According to the Australian government’s statement on values from its immigration website on life in Australia: “Australian society values respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual, freedom of religion, commitment to the rule of law, Parliamentary democracy, equality of men and women and a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces mutual respect, tolerance, fair play, and compassion for those in need and pursuit of the public good.”
The following two stories illustrate how this spirit of equality applies to all, including those in high office.
According to media reports, in 2014, the Australian Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) alleged that New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell received two bottles of red wine from the Australian Water Holding Company president. It is reported that these two bottles of red wine were worth A$3,000 (about US$2,100).
New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell left office after ICAC exposed his acceptance of two bottles of red wine from the Australian Water Holding Company president. (Image: via Pixabay)
O’Farrell repeatedly denied that he had ever received this wine. However, after ICAC exposed his personal thank you letter, he announced he would step down.
For the sake of two bottles of red wine, a capable politician who could have made a run for the position of prime minister of Australia withdrew from the Australian political arena and ruined his good future.
Prime Minister fined for not wearing a life jacket
Let’s take a look at Australia’s former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. One day in 2017, when Turnbull was still prime minister of Australia, he was maneuvering a boat around in the harbor. As a result, he was surrounded by a large group of police officers and was given an A$250 fine.
The reason for the fine is straightforward. According to the NSW Water Traffic Law, everyone who operates a boat less than 4.8 meters long must wear a life jacket. Turnbull was not wearing one.
The NSW police then provided a statement to the media. Soon, all Australians knew that the prime minister had made a mistake. Turnbull publicly apologized on his Facebook page on December 28, 2017, stating: “The rules can often seem very technical, but they are there to keep us safe and we should all comply with them. So lesson learned; I will make sure I always wear a life jacket in my dinghy regardless of how close I am to the shore, just as I always do on my kayak.”
Many people love to immigrate to Australia, not only because of the good environment, good air, and easy living. Everyone is equal, even the Australian prime minister.
After being fined for not wearing a life jacket, Australia’s prime minister apologized on his Facebook page. (Image: via Malcolm Turnbull / Facebook)
The words “Respect for Life, Equality for All” in Australia are not casual talk, but fundamental values that most Australians recognize. It is possibly the real reason why many people fall in love with Australia.
Translated by Jean Chen
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