Australia Has Often Been Called the Lucky Country - Case Study Example

Heading: Why Australia is called the lucky country Your name: Course name: Professors’ name: Date Introduction Australia is undoubtedly the luckiest country in the universe bestowed with diverse beauty, fresh air, and scenic sights of beaches, exceptional flora and fauna second to none. Indeed the vast open land, suitable climate around the country coupled with accommodative people where immigrants find a place to call home far from their original homes re-emphasize how lucky Australia is as compared to other industrialized countries. One can think of Australia as a perfect combination between the people and the climate of the country. In essence all features of a lucky nation make Australia a perfect example, its economic status, its golden soil, its peaceful and receptive people completes the picture of a country envied by many in both developed and developing nations. With many stories written about this incredible country, one wonders what really defines Australia as a lucky country and if the “luck” is sustainable considering the ever increasing globalization effect that is sweeping the world with its merits and demerits. What inspires or motivates both tourist and immigrants streaming into Australia year in year out? Is Australia so distinct as compared to other developed countries in socio-economic and political terms? A closer consideration of Australia as a lucky country reveals in detail why many in my opinion still consider the country a lucky nation. Why Australia is called the Lucky Country According to Waldron (2010: 1) the beauty of the land is evident from its breath taking beaches, its vast and fertile land, and the rich oceans that surrounds the country despite its isolation from the rest of the continent. More so, the flora and fauna of the country are as distinct as the country itself. The country is also lucky in the sense that it is blessed with green grass, fresh air and fertile soil. It is evident from the natural resources that the country is rich, it is hard to forget the Australian Gold rush that the world witnessed in Ballarat, Victoria, who will? The climate is also favorable for rearing sheep as vividly remembered by the famous phrase, “Riding on the sheep’s back” (Mclean 2001: 19). Different types of crops are planted on the plains of the country, the country can therefore sufficiently feeds its people as well as have enough to feed other hungry neighbours like thousands of refugees and immigrants that seek refuge in the country. Wheat from Australia is highly priced in the world market. No wonder most people across the world envy the country. The iron ore found in the mines of the country earn millions of dollars (Horne 2009:56). As explained by MacCallum (2009: 67) multiculturalism is developed in Australia, it affirms the country’s acceptance of others. This has made Australia a better country; people in Australia burst with warmth and friendliness. The richness of cultural diversity has made Australia a unique country. This is so because the difference in culture has not made Australia a hostile country through ethnic related violence like many other countries that have experienced chaos as a result of their ethnic difference. Instead the country has taken advantage of its diversity to affirm the willingness of the people to live in harmony and promote peace within and outside the country’s borders (Langton & Davis 2010: 65). Notably, the government and the educational sector has always tried to help and promote the education levels of the aborigines by establishing programs and other community led initiatives in order to integrate the aborigines into the modern Australian society dominated by the white. Despite the many challenges that have been encountered in the process of integrating these sidelined communities into the society, the process is slowly achieving its objectives (Lyons, Mcgregor-Lowndes & O'Donoghue 2006: 7). There is a positive progress in terms of sensitization on the need to integrate these communities into the society. More so, the immigrants programs of integration have been diversified through programs and curriculum in schools that foster these goals. As stated by Parry (2006:65) economically, Australia has also been lucky in many perspectives, the change of economical tactics by the government has played a critical role in the economical growth of the country. Initially Australian trade was mainly centered in Europe and North American markets. By turning attention towards the western markets, Australia has managed to increase its economic growth. It is now one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Its nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is ranked number 13 in the world rankings, its GDP in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP) is also ranked 17th in the world and hence showing the economical strength of the country’s population. In the year 2010, the country’s GDP was US$882,334 billion which was an increase of about 3.94 % from the previous year (2009) (Tindall 2009:45). Initially the country enjoyed uninterrupted economic growth annually of about 3.3 % because of the favorable economic, political and social climate. Australia was not only lucky to avoid major calamities and other unnecessary involvements such as wars but it also took advantage of its position to strengthen its economy. This is why the recent 2008 to 2009 recession did not greatly affect the country as it did to other developed countries. Australia is also a safe country, because it is an island, the country is essentially separated from the common world problems. It also has a strong immigration and quarantine policies which have been essential in reducing the level of illegal and harmful activities. The standard of national security is high and the government has always aimed at giving no tolerance to people who fail to abide by the country’s laws. As evident from Enders (2001: 45) the government has tried to incorporate community policing strategy which aims at reaching to the community and establishing a lasting relationship in order to mitigate cases related to criminal activities within the region. The focus of this strategy was founded in early 90s and it has since developed and proved vital in reducing the rate of criminal activities in the country because of the community involvement in fighting crime (Clark 2002: 35). Yes, Australia is indeed lucky in different ways, the country’s population works together while the government is totally supportive to its citizens a factor that contributes to the country’s uniqueness. More so, it is a country that you can raise your children in safety and provide them with quality education while being confident of the high level of law and order. Despite the challenges in the tourism sector, Australia has a potential of catering for every tourist taste, ranging from hiking activities which an avid hiker will gasp when he/she has a glimpse of the magnificent mountains and tropical forest (Cappiello 2009:21). The terrain of the country is also spectacular and this is the main reason why tourism is famous in the country and also one of the greatest industries. There are thousands of outdoor activities that the country’s resort and tourist sites provide. All these natural resources coupled with peace makes Australia irresistible place for tourist from other countries like the United States, UK and Germany who want to make the most of their summer time, they can be sure that the vastness of the landscape will more than enough for their escapism (Beilharz 2004: 65). Other naturally occurring tourist attraction such as Daintres Rainforest and the Ayres Rock (Uluru), exceptional marsupials attract thousands of visitors to the shows of the country. A variety of animals rarely found in other areas of the world such as bilbies, kangaroos, platypus and wombats also inhabit the shores of Australia. Australia is also blessed with world famous actors and actresses, bands, singers, models and even inventors worth paying homage to. Lance Hill belongs to the country, it also owns famous rotary clothes called Hills Hoist which was invented in 1945 and later patented in 1956 (Salt 2007:152). The residence of the country invented the pre-paid postage system, the first refrigerator, grain stripper, zinc cream, first care radio, lagerphone, flying doctor service, penicillin antibiotic, black box recorder, Solar hot water, ultrasound, frozen embryo babies, and even the underwater torpedo and the list goes on. As reiterated by Waldron (2010: 3) indeed Australia is an inventive country. It is difficult to imagine which form of poetry can outsmart Banjo Patterson? Who can rise to fame in acting and singing the way Kylie Minogue did? No forgetting John Williamson who endeared the public in the only way only he could. Australia has also had people who are mindful of the environment and conservation of wildlife. Steve Erwin is a good example of exceptional people who can drive the world towards their awareness of their surroundings and the need for conservation. As critiqued by Horne, D (2009: 76) in his book first published in early 1964, he tried to bring out the irony of Australia as a nation that takes for granted its “luck”. In my opinion, he was right that Australia takes for granted the fact that it has a place where its entire people can meet their needs. As evident by asylum seekers and other immigrants who have experienced wars and separation from their families seeking for the security and the peace that is in Australia makes one wonder why the residents of such a country takes for granted such an immense blessing (Stanley Richardson & Prior 2005:234 ). In any case, with the stability of the government and no involvement with wars like other developed nations like the U.S. Australia has adequate motivation and knowledge to utilize the luck that the country has to its advantage (Greasley & Oxley 1999: 36). This is evident from the fact that wealth created in Australia has been a result of maximizing on the opportunities that the country is lucky to have. It is thus not by mere chances