When Australia's concentratation is moved from sport and second rate soaps to Nobel Prizes in the sciences they might become a first class nation.

- Paul J, Bromley, 22/07/2009 07:42
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I'd rather live in Australia than India and so would thousands upon thousands of Indians.

- Squiz, islington, 22/07/2009 07:42
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You are right, Mike from London. Canada is one of the original G7 nations, so that hardly makes them "second division".

- Frances, Adelaide, Australia, 22/07/2009 07:42
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well ... if Obama's America and Brown's Britain are examples of "high-priority states," thank God for the "second division."

- Robb, Millgrove, Ontario, Canada, 22/07/2009 07:42
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I am a Canadian born British subject who has lived in Australia and now in the UK. I do not believe I come from a second tier country, nor would I class Aus, as one. In fact, the world is looking at the Cdn banks as examples of how to lead the world out of this mess. I have often encountered this 'you come from the colonies' attitude from Brits. I point out my grandfather and his brothers fought for the Empire in WWI and my country fed this island in WWII. It usually shuts them up. I have encountered negative feedback from Australians when I lived there, but again, you can usually shut them up with a witty comment. Canadians no doubt give the same in Canada. As far as economic power goes, Canada and Aus and Russia are likely second tier, but China, India, the USA, Britain and France all seem to want our natural resources to help fuel their economies and way of life. It will be interesting to see how the smug UK politicians feel when the second tier nations have the first tier ones by the short and curlies when the want oil, gas, gold, water, forest products, etc etc.

- Fergus, Aberdeen, 22/07/2009 07:42
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I always hear about Aussies carping on about how great Oz is and yet they come to the UK in their droves. Hmmm I am sure the new immigration rules will change this in future years - for better or worse. I heard that Oz is rife with racism and I dont mean the pommie/AB-rehab bashing but more the attacking of asians from Indonesia etc

- Nicky, St James, London, 22/07/2009 07:42
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So here I am in Sydney, the sun is shinning,food cheap and plentiful, the country is stack full of minerals needed by the rest of the world when it recovers from this recession. All the banks are in good shape, you can still get a lot better than nil interest on your savings,real estate holding up really well compared to the UK. Record numbers of migrants wanting to come here. Second tier, sure we are, fancy the Aussies being in such a good financial situation compared to the First tier. Bit embarrassing really. Can't wait for the next Ashes tour.

- Paula, Sydney, 22/07/2009 07:42
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Don't make me laugh,if we're going into a long recession Your better off sitting under a palm tree on a sunny day,than standing at a bus stop waiting in the cold and damp for that bus that never seems to come.

- J.B.Davies, Dysart,Qld,Australia, 22/07/2009 07:42
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It just goes to show that you can't be too careful.

- Jeff, Hobart, Australia, 22/07/2009 07:42
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Nicky St James

I lived in London for 5 years and had a really wonderful time. I decided to return to Australia and have not regreted doing so. I must ask you, what happened to you in Australia must have been terrible. Why did you spend 15 years here.

- Susan Melbourne, Melbourne Australia, 22/07/2009 07:42
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compared to the UK Russia and Canada might have about 100 times more oil, both countries have more nuclear production and capability, both countries have economies about 60-70 larger than any other country they grouped them with. both countries export the same amount of products as the uk (about 460 billion dollars each country). Canada's stock exchange is the same size as India's and Australia's combined.
top tier has 11 countries. some information about Canada.
top 11 in nominal gdp (8-11 Russia, Brazil, Spain, Canada have similar sized economies and are much larger than the ones ranked after them).
9th most exports (same as UK and Russia). 2.6 times more exports than Australia.
2nd largest oil reserves
9th most billionaires
2nd largest nominal gdp per capita out of the 10 largest economies
1st in freshwater supply
7th largest market value of its fortune 2000 companies
74 % as much gold reserves as the UK.
Market value of it's fortune 500 banks and insurance companies is larger than Spain's.
1st in world's production of uranium
8th in nuclear energy production, reactors (greater capability than China, UK, Spain, India).
the nuclear technology that started China, India, South Korea, Venezuela nuclear programs came from Canada.

- Grmike, canada, 22/07/2009 07:42
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How embarrassing! Unfortunately we have an incompetent government at present, but fortunately they'll be getting the boot next year. On a personal note, Canada and Australia are my favourite countries in the world, I hope they'll be receiving a grovelling apology.

- Steve, London, UK, 22/07/2009 07:42
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Australia still had some growth in the last quarter and is still not in a recession. Harsh words from a UK official who belongs to a government who has driven one of the best countries in the world to the despair. Australia's economy is performing much better than your country, Mr. Hague. If Australia is such a second rate country why are so many English migrating here? As long as they contribute to Australia, let 'em in I say! The UK government belongs to the second division - in fact, they're probably a lot worse.

