An evaluation of Australia in 2007

The New Statesman has a 4 pieces on Australia under the banner "Focus on Australia [here].

One of the pieces, "Still the Lucky Country" - an incisive and perceptive one - has been written by Julianne Schultz, editor of The Griffith Review. She writes:

"Over the past decade under John Howard's leadership, Aus tralia has become a much more cynical, unimaginative and materialistic place. Gone is the sense of crafting a unique environment, characterised by cultural diversity, openness, inclusiveness, Aboriginal reconciliation and a creative yet pragmatic approach to policymaking. The spirit captured by the Sydney Olympics and beamed to the world in 2000 has dissipated. That outward-looking, self-confident Australia has become defensive, socially and culturally divided and domestically complacent. It still works better than most places, but it is no longer a demonstration project on the future.

Instead, Australians have jettisoned much of their carefree larrikinism and learned to be fearful, seeking solace in perfectly appointed homes bursting with appliances."

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Mahler's Prodigal Son

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