Editor: Justin Healey
ISBN 1 920801 40 5
Year 2006

Price: $19.95

  
Australian Identity and Values

Volume 230, Issues in Society
Australia is a young and ethnically diverse nation. Much debate has arisen over recent years regarding how to define an Australian national identity. What does it mean to be an Australian? What are the values and symbols that represent Australian citizenship and patriotism? This book presents a range of opinions on how the national identity has been shaped: diversity and immigration, tolerance (a ‘fair go’), national symbols (including the flag debate), British colonial influence, indigenous heritage and dispossession, freedom and democracy (including the Republic debate), egalitarianism, the landscape (beaches and ‘the bush’), mateship, larrikinism, the Anzac spirit, sporting obsession, outdoor lifestyle, our image overseas, America’s cultural influence, and what it means to be ‘un-Australian’. Do we as a people have an ideal or actual view of our collective identity? Or do we in fact have multiple identities?

Chapter 1 Australian Citizenship, Symbols and Values
A diverse people; Australian citizenship; About Australia Day; Australia Day timeline; Australia Day for Indigenous Australians; Representing Australia – our national symbols; National anthem and colours of Australia; Australian values and principles; Values for Australian schooling; The values of the Anzacs still serve all Australians; Anzacs and Australian identity

Chapter 2 Opinions on Australia’s National Identity
National identity; The Australian national flag – objections answered; Our flag has done the job; Why the flag should change; Our flag, chosen for us by London; Flagging a change; The Republic of Australia, a new identity; A republic would enhance the value of the Australian national identity; Wave away any notion of identity – it’s too early yet; Heroes, legends ... and harsh reality; We don’t have to define ourselves; Time to sit down and be counted; We need patriots, not cheerleaders; A more realistic image of ourselves; Made in Australia; what is the cause of Australia’s un-doing?

Glossary; Facts and Figures; Additional Links and Resources; Index of Contentsnts

 

Facts and Figures

• The Australian Coat of Arms was granted by King George V in 1912. It consists of a shield containing the badges of the six Australian States, enclosed by an ermine border. The shield is a symbol for the federation of the States which took place in 1901.

• Australia has never adopted any official motto or faunal or bird emblem. By popular tradition, however, the kangaroo and emu are widely accepted as national faunal and bird emblems.

• Green and gold were proclaimed Australia’s national colours by the Governor-General on 19 April 1984. Prior to the proclamation Australia had no official colours.

• The golden wattle was proclaimed the official national floral emblem in August 1988.

• A national song poll was held on 21 May 1977. Voting was preferential and, after the distribution of pref-erences, ‘Advance Australia Fair’ became the national song of Australia.

• The five fundamental freedoms for all Australians are the entitlement to freedom of speech, association, assembly, religion and movement.

• It is unlawful to insult, humiliate, offend or intimidate another person or group in public on the basis of their race. A variety of acts can constitute racial hatred, including speaking, singing and making gestures in public, as well as drawings, images and written publications such as newspapers, leaflets and websites.

• The nine Values for Australian Schooling identified in the National Framework for Values Education in Australian Schools are: care and compassion; doing your best; fair go; freedom; honesty and trustworthiness; integrity; respect; responsibility; understanding, tolerance and inclusion.

• Millions of Australians who take no pleasure in tales of ancient military glory understand that 25 April is the one day of the year when Australians celebrate the enduring values of Anzac. The core Australian ideals – equality of opportunity, sticking by your mates, the universal right to equal treatment and justice, encapsulated as a “fair go”, and a refusal to be mindlessly bound by tradition and hierarchy – found their definitive expression in World War I.