The Idea of Australia

Australians like to believe they live in the land of a fair go. Is this true or just a comfortable myth? We look beyond the myths to harder truths to reimagine a fairer future.

Australians know little about the debates, dreams and compromises involved in making the nation in 1901. This makes it hard to change the constitution. If more were known, would change be possible?

Land is the heart of Australia. Battles over who owns the land, and how it should be used, are central to the Australian story. Is the old ethos of “finder’s keepers” the best we can do? Can the land be the foundation of even greater national wealth and pride?

Australians have always been creative. The most powerful expressions of identity come from art, novels, film, theatre and music. These works explain us to ourselves and the world. In this globalised, digital age how can we create new stories that reflect the 21st century idea of Australia?