I thought it might be interesting to bring up the topic
for discussion on how each of us sees our country today,
Modern Australia -
and where we see it heading?

We started out with the "White Australia" policy. Then
we went on with "multiculturalism," and today we're a
wide mix of many different cultures sharing the one
country - and singing - "I am, you are, we are -
Australian!"

So lets discuss the topic and share our feelings on the subject.
Do we want - a melting pot, or a mosaic?

After spending many years in the police force, there is one race, culture, or ethnicity we should've prevented from settling here, but I shall not identify them, lest I'm called a racist or worse.

Foxy,

Australia remains an extremely desirable country to move to and there is a long line of people wanting to move here for many reasons.

The benefits I gain from living here provide as easy a life style as I would want.

I was born here so those benefits are a gift provided by chance - even the ability to work and invest to secure my future is a gift.

Australia has no official language so immigrants who cannot speak English will probably seek out others who can help them navigate Australian society.

Many seek out others with a similar ethnic and cultural background.

Most migrants more to cities as this is where they will most likely find support.

Migration is increasing at its highest rate at the moment.

Large cities probably resemble a mosaic.

None of those. It's a dog's breakfast.

There are diverse conflicting cultures that in time the most aggressive culture will be predominant. People of all races can live peacefully together, but not all conflicting hostile cultures can live and prosper as a community. The Governments have allowed cultures that conflict with western freedom culture to come to Australia. There is no conflict with race or skin colour, unless it is used for being a victim. The conflict is with world views and values within a culture.

Thank all for responding to this discussion.

I too was born here and like WTF - I think I've been
given a gift.

We appear to be a mixture of people and ancestries.
British exploration and settlement in stalled a powerful
white racial advantage and perhaps Australia's geographic
isolation helped us back then in being a melting pot
society rather than a salad bowl or a mosaic.

Today a variety of people from across the globe have
reached Australia and now we have more retention of
ethnic differences. Clearly Australia's ethnic mix is
becoming far more diverse and colourful.

Governments and society have rejected the "white only"
idea replacing it with ideas of openness. Times have
certainly changed.

I remember growing up and trying to fit in so desperately.
Trying to "sit on two horses with the one ass," as they
say. During the week- with the local Aussies, and week-ends
with the Lithuanian community. I'm sure that I wasn't the
only one torn between two cultures.