Author Description

On the surface, Australia is a vast, flat, dry continent miles away from the rest of the world. It has experienced, throughout its history, racist incidents that still demand justice. Yet it is also a democratic country that is economically sound, supports equality of gender, religion and race, respects human rights, takes an interest in global affairs, offers a high level of security and personal freedom, and provides a comfortable standard of living for its citizens. It is a nation that inspires patriotism, even in the many new Australians who have migrated here. Clearly, there is something about Australian citizenship and culture that appeals to many. This book aims to explore what it means to be an Australian citizen by examining the nation's past and present: the incidents that have made Australia and shaped our national 'identity' and the values that citizens hold dear.