Is there a country on the planet that made a more sure-footed start to the 21st century than Australia? Is there a nation that ushered in the new millennium with such panache? The Sydney Olympics, the superlative summer games, offered a near-perfect start. And already in 2000, the economy had sailed through the dot.com global downturn, offering more proof of what was dubbed the “Australian economic miracle”. No wonder the country experienced a flowering of face-paint patriotism, and newfound pride in the green and gold.
Before we wallow for too long in the sunroom of sentimentalism, let’s ask ourselves a more awkward question. In the 25 years since fireworks illuminated the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, those 20th century monuments of Australian self-realisation, what have been the landmarks of 21st century success?
More, here.