- Sophie, Melbourne, Australia, 22/07/2009 07:42
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The last time I read a poll on the subject one-third of the UK population had considered, at some point, emigrating to Australia, New Zealand or Canada. And I bet that figure's a lot higher in 2009! Britain's LOVE these countries (though I expect they have some doubts about us!).

I'm not surprised to read today that Oz has slashed the intake of skilled migrants by 18,500pa.

- John Farmer, Manchester, UK, 22/07/2009 07:42
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I spend 3 months in Australia and one year in Canada. This article only made me think "What the HELL am I doing stuck on this damp, dark, depressing, broke little island?!"

- Lisa B, Blackpool, UK, 22/07/2009 07:42
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This sounds like the usual Foreign Office incompetence, but is short sighted. When oil was $147 per barrel and commodity prices were going through the roof, which countries did we all envy: Russia, Australia and Canada! They all have massive natural resources and when oil shoots up in price again they'll be right up there on the top table again (we'll be after any crumbs they drop).

- Pete (Citizen Of The World), UK, 22/07/2009 07:42
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I find it hilarious that the Americans and Brits think so highly of themselves. I was born and raised in Canada and have lived in the US and Britian. Give me my own second tier country any day, thank you.

- Matthew, Victoria, Canada, 22/07/2009 07:42
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If Canada and Australia are 2nd tier countries, perhaps someone in government can explain to us why English nationals are emigrating there in their thousands?

- Jimbob, Kensington, 22/07/2009 07:42
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Les Moody - unfortunately your opinion doesn't count old son - you voted with your feet and moved to Sweden!

- Elmo, Barnet, 22/07/2009 07:42
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Aw gee, we'll get over it. It's not like we've just lost the Ashes or anything imnportant.

- David Jones, Sydney Australia, 22/07/2009 07:42
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"If Canada and Australia are 2nd tier countries, perhaps someone in government can explain to us why English nationals are emigrating there in their thousands?" - Jimbob, Kensington

The same reason why people climb mountains - for the challenge.

- Will, Ealing, 22/07/2009 07:42
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As one who lived in Oz for 15 yrs, I can say that when you take into account Australian corruption, nationalism and racism and their attitude towards people who work hard, the rivalry between states and the pettymindedness. I much prefer the UK.

As for migration far more Aussies came to the UK than left over the past decade and I am sure that many more Aussies who were forced to leave would have preferred to stay.

The Aussies who come to the UK are generally the brightest and most talented and want to get away from their parochialism and their class system, hidden from most Brits and Aussies, which you only see when you are very senior and experienced. Indeed in reality Oz is not really a democracy since 2 media barons together always choose the govt they want.

As for this 'story', the fact some idiot in the Foreign Office has- perhaps deliberately- released a briefing document which sensibly but undiplomatically- reflects the relative economic strengths of countries, is to be expected.

NB When one sees how Aussies carp on about minor sports few Brits ever play or are interested in, one might realise who does most carping and has the more serious lack of confidence issue...

- Nicky, St James, 22/07/2009 07:42
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Last time i checked Australia and Canada still had viable currencies, a functioning banking system and something to sell the world. Looking at the economies of the first division; I think that rank actually equates to "special needs".

- Alex, Holland Park, 22/07/2009 07:42
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Jimbob : try having a talk with a few Australians! Friends of mine in in South Australia have just seen their superannuation cut by 20 % in a single year. Emigrate now Jimbob and see how well you manage!

- Dectora, London, 22/07/2009 07:42
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Nicky of St James;

1. racial harmony in the UK? Are you serious?
2. corruption in Oz and not in the UK? Again, are you serious? Cash for comments...please....
3. the best and the brightest Aussies were here and are bailing back quick smart. Again, read the papers, there has been a huge exodus.
4. Minor sports? Like cricket?!
I can inagine you had a tough time in Oz and you would here.

- Alex, Holland Park, 22/07/2009 07:42
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Yep, Kate's right onto it. This article is a typical example of English tabloid media highlighting an irrelevant but controversial "leak". Of course some countries in the G20 have more influence on the global economy than others, I struggle to believe it needs discussing. Nicky, St James is certainly one highly strung little aussie basher! Its good how her maturity allowed her to "rise above" the ridiculous element of this discussion!

- Henry Manners, Collinsville, Australia, 22/07/2009 07:42
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There's a lot to admire about Australia: I had a very happy time there some years ago, but it has to be said that a country whose economy is based on the export of raw materials is not playing at the top of its game. Why export millions of tons of iron ore, when you've got unlimited solar energy to smelt it? Why export wool and not clothing? Why export ancient timber for Japan to turn into chipboard?
At the same time environmental writers have observed how Oz has messed up its renewable resources before exhausting its finite ones, eg the impending water supply catastrophe in the greater Sydney area.
But Australia still has the natural resource needed to salvage this situation, namely the enterprise of its people. They don't deserve lectures from proven failures like our own political class.