that the nation is as developed at it is but rather it is because of harmonized and hardworking people who collectively contribute immensely to the richness of the nation. As speculated by Salt (2007: 154) Australia has a small population of about 20 million people in a large country endowed with many natural resources? This makes the country lucky as Donald Horne had stated in early 1964. As Salt (2007: 152) points to the fact that Australia faced no major obstacles like natural calamities and wars and hence making its economic progress smoother than other developed nations. With a constant population growth, it is projected that the Australian population will hit 28 million by the year 2050. At this stage is however speculated that the rate of population growth will be constant and hence changing the way in which wealth is created. For instance, a CEO of 2051 will have to cope with different form of life (Greasley & Oxley1999: 35). Because of a slower population growth, profits will no longer be earned through increasing shops and roads. A new strategy to utilize the luck of the country will be necessary at this stage. This will be an essential requirement for the CEO of that time and the government of the day. Conclusion The breath taking beaches, the fertile land and the rich oceans surrounding the country provides adequate reasons for the Australia to be regarded as a lucky country. The fertile land allows for growth of different crops such as wheat and also allows rearing of sheep. The country is has therefore secured its food supply and thus the reason why many immigrants want to be in the country. The level of multicultural development is also high in the country, and this affirms the level acceptance of others. The diversity of the country has not been its disadvantage but rather its strength as compared to other countries. The government has also tried to integrate the aborigines to the modern Australian society by ensuring that they receive adequate education. Economically, Australia is ranked as a fast growing economy especially after diversifying its market to western countries. With a GDP of more than US$800,000 billion, the economical future of the country is bright. This economic development can be attributed to a constant economical environment with no barriers such as natural calamities and wars. More so, Australia is a safe country, this can be attributed to its isolation from the rest of the world. The crime rates in the country are lower than most developed countries, and the government has constantly emphasized on zero tolerance to law breakers. Tourism sector is also booming in the country because of its magnificent and diverse natural resources. The country is also blessed with envied people like actors, actresses, musicians, models among others. Most inventions have also been done in the country such as pre-paid postage system and penicillin antibiotic. Australia has however been criticized as a nation that takes for granted its luck, on the contrary it has managed to use its luck to its advantage as evident from its economic growth. Considering the fact that population growth may decline by half the 21st century, new ways of wealth creation have to invented that departs from the mainstream wealth creation which depends on the population. References Beilharz, P (2004) “Rewriting Australia: The Way We Talk about Fears and Hopes ”, Journal of Sociology, 40 (2), p.65. Cappiello, R (2009) Oh Lucky Country, Sydney, Sydney University Press, P. 19-24. Clark, S (2002) “Viewing the Global Attack on the Global Economy from Australia,” Defense Counsel Journal,69(3), P34-39. Enders, M (2001) Policing the lucky country, Melbourne, Hawkins Press. P. 45. Greasley, D & Oxley, L (1999) “Growing Apart? Australia and New Zealand Growth Experiences, 1870-1993, ” New Zealand Economic Papers, 33(2), P.34-41. Horne, D (2009) The Lucky Country, Thousand Oaks, Penguin Group Australia. P.56-89. Langton, M & Davis,G (2010) Still the Lucky Country? Canberra, Text Publishing Company, P.65. Lyons M, Mcgregor-Lowndes, M & O'Donoghue, P (2006) “Researching Giving and Volunteering in Australia,” Australian Journal of Social Issues, 41(4), P. 1-7. MacCallum, M (2009) Australian Story: Kevin Rudd and the Lucky Country, Sydney, Black Inc., P.67. Mclean, D (2001) Australia and New Zealand: Two Hearts Not Beating as One, New Zealand International Review, 26(3), p.12-19. Parry, T (2006) Thumbs Up Australia: Hitchhiking the Outback, New York, Nicholas Brealey Publishing, P. 65-67. Salt, B (2007) The Big Picture: Life, Work and Relationships in the 21st Century, Canberra, Hardie Grant Publishing, P.152-160. Stanley, F, Richardson, S & Prior, M (2005) Children of the lucky country?: how Australian society has turned its back on children and why children matter, Sydney, Pan Macmillan Australia, P. 234. Tindall, K (2009) Framing the global economic downturn: crisis rhetoric and the politics of recessions, Sydney, ANU E Press, P.45. Waldron, J (2010) Why is Australia called "The Lucky Country"? Helium, 24 August http://www.helium.com , P.1-7. Read More