Response to Discussion Starter 3

Like other participants (hoefully 100%) at the July conference, I am opposed both ideologically and socially to most of the elements contained in Discussion Starter 3. Ordinary people throughout the world have, with few exceptions, missed out on the supposed benefits of variable work patterns and globalisation generally.

However, being a live coward and not a dead martyr, I feel the question of 'Tina" 'There is no alternative') must be adequately answered if at all possible, and then positive suggestions and actions can hopefully be carried out.

In my opinion, a course of strategies can be pursued which can possibly suggest logical 2001 means by which the many exccesses of globalisation can be eased somewhat for ordinary citizens of Australia.

Australia is affected adversely by our trade patterns, our geographical position and our ultra small population.

As a nation, our trading and economic position is weakened immeasurably by our exclusion from first world trading blocs and thus our servant relationship with the USA and to a lesser extent with UK and the rest of Western Europe. We need to develop closer links (trade-wise) with Asia, specifically an increasingly independent Japan (especially with its economic base). To me, such a course of action would be mutually advantageous to both Japan and Australia, and ipso facto would lessen Australia's servile dependence on the USA in economic and social matters.

Peter Goodsell, Quakers Hill, NSW