However, these consuls cannot issue passports or visas. Over the past 2-3 months the Australian Embassy has received reports from a large number of people who have had passports and other valuables stolen from safety deposit boxes in their hotels in various places in the Philippines. This is despite their belief they had the only key to the box. Please remember that the Australian sense of humour is fairly unique. What is regarded as hilariously funny to a fellow Australian could send you to prison overseas.
Many countries employ officials who are without any sense of humour.