The Australian Constitution on which our federation is founded begins with the simple words ‘Whereas the people … have agreed to unite’. Nothing could more elegantly capture the idea that the Australian people make the Australian nation.
Every year on Australia Day we celebrate this fact. But the people we are now are different from those that forged those words over a hundred years ago. Or are we? Just who are the Australians? In 2006 the National Australia Day Council commissioned Dr John Hirst, one of our most eminent historians, to explore the question, to examine the nature and the roots of the national character so we might better understand the people we have become. This book is the fruit of his labour.
It offers a diverse range of voices from inside and outside Australia, voices from the past and present that demonstrate how our history remains with us in profound and often unexpected ways. The themes around which the discussion is structured reflect key aspects of our shared collective history as well as the varieties of our experience as Australians. Together they highlight the paradox of a particular identity that is constantly changing.
Dr Hirst has drawn together a fascinating chorus of voices dating from 1770, ranging from the first insightful observations of the Australians from one of the first outsiders, Captain James Cook, to powerful commentary from one of the newest insider Australians in 2006. I am confident these voices will both confirm much of what we believe to be true about us and also challenge many of our ideas about how we became who we are. There may be no simple answer to the question of ‘Who are the Australians?’ but Dr Hirst’s collection will certainly stimulate considerable discussion of what makes the Australian identity unique.
In understanding our history each of us can make a contribution to build Australia and our national character in the years ahead. Each Australia Day we invite all Australians to acknowledge the past, rejoice in our achievements and look confidently to the future. We look to the past to learn from our successes and our mistakes. While we have inherited a history that powerfully shapes us all, tomorrow’s history is ours for the making.
Warren Pearson
National Director
National Australia Day Council