What does it mean for you to be an Australian nowadays? What is being Australian all about?

Being "Australian" really encompasses a lot of different things.

At the root of "Australianness" is accepting everyone as an equal, giving everyone a "fair go", as we'd say in Australian slang. No matter what colour their skin, religion they preach or language they speak, being a true Australian is about accepting everyone and treating them with respect.

This comes about from the diversity of Australian society and culture, with many different peoples from many different cultures and backgrounds.

Another important tenant in Australianism is outdoor life. With our fairly warm climate overall, particularly compared to Northern hemisphere nations, enjoying the sun, whether it be out at the beach, or playing sport or the like, is an important and popular facet of Australian life.

Finally, something many overseas people comment on about Australians is our relaxed and laidback attitude to life, our self-deprecating sense of humour, and the "Tall Poppy syndrome", where we support the underdog, and don't appreciate arrogance or self-promotion.

It's all interwoven, where we can take a joke when it is on us, and those that can't are frowned upon.

We try not to stress on the small issues, but believe everyone deserves a chance and to be treated as an equal.

Anyone seen as above others, or above the common man, is also not well liked or respected by the general Australian public.

These are the things that define what it means to be "Australian", in my book.

I think Australia lost its way considerably in terms of its Australianness over the past decade.  For over 10 years we had a Federal Government that stayed in Government by appealing to our self-interest and in a lot of cases our selfishness.

The Howard Government's big ticket policies weren't about giving everybody a Fair Go as people have discussed above.  They were policies such as tax cuts and keeping interest rates low at the same time as benefits to the most vulnerable and suffering in our society were cut and/or made much harder to obtain.

Happily, society's reaction to the Workchoices Legislation suggests to me that we might be finding our sense of a fair go once more.  We have remembered that the very foundation of this country is based upon the fact that we allow people from all backgrounds and walks of life throughout the world to come here and make a go of it if they are prepared to work hard and embrace this country.  We had lost that for a time, but we have found it again.  I only hope we don't lose it again at any time in the near future.

What does it mean to be an Australian? Well, for me it means we're better than the rest of the world, I don't mean that in an arrogant way, but we always compare ourselves with other nations and say "We don't do that!" or adopt things we like like international cuisines.

When we hear of a burgular suing a property owner for harm inflicted when they were robbing the place we say "Only in America!"

When we think romance we say "Paris; Rome; Mediterranean Islands" or that secluded hideaway in the Snowy Mountains, you know where I mean... (But don't say the place because we want it to remain "Our little secret getaway")

So we're now worldly, but we enjoy the simple things. Dinner with friends (preferably BBQ with a whole lamb slapped on - always plenty of leftovers from Barbie's) or an entire cow for the non lamb eaters.

What ISN'T Australian is drinking until you either pass out or pick fights with cops/other drunk people/anyone who doesn't have the 'Beach Bum' look of what they think is 'true Aussie'. Do they know True 'Australian culture' is actually acceptance? Being Australian is about helping someone who needs a hand without expecting a medal; being a true Aussie isn't just about saying things like "How ya goin' mate?" or knowing that the Victor mower and Hills Hoist are Aussie or even the ability to enjoy a spoonful - yes a spoonful of Vegemite mmm.

(Please note Vegemite is meant to be very lightly spread on toast giving a hint of flavour not thickly like Nutella etc)

I'm going to admit something here: I eat spoonfuls of vegemite, love the stuff, but don't like Lamb. Can't even stand the smell of it most of the time - that doesn't affect my level of Aussie.

Yes I had a 'pet' Wallaby, no it couldn't pick locks like 'skippy' and I didn't ride in her pouch to school like 'Dot'; living on a hobby farm I also had a 'pet' Lamb called Lambington which my Dad later served up on a plate (that's the reason I'm using for not eating Lamb).