- Mdj E10, london uk, 22/07/2009 07:42
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At least Canada and Australia are still countries -- not a province like the U.K.

- Phil Jones, London U.K., 22/07/2009 07:42
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Please don't take offence, Oz, you must realise that this government is full of the biggest load of losers and idiots that UK has ever produced. We have to put up with c...p like this all the time, but hopefully for not much longer.We are secretly plotting to dump them in the dustbin of history in the near future.Please bear with us!

- Madge Blair, Cahors France, 22/07/2009 07:42
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See Alex you perhaps prove my point....I hever said there was no corruption and nor did I say their is no racism in the UK. The fact is I saw FAR more corruption in Oz than I saw in the UK and as you would know every police force had a Royal Commission to try to root out the endemic police corruption which has gone on since 1788 and seems in the culture.

The comments I made are similar to the ironically titeld book The Lucky Country by Donald Horne (note he meant it ironically; but few Aussies can stand that) and the ABC/BBC series by Malcolm Turnbull's uncle about 10 yrs ago.

Kate's comment is one I wish most Aussies would try to subscribe to but sadly very few Aussies will do because of its general chippy self esteem national psyche issues. (Attacking the 'parent' who raised you-thru 100 yrs of heavy investment and created most of the good things Aussies have- is sad).

I daresay over time you will appreciate living in the UK more and all the bwenefits that brings and why so many- incl many Aussies, Americans etc want to live here.

- Nicky, St James, 22/07/2009 07:42
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Nicky

1. a great deal was taken out by the wonderful mother country during those 100 years. Colonisation tended not to work out for the colonies as we as it did the parent. Again, pick up a paper and see how poorly some of them are now faring and why;
2. The reality is that Aussies are as chippy as the Brits and vice versa;
3. Aussies tend to front up to an issue; hence the royal commissions which addressed a real problem. The fact that the house of lords functions as it does without challenge or redress is far more damning; and
4. As for your final comment, I know both countries very well being a resident and citizen of both.
I am bemused that you spent 15 years enduring such an ordeal.

- Alex, Holland Park, 22/07/2009 07:42
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"Why would anybody with any self pride and who represents a normal well run country want to turn up in London the most overrated and uneducated capital in western Europe." - Nick Holland, glasgow

Interesting opinion given that it is the very same overrated and uneducated capital of the UK that subsidises those living in Scotland.

- Andy, London, 22/07/2009 07:42
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So -ranking countries like FIFA ranks football teams.
And just where do we think the UK would end up in this list? The Obama regime is right- the UK is just one of 190 countries - but unlike Australia with no natural resources worth speaking of, a run-down industrial sector - run down by Mrs Thatcher and those other tories Blair and Brown, and a Foreign Office still living in the days of Empire.

- Leslie Moody, Vasteras Sweden, 22/07/2009 07:42
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Oh well, if Tier 1 means countries that throw money around without really thinking it through, then tier 2 doesn't seem like a bad place after all...

- Dave, London, 22/07/2009 07:42
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I'm an Aussie but I'm not offended by that. On the world stage, Australia is a second tier player compared to the US and China.

It's not an insult, it's a fact. I seriously doubt any of my compatriots will care.

- Kate, Aussie living in London, UK, 22/07/2009 07:42
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Oh dear!

- George, London, 22/07/2009 07:42
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.....the assumption being therefore that the UK is 3rd division? (and in relegation trouble)

How to win friends and influence people, as Dale Carnegie explains!

- Dc, London, 22/07/2009 07:42
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AS an a proud Aussie reading this in Australia, I'd like to know what tier nation the UK considers itself ? Now that the financial crisis has hit it and its banks are all insolvent.

- David, Melbourne, Australia, 22/07/2009 07:42
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Actually, Canada is one of the original G7

- Mike, London, 22/07/2009 07:42
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Thats rich coming from a near bankrupt nation like Britain.

- Stephend, London, England, 22/07/2009 07:42
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Is this the same Australia that is ranked by the UN as the world’s 4th most developed country (compared to the UK in 21st place?)... Makes us look a bit tin pot really.

- Nj, UK, 22/07/2009 07:42
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The Brits were always good for a good laugh.

- Jac Mills, loudon, usa, 22/07/2009 07:42
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Why would anybody with any self pride and who represents a normal well run country want to turn up in London the most overrated and uneducated capital in western Europe. Even worse having to meet the leader of that third world country would probably damage most countries 'street cred'. Let him (GB) organise it and then at the last minute don't turn up, that would make his eyes water !!!

- Nick Holland, glasgow, 22/07/2009 07:42
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Australia made it to number two, eh? Well done!

- Ken, Bexleyheath, 22/07/2009 07:42
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