I know very little about the government in Australia, but I would like to throw in a couple of points for consideration, if I may.
* I must admit that I found the recent election to retain the Queen of England as head of state (forgive me, that's the American summary) rather odd. That, of course, comes from the fact that we kicked out the crown in the US a long time ago, and have since sat idly by while the British dropped the ball in Ireland, South Africa, and other nations. I have no idea, though, how this fits into the sphere of influence to which the topic refers. (I do, however, see the relationship playing out as applies to the EU ... a matter of whether or not Australia is part of Europe without the Crown.)
* Recently, the Chinese countered American charges of political oppression by citing American prison numbers and how they break down along racial lines. Accepting, in this context, that I claim no moral superiority for American racisms, I am curious about the issue of reparations to Aboriginal tribes. While Conrad Richter's A Light in the Forest aptly describes American conditions, I cannot apply these to Australia. However, I was reminded of Richter when I heard an NPR report (mid-late '97) regarding Australian parliamentary debate concerning reparations to tribes fragmented by national policy. The stunning quote was not that Australia should not pay reparations, but the reason why: "... the aboriginal man is the lowest colour of evolution in God's creation." I'm aware that this statement upset many MPs in the orator's own party, but I'm curious how this sentiment played out in Australia, among the voting public.
However, in order for either of these considerations to be relevant, I have to assume similar definitions of conservative and liberal for Australia that I do at home. Furthermore, I'm more curious if either of these political happenings are directly relevant to the situation described.
I am fully prepared for the answer that they are independent considerations. Consider this, please, as my own curiousity, as, again, I admit my knowledge of Australian government is limited to impressions run through my own cultural filters.
But I thought I'd take a moment to ask if these things fit into the issues at hand.
thanx,
Tiassa
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Take a side you say, it's black and gray. And all the hunters take the hunted merrily out to play. We are one, you say, but who are you? You're all too busy reaping in the things you never sown. And this feast must go on and on and on .... Nobody gives a damn. (Floater; "Beast")