Australia and New Zealand continue to be ignored by the rest of the "regionalising" world, treading tightropes between alliances with the West and the Asian region in which they have always belonged geographically, and more recently, with the increase in Asian immigration and success of many Asian immigrants in attaining top and influential positions in politics, business and the professions culturally as well.

It should be obvious to many in a world that is increasingly moving from a collection of nation states to regional economic blocs, the comparative isolated position of Australia and New Zealand is a matter of concern.

Despite rugged opposition from the current leader of one smaller Asian state for Australia in particular to forge a significant relationship with Asia, and an unfortunate history bred from it's geographically isolated and rugged individualist nature itself, the key drivers of the Asian regional economy in future - notably China but also South Korea, seem to be far more interested in the synergies of both countries playing a significant part in the Asia Pacific as a whole.

Expect China, Australia and New Zealand, along with Singapore, South Korea and Thailand to move along integration in the long term future...

It is the only real future for Australia and New Zealand, save from the prospect of Australia Getting Drunk, and Waking Up in the North Atlantic

After what witnesses described as an all night blinder during which it kept droning on about how it was always being bloody ignored by the whole bloody world and would bloody well stand to do something about it, Australia this morning woke up to find itself in the middle of the North Atlantic.

OK it's an old one, but still a bonza one....