BENEATH THE SOUTHERN CROSS: LOOKING FOR AUSTRALIA IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Edited by Peter Kurti
With contributions from Tanveer Ahmed, Wesley Aird, Kevin Andrews, Scott Cowdell, Georgina Downer, Lorraine Finlay, Joseph P. Forgas, John Haldane, Anne Henderson, Sean Jacobs, Gary Johns, Simon P. Kennedy, Peter Kurti, Bess Price, Dave Price, Suzanne D. Rutland
Paperback, 230 pages, $29.95
July 2024 release
ISBN: 9781923224193
Divisions opened by the 2023 Voice referendum are symptomatic of deeper changes in the cultural and political mood of Australia which have been occurring in the opening decades of the 21st century.
As recriminations about racism, colonialism, enslavement and genocide are levelled regularly by so-called ‘elites at those who question the new orthodoxy, there is mounting concern that the fabric of Australia’s hitherto tolerant society is fraying.
Australia’s social cohesion is a developed characteristic, underpinned by the principles of Western liberalism. It needs to be nurtured and encouraged, and we must seek answers to important questions that none of us, including our political leaders, can ignore.
What does it mean to be an Australian in the 21st century? What is it that binds us together as a society and nation? What is that promotes the social cohesion for which Australia is noted?
Beneath the Southern Cross: Looking for Australia in the 21st century is a new collection of essays from a distinguished group of thinkers drawn from a wide range of backgrounds. Each is committed to restoring our cultural self-confidence and recovering a sense of our national identity.
Success in realising the promise of a shared common life beneath the Southern Cross will depend on whether Australia and its political leaders can foster a national spirit that gives cultural and moral form to the experience of every Australian.
“The future of Australia as a nation is not pre-destined. The prosperity and freedoms that Australians enjoy are not inevitable.” Lorraine Finlay
“Australia must develop ways of thinking about issues that are culturally and historically informed, ethically serious and practical, insightful, rigorous, and relevant.” John Haldane
“Taking pride in one’s national achievements should not be assumed to be the domain of jingoistic nationalists; rather, it should show a collective belief in one’s own story.” Georgina Downer
“I do not want to demonise those with whom I might strongly disagree, nor be summarily dismissed and demonised in return. I want no part of perpetuating an endless culture war. Am I alone in that?” Scott Cowdell
Peter Kurti is Director of the Culture, Prosperity & Civil Society program at the Centre for Independent Studies and Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Law & Business at the University of Notre Dame Australia.
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