Australia has certainly changed. Our population has
massively increased. We're ageing. Our growing
population is increasing not only through increased
longevity but immigration. There have been significant
shifts in the countries of birth. Previously the
countries of arrival were of British, European and
New Zealand stock while today China, India, dominate
with Vietnam and the Philippines not far behind.

The workforce has changed. Today we have emphasis on
the professional, scientific, technical, IT and
the financial sectors making up the biggest employers.

In addition the shifts to our national identity are
significant. Of course the old affections run deep.
However, there is a recognition of our country today
as a cultural hub, a technology exporter, a fashion
destination, a small business nation, and a nation
capable of hosting iconic events.

Many Australians hold very strongly on to an identity
and "Aussie values."

It would be interesting to debate how we really feel
about our place in a world of global inter-action?
What does it mean to be Australian?
Is our cultural identity interpreted beyond the
beach or sport?

Are Australians comfortable in their own skin, embracing
our sunburnt country with all of its iconic landmarks,
yet proud of our cultural achievements and our diverse
cities?

What are our reflections of a 21st Century Australia?
Are the reflections - with a new sophistication or
with a cringe?

Good discussion, lots to explore.

"The workforce has changed. Today we have emphasis on the professional, scientific, technical, IT and the financial sectors making up the biggest employers."

I wonder about this;
The offshoring of industry and manufacturing.
The death of the blue collar worker;
results in - the death of 'the voice of' the blue collar worker.
The white collar workers voice took prominence.

Also, there was a certain amount of pride we had in ourselves, when the vast majority of goods we had in our homes was made in Australia, by Australians.

We wanted cheaper goods, but we wanted higher wages.
Did we shoot ourselves in the foot when we stopped being competitive and decided it was cheaper and easier to just buy foreign made goods?

Armchair Critic,
Societies worldwide shot themselves in the foot by blindly believing that educated people are intelligent, useful & decent ! A very small number are but the majority are saturation indoctrinated lemmings with a massive sense of entitlement.

I certainly remember the times when although our
salaries were much lower, our jobs were more
secure, and people could afford to buy a home
with a quarter acre plot. Back yards were
great for kids, and yes, we had products that
were Australian made.

Today rising living costs are a concern, followed by
housing affordability and economic stability.

Y

Researcher Mark McCrindle tells us how we've changed in
other ways. That we've changed :

"From the ocker, dinki-di cliches and a noticeable
cultural cringe to a national self-confidence, professionalism
and a more sophisticated Australian pride."

"From cobbers, blokes, and mates, to a recognition of the
importance of a connected diverse community. From the
land of the long week-end to a hard-working approach to work."

To a "no worries, we can sort it out." From an anti-authority
attitude to an appreciation of the support and safety offered.
From the tall poppy syndrome to a place that celebrates local
success and achieves world class results. From beer,
barbies and meat pies to a cosmopolitan urban culture."

Not sure if I agree with all of that.

Like many people, I have a deep nostalgia for the past.

A time when change came at a much slower pace.
When you rang any business you actually got a person
to talk to not a recording that told you which button
to press. A time when customer service was a priority
and really mattered and good manners were considered
important.

The last decades have seen unprecedented change,
economically, generationally, and technologically.
Social researcher Mark McCrindle tells us that most
experts agree that Australia "has weathered the storm
well."

McCrindle explains that it's all a result of our
enterpreneural spirit, our proximity to Asia, our
connections to America and England, our education,
and most of all our diversity and the unity in our
communities which enables our future to look good.

He stresses the importance of our continuing to plan
for growth.

I agree with the importance of planning for growth.
But are we moving too fast?

I guess we can only make our own judgements about
this country based on our own experiences, our
specific way of life and our values.

After having worked and lived overseas for over a decade
we decided to come home to Australia. It was for a variety
of reasons. Also for the sake of our children who were
born overseas. We thought that they would thrive better in
this country than elsewhere.

Some of the issues that were important were:

Education. Australia has good free primary and secondary
public schools. As well as great private ones. It has a
broader curriculum and better teaching standards than
those we encountered in the US.

Safety was a concern. Especially living in the US. We have
stronger gun-control laws for a start. Our weather's great
compared to London. The cost of living is still lower than
living in New York or London. Here it's still cheaper.

Then there was culture. Melbourne has enough to keep us
entertained. I guess it depends on what you're looking for.
Housing - for us was not a problem. We managed to get high
paying jobs - worked hard and buy a home. Social tensions
were not a problem. Our families and friends welcomed us home.

Our working experiences in this country were not as interesting
as we had overseas. However, they had improved immensely
from what we had experienced in the past. A more diverse range
of people had begun to creep into positions at work which
made things more interesting.

We don't regret coming back at all. Australia still has enormous
potential to develop even further. Hopefully it will continue
to maintain its planning towards a sustainable future.