Three seemingly unrelated propositions concerning Australia's identity and economic performance

Abstract

In three selected respects, Australia's institutions and culture both reflect and influence our national identity and in so doing. it is argued, detract from Australia's economic performance. Australia's tax system favours the accumulation of wealth through borrowing and speculative investment rather than through working and saving. Australia's popular culture values excellence in sport but in little else (reflecting which, governments and business devote resources to the pursuit of sporting excellence but in little else). Finally, Australian governments, like some governments overseas, have responded to the threats perceived to be posed by terrorism and corporate malfeasance in ways that have significantly added to costs and detracted from productivity whilst doing little to rednce the threat from either.