Being an Aussie, whether you know the lingo, or are trying to learn English (considering that's taken from heaps of languages, I say "Good Luck to you!") is about 'Mateship', it's about a 'fair go', it's about not seeing people as what colour their skin is or the clothes they wear, but family.

If you can't go up to someone and tell them they're being and idiot (only when they are) without them suing you, then they're not Australian, if you can't admit that yeah, you were being a tool, then YOU aren't Australian. It doesn't matter WHERE you were born, or WHEN you were born, being Australian is about coming together as a nation, whether you eat Lamb or Sushi, Pizza or Damper; it doesn't matter. What matters is how you treat people remember the saying "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" and live by it, no matter your race, religion, ...food preferences.

I think that to be an Australian these days has lost its meaning as we are now to diverse in our make up.

As an older 4th generation Australian it hurts me to see the concepts that we grew up with dissapear. In the older days a parent could discipline their children by giving them a sharp smack on the bottom and the kids would behave, these days if a parent does this they can be charged with child abuse. Parents have lost their way and should a child not wish to live within the rules of the family they were brought up in they just move out, go to the Government and say I am homeless and they are paid to live the good life.

The days of everyone getting in to help each other are long gone. In the old days everyone within the community knew each other, helped each other, looked after their neighbours property when they were away, tended to their neighbours when they were sick or could not fend for themselves but now most people do not know who their neighbours are, never go out of their way to help, will turn their back on their fellow man should they be in trouble and generally keep to themselves.

Neighbours now sue rather than negotiate, abuse rather than listen and treat their fellow man as if they were leppers and want nothing to do with them. Men are abused or treated like dirt when they show a woman some common curtesy, that why men do not open doors, do not give up their seats, do not stand when a woman comes into the room, do not pull a womans chair out and not sit before she does for women treat this as an insult, not politness.

Children, particularly school kids do not respect their elders and do not give up their seat in public transport to women, the elderly or those who have a handicap or are pregnant.

Our overseas migrants in the older days used to still retain their homeland culture but mixed in with the community and had something to give but these days our migrants tend to move into areas and set up their own clans or tribes, do not mix and treat those born here as aliens who should be seen but not heard and are below their status.

I am no longer proud to call myself an Australian as the Australia I knew no longer exists.

Being Australian means being able to have a beer with your mates at the footy or in front of the box, having your friends and family around for a barbie, staring in awe at the southern cross, catching a wave on the coast, freedom, tolerance, peace and an egalitarian society.

To me being Australian means been able to go to a shop and be understood by all who serve me, also a nation that stands up for its rights   as an Australian we celebrate Christmas, Easter, and related festivities as Australians and we should still be able to without upsetting other cultures.  people choose to come and live in our great nation for its freedom from war, violence , then they should accept our values and rights. one major item that makes me feel Australian and that is hearing waltzing matilda, true blue, and on Anzac day knowing what our ancestors did for our nation. being Australian means having a bbq with mates and family and enjoying each other company. At events like Carols in the domain seeing the mate ship and kindness that can be seen in people. lastly its when people are down due to a natural disaster we try to assist those less fortunate through the hard times.  

being australian is a priverage.being australian is the proudest thing .i love australia.it has fabulous places warm people.the best weather and most of all love

To be Australian.

We need to change and change quickly or else.

We are loosing to many industries to other countries and the only industries that will be left is mining, oil or Tourism and that is ever diminishing.

We are producing some very clever academics however they are finding it more rewarding working overseas and this is of no value to our great land.

We have to get smarter and work smarter to compete with the rest of the world.

I see our main competitors in the future India they have already taken from our shores the phone communication and vehicle production business and probably more to follow. I see China now as our biggest threat but not so much in the future because of there one child policy this is why I see India as the main threat to the next generation.

What can we do to fix this issue I don't know Australia with a population of approximately 25 Mil and India with around a Billion and still growing. China with a Billion and declining.

What to do and what industries do we need to support to get the knowledge and commitment of the big industries to support these projects.

