Australia needs a cultural counter-revolution that appeals to the traditional Australian spirit of self-reliance and can-do optimism – a new ‘Australian settlement’ which goes beyond mere economic policy. It should be underpinned by agreed basic understandings across political and social divides: (i) ours is a free, educated, wealthy society, based on mutual respect and benevolence and an individualistic order, (ii) our society is open to the world; (iii) we are open to the future and embrace enterprise, (iv) commitment to small, secular government, which focuses on the protection of our time-tested way of life, and (v) this country is committed to liberal, secular and democratic values, and hence will remain a member of the Western community of nations.
