Australian Opposition Leader Kim Beazley said the federal government should have completely ignored a United States directive to keep consular officials out of hurricane-ravaged New Orleans. Mr Beazley said the lives and security of the 70 Australians stranded in the city were much more important than Australia's relationship with Washington. Mr Beazley said Prime Minister John Howard should have used his top-level contacts to force the US government to allow consulate officials into New Orleans.

"I don't think the government cares enough, I think the government is out of touch," Mr Beazley said.

But Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has in turned blamed the US government for the limited Australian response.

ALP SLAMS GOVT ON KATRINA HELP
5.9.2005. 18:29:56 SBS World News