Is Australia an Asian Country?
Stephen Fitzgerald
Shortlisted, National Non-Fiction Award, Festival Awards for Literature 1998  The Australian community, so valued by Australians and others for its openness and tolerance, its relaxed way of doing things, is in danger of losing its chance to gain a place in the new and dynamic Asian community that is arising in our region. Our lack of understanding of our near neighbours, our 'she'll be right' attitude towards our eurocentred procedures and assumptions, prevent us from making the changes needed to enable us to play a part in this new world.  Stephen FitzGerald's commitment to Australia is obvious. He passionately defends our pleasant laid-back society, the habits and values that make people want to come and live here. And he commends the changes towards 'Asianisation' that have taken place,