We have to admit: we Aussies aren’t always at our best while travelling.

And it seems that sometimes we like to make our travel problems someone else’s problem. Specifically, we like to make it the problem of the local Australian embassy.

As a result, the government has launched a tough new strategy designed to crack down on requests to our Embassies from serial pesky  travellers.

Requests like, “what is the best way to get a polecat out of my roof?”

(Yep. That actually happened. Also, this is a polecat:)

“What is the best way to get a polecat out of my roof, Australian Embassy officer?”

Apparently one bold Aussie approached the Australian embassy in Bangkok and asked for a loan to help pay for a Thai sex worker (you probably don’t need a picture of that).

The new strategy launched on Wednesday will mean that Australians who over-use consular services when overseas may end up with restricted access to diplomatic support.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has made it clear that people can’t assume their embassy or consulate staff will bail them out if they get themselves in to trouble.

The Minister said, “our consular staff are not there to pay for the repairs to your jet ski,” she said. “They’re not there to pay your hotel bill; they’re not there to lend you a laptop or to provide you with office space in the embassy for you to do your work.”

“Hi, Australian Embassy: will you guys fix my jetski?”

Check out some more other strange requests that DFAT have had to deal with. SBS compiled the 20 most bizarre calls from travellers to the government department.

We do really love to cover ourselves with glory while we travel.

Have you ever had to contact an embassy with a weird question?