In fact, Australia, with its vast solar resources, should look at doing the same thing with respect to the energy-starved economies of Southeast Asia

Never happen. Makes too much sense. And in any case (I originally typed 'cash' there. Freudian slip? ;) ), the Federal Australian Labor Party is Committed to Coal.

Don't know what that started out as a link to, but here's a small street protest in Newie against coal (talk about swimming against the stream).