So being Australian is getting involved not only for the people of this generations but for those to come.

To be an Australian you must believe in helping your mate who is the guy nextdoor and it should make any difference what colour his skin is or who he prays to. You will always roll up your sleves and get the job done no matter what A true Australian will always treat a lady as a lady and should a lady not act like a lady a gentleman would not see that and always treat her as a lady. An Australian will never nowingly harm a lady in any way.

Being Australian is respecting the fact that there are others with other opinions and they may have them as you may have yours , we tollerate all nations and all beliefs as they do us as we are all australians.

Being Australian encompasses  all of the 'mateship', 'fair-go for all', 'vegemite eating' etc. themes outlined above. In my book (and this is only my opinion - which luckily living in this free country I'm able to express!!) the concept of what it means to be an Australian can be expressed in one simple word - people.

A country is only as rich as it's people. In our country this means people from many different walks of life therefore we must most certainly be 'rich'. Everyone's ideas, beliefs, talents, ethics and values as well as a whole lot of other things that make up each individual are what combine to make us all 'Australian'.

I would like to think that essentially there is good in everyone but I know this isn't the case... still, on the whole, when I think of Australians as a group of people I would love to be able to define them as friendly, easy-going, caring people who will say 'g'day' and help a mate. But then I live in the bush and we're all mates in my little town so maybe I'm being naive? Or maybe the city-folk are just too cynic? Either way we could all do better and to be Australian is to get in there and 'have-a-go' - so lets get started!

Beind an aussie is getting up before dawn to go to the dawn service on ANZAC day when you could have slept in helping the bloke next door if he asked you or just pitching in we are also a little crazy no other country eats there coat of arms also taking the micky out of your own country being ireverant and a little rebellious

Being an Aussie is about appreciating how great our great our country is and doing everything we can to keep it that way.

I agree with Anthony, Noal and Bron (above) that mateship, respect and giving everyone a fair go are a big part of being Australian.

But coming from a migrant family, I see one thing that sets Australians apart from the rest of the world and that is freindliness. It is this, coupled with an Aussie accent and cheeky smile, that makes outsiders feel at ease with Australians, no matter where in the world we are.

~Urszula~

What does it mean for you to be an Australian nowadays? What is being Australian all about?

So a 'fair go' you all say? - Don't think so.

Beaches - yes, multiculturalism - yes, battlers - yes, outdoor life - yes, work choices - don't bloody think so, job opportunities - where?  

Being Australian is about working hard but spending lots, having the 'best looking house' & being unable to afford the repayments due to the constant interest rate rises.  Have the little shi* box cars & loud music & not letting people merge into traffic.

Australians have become very arrogant in regards to their sporting prowess & lack of courtesy when it comes to allowing poeple to change a lane whilst driving.

Being an Aussie is also about making babies, working hard & having the time at the weekend to spend a few hours on the coast at the beach house or taking the boat to go fishing.

Jobs, or good jobs at that, are hard to find unless you ALREADY have the qualifications needed.  As an Aussie you're expected to work hard & play hard.

Aussie's nowadays are hardworking, fun loving, bbq providers who work & play hard for their money.

We're good, bad & ugly regardless.

Australia is the BEST & LUCKIEST Country in the WORLD!

I am not sure I agree with Micknicho.  The reason rules regarding smacking of children and child abuse have been brought in is that we are now more aware of the fact that not everybody are good parents and that every child deserves to be protected from people who would abuse them.  This has always occurred even while you were growing up as a 4th generation Australian.  Thankfully, child abusers are in the minority in Australia but they are not always easy to spot in our society and so if we have to be a little more protective than you would like of our kids then that is fine if it means we stop the abuse of even 1 child.

