Why bash OZ. The good and the bad about Australia.

I noticed some bad and good comments made about Australia.

Australia is the closest western liberal country from Singapore, with close connection due to education, trade, tourism, defense and migration.

Singapore, being an English speaking country, and a shared British Colonial history, ought to be similar to Australia. Unfortunately, it is not.

Difference
1. Political System and idealogies
2. Australian customs and culture
3. Society
4. Weather
5. Environment

Similar
6. Language
7. Traffic (but not country driving experience)

More to come ...

1. Political System and idealogies
- Aus has 3 level of governments, even some Straits Times journos got confused over this. Also, understanding the nature of the political parties is another. Despite not ractifying the Human Rights convention, Australia do respect human rights and the freedom of expression (free press, etc)

THIS IS THE BIGGEST SINGLE DIFFERENCE WHICH SINGAPOREANS HAVE DIFFICULTIES UNDERSTANDING. It is also used by some people in bashing Australia.

Remember, in Australia, the government do tell bullshit to the people. But, usually, the opposition will pick up these bullshits. (Eg is this type of direct in-your-face comment "Can you be certain that Australians will not be worse off under the new policy")

2. Australian customs and culture
- Due to the history of Aus, where convicts were the main settlers initially, it set the customs of this nation. But who are the convicts - unfortunately, some are political convicts who were against the Industralisation of Great Britain. Then you have the convicts who fight against the rich bosses of Industralised GB, and finally the xenophilic opportunists who seek gold.

All this form the identity of Aus as a country which value democracy, ignore stupid laws, give others a fair go, a balanced family and work like (8 hrs work, 8 hrs leisure/family, 8hrs rest)

The geographic isolation of Aus has also created some unique things like Aussie Rules football.

More on these some other time ...
3. Society
4. Weather
5. Environment

Similar
6. Language
7. Traffic (but not country driving experience)