Like most people in Australia, I don't usually have shelf-space for books written by Australian politicians. I don't mind the occasional political bio such as David Day's biographies of Curtin and Chifley, but there are only two here on the blog: Margaret Simon's recent biography of Senator Penny Wong (see my review here) and a very disappointing one of former SA Premier Don Dunstan. Craig Emerson's autobiography was another exception. But when it comes to politicians writing books about their political views, well, I'd rather do my tax return...

However, occasionally a book gets under my guard. Some readers may remember that I reviewed Two Futures, Australia at a Crossroads about four years ago. It was written by two Labor politicians, (then) backbencher Clare O'Neil and Tim Watts, and the book explored Australia's long-term future. It was because I admired that book that I bought Tim Watts' new one, and it's turned out to be rather interesting.

(You may remember that it was the catalyst for my recent reading of Bigger or Better, Australia's Population Debate by Ian Lowe).

As the federal member for Gellibrand, one of Melbourne's most ethnically diverse suburbs, Watts is witness to the transformation of our society since the infamous White Australia policy was ditched, and this book is a thoughtful exploration of how that came about, as well as a discussion about how this diversity isn't always reflected in our institutions such as parliament or the board room.

Although this diversity isn't reflected in rural and regional areas, it seems that survey after survey reveals that Australians are mostly comfortable with multiculturalism, and we don't (in contrast to monocultures like Japan) tend to feel that you have to be born here to be 'truly Australian'. But what is expected is that it's very important to 'share national customs and traditions' to be truly Australian.

This, says Watts, is a strong platform on which to build a national identity that is based on shared values and experiences, rather than birthright or ethnicity. And what are those elements of our culture that we are expected to conform to? Oh dear, I fail two of the four that are reported as being 'especially Australian':

• 'belief in the fair go (89%);


• 'love of the great outdoors' (89%);


• 'a sense of humour' (89%); and


• 'interest in sport' (82%) (p.122)

Yes, you guessed it, I am not interested in the great outdoors (except for vineyards), and I have no interest in any sport, of any kind. So notwithstanding having lived and worked and paid taxes here for over half a century, and despite my love of Australian literature, my fondness for my city, and the homesickness that assails me within three weeks of a long-anticipated overseas holiday, it turns out that I am unAustralian.

OTOH 78% of respondents said that was 'especially Australian' to have a diversity of background, and I've got that, so I expect I'll get over it:)

To read the rest of my review pleased visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2019/11/28/the-golden-country-australias-changing-ident... ( )