“The [Consular Strategy 2014-16] emphasizes there must be less latitude to the small minority who have unreasonable demands of consular assistance or whose actions are willfully reckless,” Bishop said in a statement presenting the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) new strategy.
Launched @DFAT Consular Strategy maintaining world’s best practice for #Aussies in need overseas http://t.co/1bwwSPDIkU
— Julie Bishop (@JulieBishopMP) 3 декабря 2014
According to the DFAT, limiting the scope of assistance provided by Canberra's consulates will help install a culture of "self-reliance, personal responsibility and self-help” among Australian travelers.
Australian media have reported that some of the unusual requests received by Australian foreign missions from the tourists included asking diplomats to pack their bags, book hotel rooms and in one case organize "a fleet of armored cars" in a dangerous destination. The country's Consular Services Charter stipulates that Australians abroad “do not have a legal right to consular assistance.”
Last year DFAT assisted nearly 15,000 Australians in trouble overseas.