NKSK version 2

Despite the continuing "very nice time" that I'm having in Australia and despite my good job and business, I'm going through one of those "Jesus, Australia is backward" stages and again doubting that I'll last much more than a couple more years. (I think this has arisen from a couple of days of dealing with inept suppliers and continuing worry about the Department for Ed in WA).

So here's your invite - what do you think Australia has which marks it out as being more advanced or progressive than the UK? (you can't mention the weather!!). Give me something positive to focus on!

Hels Bells

Why does it have to be??

NKSK version 2

It doesn't.

Hels Bells

There ya go....we can close the thread now????

NKSK version 2

......but I'd like it to be!

Hels Bells

Do you think its a problem with Australia or that you want it to be 'more like' the UK?

Edit: Thats a serious question, not designed to be argumentative or anything

NKSK version 2

No, I don't want it to be like the UK - I've been out of the UK since 1999 and have no desire to return.

I'm just struggling at the minute to find something which I can say - "Wow, Australia is one of the best places in the world for....."

Perhaps my comparison with the UK was wrong - maybe a better comparison would be with the rest of the developed countries of the world. But I suppose most people on here would have expereience mainly of the UK - hence the theme.

Hels Bells

But the answer to that statement will be different for every single person!! Peoples priorities are different. Peoples previous experiences and lives will make that such a huge variable.

For me, its just home. So it will always be the best place in the world for that fact alone.

MartinLuther

The structure of the Commonwealth Government.

Both houses are elected (unlike the UK where the upper house is either appointed or hereditary). All laws must pass through (be acceptable) to both houses (unlike the UK were the lower house can force through a bill unacceptable to the upper house) which provides a more reliable check on the balance of power (unlike the UK where the weakened upper house provides no check, the vacuum of which is filled by the proprietor run newspapers).

All we need to do now would be to get rid of the Queen for an elected (but relatively powerless figurehead) and we'll be laughing.

Exile

I feel the same way quite often, and when I do I find it helps to focus on the higher percentage of houses with remote-controlled garage doors.

NKSK version 2

I agree. I suppose I was thinking of the lines of:

Singapore's MRT system is the best I've experienced.
Canada is the best place I've lived for doing business
New Zealand has the widest selection of TV channels I've experienced.
I'm a nurse and Adelaide has the best run hospitals I've worked in.

(None of which may be true!)

I suppose that's the type of thing that I was after - positive opinions of Australia based on life experiences.

NKSK version 2

(This actually impressed me when I first arrived)

JackTheLad

Both JTL and I have felt that from time to time about working in the public sector in Brisbane. We've both worked in the private sector in Melbourne before and it was nothing like what we have here. I don't know if it the difference between public and private sectors, or between different states/cities, or a combination of things.

One thing we always tell ourselves though is that we wanted a slower pace and Brisbane/Queensland is giving us that. We just have to accept what comes with the lifestyle and the weather.

Mrs JTL

iPom

Good post. I'd send Karma but I believe I'm all karma'd out.

MartinLuther

Local Council Services.

Unburdened by the load of housing the poor (and sometimes the rich) the local council services are a lot better where I am than where I used to live in the UK. The bin collection is done by 1 man in a truck with a big grabber arm not 3-4 men and a truck. Footpaths appear overnight (almost). Road repairs are done very quickly. Children's playgrounds are well maintained and relatively graffiti free. Council meetings with ratepayers are more frequent.

I accept that the corruption levels seem to be on a par.