For me, Australia is supposed to be about fair go. I moved here 5 years ago and have collaborated with Aussies to try and make this country better than it's ever been.
Today's my last day in the country. Under the old rules, I'd be a citizen by now, but the government shifted the goal posts on my work visa so that I could no longer apply for permanent residency, kept me on a bridging visa since last May (after I paid almost $10K to apply for a new one) and... well, my plane leaves at 9:30pm.
As with everything in this life, the people who ABUSE a persons good nature, in this case a entire NATIONS good will, well, they ruin it for everyone.
Nothing new. Human nature is something that just doesn't change.
I know a little about what you are talking about, but from a totally different angle.
My Mrs, mother of four Aussies, wife of an Aussie for over 20 years had to go through all the same paperwork as anyone else who was married to an Aussie for lets say 2 weeks.
Likewise she has to comply with all the rules and regulations, which have changed as you mentioned, hence she can't become a citizen of Australia until the 5 years are up.
It used to be simpler before, but unfortunately the SOBs who literally abuse the system and always present themselves as "victims" are the reason why this is so, that is "why some things have changed".
What kills me is when Aussies side up with the SOBs instead of standing their ground and calling a SOB a SOB. Making it right for all those who aren't SOBs, who are literally victims of the SOBs, the SOBs that abuse our nations good will and friendly nature.
I hear ya, as far as paying the price because of some SOBs out there.
Well, I’m in Tokyo now. I’ve been in three different toilets and they’ve all been stocked with single ply toilet paper. That’s what my life has come to.
Mate, if it makes you feel any better I was stuck in a situation where the only thing next to an arabic/muslim toilet was an old Coca Cola bottle with water in it!
and the one on this photo is highspeed, all nice and "clean"