And that, it now turns out, was a result of Australian troops entering West Timor. The fatal clash with Indonesian forces was the subject of dispute at the time about maps and where exactly the border lay. A joint investigation by Australia and Indonesia, submitted to the United Nations, says the Australian troops did stray onto Indonesian soil. But the report also found an over-reaction by Indonesian troops contributed to the gunbattle. Both sides have already acted on one of the report's recommendations - to reach agreement on the borders separating East and West Timor.
Australian motorists are about to put over a barrel, an oil barrel.
A hike in crude oil prices is almost certain to be passed on soon at the bowser. The cost of crude has jumped to its highest level in almost a decade and the effects will be profound. Many analysts are predicting further increases in petrol prices and some commentators are even talking about the prospect of another oil shock. Despite the pain of the likely petrol price rise, the Federal Government says consumers should at least be relieved to know they're not being ripped off. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has just released a report showing petrol retailers have been absorbing some of the rises in oil prices.