On the issue of respect from children to their elders and the giving up of seats on public transport.  My experience is that the majority of Australian kids are polite and well-mannered and do give up their seats to the elderly.  It is a small minority that don't and these are the ones who receive the publicity.  You never see any news stories about the thousands and thousands of hours kids and young adults spend doing volunteer work in our society, only the negatives.  If anything they are showing the way to some of the older generations about how to live a life with meaning.

They are also aware that respect is not something given just because you say it should be given.  Respect is earned from our younger generations by showing that we live in a community that accepts everybody and one that does not make assumptions that just because you are young do not have any reasonable ideas about how things should be in society.

Being Australian is not just about respecting all cultures, it is also about respecting all generations, including the younger generations.  The younger generations do give that respect, I wonder sometimes if the older generations reciprocate?

Australia is the ultimate country, it may not have historical man made structures as in European and other counties but it has a rich history which  that far exceeds other continents, it has a lifestyle that is the envy of other countries, we have freedom of speech and expression , however we need to be on guard to protect them

ALL OK

bbq's, beach, beer, sport, shopping, lifestyle, people, food, the land.

It's nice to go overseas and experience these things elsewhere, but really how does it feel when you land back in Oz?? That explains what Australia is. It's not just valvoline! You know what I mean!!

I guess, judging by the range of comments and different ideas everyone has expressed, being Australian definitely means one thing... Everyone has a voice! And like I said in my earlier piece we are so lucky to be able to express our opinions freely and - one would hope - without fear. (Even if we only choose to do so in a blog such as this one!!!)

i think the real question should be what dose it mean to be a human today? there is to much division and blame we need to all lead be example, treat others the way we wish to be treated, i was watching a show today on t.v in this show a man said we need to look hatred in the eyes with love in our hearts i think it is beauitful!! to be a good person i think you should follow those simple steps it might sound idealistics but after all i'm an aussie married to a lebbo we joke which side the kids would be on lol

i'm so thankful everyday that i'm a pie eating, ug boot wearing, snag on the barbie, green and gold aussie thru and thru

AUSSIE!!! AUSSIE!!! AUSSIE!!!

OY OY OY!!!

FOUR  GENERATIONS  I  AM,

OF THREE CULTURES, INCLUDING ITALIAN AND GERMAN,

ENGLISH IS THE MAIN

THIS IS WHATS MAKES ME AN AUSTRALIAN.

I am not an Australian, but I guess being an Australian from an outsider's point of view is great with lot of opportunities and priviledges. You live in a great country where every one enjoys a good quality of life, education and freedom. Children are able to get a good education from an early age all the way through to either colleges and university. You are free to raise your opinions and above all the government looks after its' citizens really well unlike in other countries.

I am not born Australian but have been given the priviledge of residing here in Australia.  Even though I have fallen madly in love with a true Aussie, I can say now that Australia encompasses all that I have ever understood about society as a whole.  I come from America, where the tiniest voice upraised means that you will soon be sued.  I come from a society where race and color are looked upon and you are judged.  If you are black or red or brown, then you are a part of the lowest forms of society. Here, you can pray in public without fear of reprisal.  This country embraces God in so many ways and is not afraid to do just that.   Harsh words about my beloved country I agree, and I DO love my country through and through.  But living here in Australia has opened my eyes to so many different things.   I am so grateful to be allowed to live and stay here and to call Australia my home.  I only go to the states to visit now and consider this beautiful country with some amazing, beautiful people my home.   I may not be a "true Aussie" but my heart tells me that I am Aussie through and through in every sense of the word.  

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I think that Australians are the most deluded race on earth.  No other country is so insecure (apart from the USA) that it needs to create a notion of Australianism.  Everything that people speak about that is particularly Australian is what it is to be a human being... never mind where you are... and then there are particular flavours of being human which may be influenced by the weather & economic conditions, religion & lifestyle.  Caring or mateship or being a good bloke is not distinctly Australian...if these truly were distinct to Australia then there would be no racism, no poverty, no suffering and abundance all round....Look around guys none of that is here....