Whilst I agree with the words BB - It is highly unlikely that any track back can be made. In actual fact we talk about the laws governing and regulating in OZ - which are great - If the paper had made the same allegation in OZ they would have no doubt found themselves on the end of a slander charge unless they had evidence

That is not diminishing the fact we lack meaningful regulation (in most things) But it is open season on Bali in many parts of the Oz press for a whole host of reasons and sometimes that is counter productive

Kesiangan - as mentioned by DD, tattoo parlours in most countries are inspected, operate under very strict conditions, and are liable under law if something happens, and there is a 'real' system of law that protects the people, consumers, local and visitors alike.

I repeat what I stated, Indonesia suffers generally from a lack of ethical responsibility and professionalism, added to which regulation is weak, and control by government agencies are virtually non existent. Added to this, Indonesia has virtually no system of law, and any and all permissions and certification can be bought, because of rampant corruption.

So please refute what I say and put forward examples of similar HIV infection cases in Australia.

"Australian health authorities have said a patient diagnosed with HIV likely caught the virus while having a tattoo done on the Indonesian resort island of Bali." THIS IS ANOTHER WAY TO UNDERMINE Bali's reputation. How can health authorities determined about anything? Would they be able to retrace the steps back to where the source may come from?? There are other possible ways of HIV transmittal...Unsafe sex perhaps?? Whatever it is smart tourists overseas should protect from anything unfamiliar to them. That would be the best approach.

A case of a man who was diagnosed with HIV because he recalled that he may have stepped on fresh semen at a sex club. He had a deep cut underneath his foot at the time. Did he blame the place for not following sanitary conditions. Furthermore he did not contact the French health authorities regarding a possible unsanitary place of pleasure nor he would have made headlines all over the news. He is to be blamed for exposing himself to a risky behavior.

Blightboy - Australia is sterile and full of ethical responsibility and professionalism. HIV never spreads within the Australian borders.

Kesiangan - Not true. Indonesia suffers generally from a lack of ethical responsibility and professionalism, added to which regulation is weak, and control by government agencies are virtually non existent. Just weeks a go a tourist in Bali died from being electrocuted by a faulty sign in the street - in Indonesia there is no regulation and no control and no concern.