Fair Dinkum Aussie

On this year's Australia Day, I was just one of 78 people from 38 countries who turned up at the council offices of the City of Yarra in order to officially become citizens of the Commonwealth of Australia. The ceremony itself was relatively straightforward, but rather inspiring at the same time, particularly given the extensive rhetoric devoted to supporting the concept of diversity in Australia. While Australia's Liberal party continues to attempt to use immigration and multi-culturalism as a wedge issue, it's nice to see that many value the contributions that Australians (regardless of their origins) have made to the nation.

We celebrated my new citizenship in a traditional Australian manner - a day at the park followed by a few shrimps on the barbie (OK - it wasn't shrimp, but close enough, right).

Beyond Kyoto, Oi, Oi, Oi

Climate change policy in Australia continues to be led from the bottom-up with the latest polling from the Climate Institute indicating 73% of Australians are ready to move beyond Kyoto Protocol commitments for greenhouse gas emissions reductions. However, those 73% weren't asked how much they'd be wiling to pay for those reductions. In fact, when asked whether they'd support action even if people's jobs were on the line, the number dropped to 38%. So as with most purchasing decisions, there is a difference between what people want and what they think they can afford. . .

G'Day USA????

I've been here three years now, and I'm only just now becoming aware of G'Day USA - the annual celebration of Australia (in honour of Australia Day) in America. Food, golf, wine and a black tie gala event.

"Australia Week is now arguably the largest foreign country promotion held annually in the United States showcasing all things Australian from trade and investment, food and wine, film, arts, fashion, lifestyle, to indigenous culture and tourism."

Now this part cracks me up:

"THE KEY OBJECTIVE: to demonstrate that Australia is an innovative, sophisticated economy, with leading edge research and technology in products, goods and services. In short, the overall goal is to raise Australia’s commercial and cultural profile in America."

So to demonstrate this sophistication, innovation, yada, yada, yada, they send over The Wiggles and Bindi Irwin and dig up Olivia Newton John. Granted, the Wiggles are Australia's largest export commodity, but as a permanent resident I must argue that the nation has a bit more to offer.