Hi DD,

"This country has been transformed from an egalitarian dream of the 50’s"

The only section of the Australian population than had moved into the sphere of an "egalitarian" society to some extent in the 1950's, were white working class Anglo males. The new found dream of egalitarianism did not extend to women, the openly gay, Non-Anglo migrants and Aboriginals. The reasons for this shift can be traced back to white males making post war gains in education, leading to economic freedom through income growth, with such things as increased home ownership. There was the beginnings of a clearer understanding of the world in general through the medium of television, and international travel which broadened peoples horizons. There was a rapid growth in egalitarianism in Australia during the 1960's and it has been on going ever since. I believe many in society, who once would have been denied equality, have been able to exert themselves as social equals by overcoming the prejudices that existed from past generations. There is still more to overcome, but through progressive change, we are (hopefully) becoming a better egalitarian society.

p/s Not if Pauline Hanson, and other prejudiced nark's have their way.

Paul1405,
There's some undeniable $hit in your post ! It's not the content, it's the intend in the gist to support your ulterior agenda. How many of those who didn't take up the opportunities offered didn't do so because of inbuilt racism & dislike of responsibility ?

Hi Indy,

"How many of those who didn't take up the opportunities offered didn't do so because of inbuilt racism & dislike of responsibility?"

I'm not sure what you are saying there, "opportunities offered", its the lack of opportunity through prejudice that denies people. I say there existed such prejudice in the 1950's Australian society, just as it does today. What might surprise you is I'm not in favour of positive discrimination, such as setting quotas, what I do support is equal opportunity for all.