As a general rule, Australians don’t like “tall poppies,” and we feel a bit uncomfortable when someone pats us on the back and tells us how good we’re doing.
But if we take a report released this week as gospel, we’re feeling relaxed and comfortable about ourselves, despite the troubled times we’re living in.
The report, released on Tuesday by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, notes that Australians enjoy the third highest life expectancy in the world after Japan and Switzerland. We don’t regard corruption as a major problem; we have confidence in our military, judiciary and government; 93 per cent of us are happy with our air and water quality; we’re among the most likely in the world to volunteer, donate to charity, or help a stranger; and we’re second only to Canada in our tolerance for minority groups in the community.
It’s not such a bad place to live, Australia, and we have a lot to be proud of, and thankful for. Let’s keep it that way.
Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, Sunday 17 April 2011.
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