Stabbing spree foreshadowed on net

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So much spent for so little! I cringe with embrassment when I see the synchophantic Howard toadying up to Bush.He so badly wants to play with the big boys. Oh dear, I want to be proud of being Australian but instead I have to own up to this!
Posted by: Robyne Chamberlain of London 2:43am today

Actually APECdid achieve something.Unfortunately it proved to the rest of the world that many Australians are spoilt, naive small minded little people who really know very little about how the world works.If you looked at the comments in the blogs over the last few weeks you would come to the conclusion that international confoerences are best run in countries that have more mature senisible populations. In those countries they understand that a meeting of 27 countries in todays world is going to cause significant disruption and security concerns.Australia's contribution needs to be a little more than a 27 man 'Brown Eye' if we really want to be aken seriously.We are a country of Bogan and iIt is embarrassing.
Posted by: Dave of Asia 2:33am today

I see that the morons are out in force again. (excluding Jeremy T).I am not an economist but I do believe that to make money, you have to spend money.The Summit, along with the politicians, included some very astute business people.Contracts worth multi $billion were negotiated and signed - income for our country that will make the $330 million a little insignificant.However, the moron brigade, who have trouble comparing grocery prices, still must demonstrate their malignant ignorance.
Posted by: Geoff of GENEVA 2:04am today

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Just as Juan Antonio Samaranch declared the Sydney 2000 Olympics the best ever, APEC organisers yesterday hailed the $330 million event as a model for all future summits.

And both Prime Minister John Howard and NSW premier Morris Iemma paid tribute to the people of Sydney for their patience - and for helping ensure the trade benefits of APEC could dominate the week.

With just 88 arrests as of last night, the majority for minor offences, the portended chaos was averted and those not arrested were thanked by the NSW Police Commissioner. The city set an example of decency - under an imposing umbrella of security - while hosting the most significant meeting of world leaders in Australia`s history, including the Presidents of China, Russia and the US.

Absent was the expected violence that marked last year`s Melbourne`s G20 meeting and 2005 APEC meetings in South Korea and Chile. In its place was a new regional climate change agreement, tens of billions of dollars in trade deals, agreements on terrorism, food security, economic integration and a place for Australia at the centre of global decision making.

Sydney itself added tens of millions of dollars to its economy while earning a new reputation for being one of the host capitals of the world.

Meanwhile the NSW regional tourism industry enjoyed its best week in decades.

In an unprecedented gesture, Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione thanked the protesters while a relieved Premier Morris Iemma also had nothing but praise for Sydneysiders` tolerance.

"This was the biggest security and logistics exercise in Sydney`s history, bigger than the Olympics, " Mr Iemma said. "Everyone ought to feel proud.

"The conference proceeded without interruption and the city worked, people co-operated."

As the last of the world`s leaders and their spouses prepared to leave this morning, Sydney began a return to normal. Routine rail and ferry services resumed and the 5km fence was being removed - although a strong police presence will remain.

Prime Minister John Howard was "stoked" with the success of the summit, saying he was proud to be Australian.

"I thought Saturday night`s cultural performance was stunning ... I was very proud," he said.

"I felt stoked that my country had such talented artists ... and could I say to the people of Sydney, I`m sorry that you`ve been inconvenienced. It`s not the fault of our visitors, it`s not the fault of either the NSW Government or the Federal Government, it`s the fault of those who resort to violence in order disrupt gatherings of this kind."

Transport Minister John Watkins dismissed claims of intimidation and heavy handed tactics from police. "We made it very clear we were not going to have a repeat of those shocking scenes on the streets of Melbourne during G20," he said.

The NSW Business Chamber also congratulated Sydneysiders and the NSW Government.