papilon

Indonesia is predicted to become the worlds 5th largest economy by 2050 and by that time pose a far greater threat.

Perth is closer to Jakarta than Sydney or Melbourne.

The Nullabor should hold them back for a while........

aries

The federal and SA Governments were conned for some time by Mitsubishi to hand over lots of money to keep its factory at Lonsdale (taken over after Chrysler failed there), yet despite constant promises and much uncertainty for workers, the place was closed.

Holdens will eventually face the same closure at Elizabeth, though perhaps something will be done to maintain the plant at Fishermans Bend. Time will tell.

chris955

I think it will be a total withdraw, I cant see the point in keeping an engine plant going to be honest.

commonwealth

Taxpayers deserve better. They should never subsidize these business failures. But of course Labor will disagree.

Swerv-o

Yes, exactly right. And we are busy crippling ourselves with the JSF program. At the moment, as Amazulu points out, it's a pretty foregone conclusion, but in the future I think it would be less so.

This article makes an interesting read: http://www.themonthly.com.au/issue/2...eans-australia


S

Amazulu

Interesting article. Indonesia will only grow to be a regional superpower if it continues on its present past of democracy and capitalism. If it goes the fundamentalist Islamic route then it ain't going to happen. It is part of the globalised economy - reliant on exports and the importation of resources, trading with the world, which will be giving their people economic opportunities only previously dreamt of. That means it will face what China is facing now - how do they become militarily and politically expansionist without committing economic suicide? Countries like China and Indonesia cannot wage war in the 21st century because a powerful navy like the USN (with allies) would collapse their economy in months. Economic collapse = regime change

Hino

But wasn't it you who changed the 'subject' to Australian submarines and their lack of capability compared with the UK types... ???

Wazza matter "Nelson" too much information for you ?

I call you "Nelson" because you remind me of the great man... an 'armless little one eyed Pom

Hino

Dublicate

Swerv-o

No it was me - In the context of throwing good money after bad.


S

papilon

Hey swervo you sound like you know a bit about naval vessels so what's your opinion on the new Daring class ships the RN has built. I know nothing about such things but was shown around and they looked and sounded very impressive.

chris955

Thank you.

Amazulu

Hino was spot on though

BadgeIsBack

I see that Chris is on form as always!

TheCreature

I'm still waiting for his stock response...

BadgeIsBack

I thought stock response was 'only in (my) Australia'..and a lol