Australians have always had an ambivalent attitude to the ‘mother country’ and never more so than at a time when the relationship between the two countries was under increasing scrutiny, especially in the run-up to Australia’s Bi-centennial celebrations and in the debate over the Australian flag.
First published in 1987, Australians & British examines connections between the two countries. The contributors are all eminent experts in their fields and have deep connections, either through birth or through their careers, with both countries. They examine the historical roots of the connections, look at the contemporary situation and speculate on the future relationship between the countries.
The chapters cover immigration, the two legal and governmental systems, policies in education, comparative foreign policy, changes in trade and investment, sport, the cultural heritage and impact on writers. Although the authors make no effort to achieve uniformity of outlook, they have all felt the importance of the connections in their lives and tend to look in much the same direction. The book will stimulate much discussion in both countries and interest all those who have connections with both.