Happy-Go-Lucky Australia Is Feeling Neither Happy, Nor Lucky

[Social Media]

 

In a surprising turn of events, the typically upbeat and prosperous nation of Australia finds itself grappling with a series of economic challenges that have cast a shadow over its traditionally sunny disposition. For decades, Australia seemed to possess a magic touch, effortlessly navigating through global crises like the dot-com bust and the financial meltdown of 2008 unscathed, while its citizens enjoyed enviable wages, affordable housing, and promising futures.

 

However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 marked a significant departure from Australia's charmed trajectory. Despite its resilient economy, the country has been unable to shake off the persistent headwinds that have plagued it in recent years. From a soaring cost of living to a volatile labor market and widening income inequality, Australia's once unassailable position as the "lucky country" has come under scrutiny like never before.

 

 

The economic woes have hit Australians hard, with millions experiencing levels of hardship not witnessed in generations. Many find themselves struggling to make ends meet, grappling with the daunting challenge of putting food on the table, affording housing, and covering essential expenses like healthcare and utilities. For a generation raised on dreams of prosperity, the stark reality of dwindling opportunities and diminished prospects looms large.

 

Robyn Northam, a 28-year-old content creator from Cairns, illustrates this struggle vividly. Hindered by skyrocketing rent and exorbitant childcare costs, Northam's aspirations of becoming a hairdresser have been dashed, a stark contrast to the reality her grandmother faced as a single parent working part-time as a nurse. The cost of living continues to soar, with inflation hovering around 4 percent and rental affordability plummeting to its lowest levels in years.

 

 

The economic strain has pushed working families to seek support in unprecedented numbers, with food banks overwhelmed by the surge in demand. Dave McNamara, chief executive of Foodbank Victoria, describes the current situation as unparalleled, with people from all walks of life grappling with food insecurity on a scale not seen before.

 

Despite its wealth and stability, Australia finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with a housing market crisis, soaring inequality, and a general sense of economic malaise. While life expectancy and wages remain among the highest globally, the rising tide of discontent and disillusionment threatens to erode the nation's once buoyant spirit.

 

 

Julianne Schultz, an academic and author, laments Australia's failure to fulfill its vast potential, citing a lack of ambition as a significant impediment. Despite its abundant resources and egalitarian values, Australia's wealth is increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few, exacerbating economic and generational divides.

 

The pervasive sense of economic dissatisfaction has translated into record-low levels of life satisfaction, reflecting a populace grappling with the harsh realities of everyday life. Kate Lycett, lead researcher at the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index, points to the high cost of living, global political turmoil, and rising inequality as contributing factors to this growing discontent.

 

As Australians line up outside food banks and struggle to make ends meet, the notion of being the "lucky country" feels increasingly out of reach. Tracey Shepherd, a 60-year-old resident of Surfers Paradise, Queensland, reflects on the stark contrast between the past and the present, lamenting the loss of Australia's once-vaunted status. In a nation accustomed to basking in the glow of prosperity, the current economic reality paints a decidedly different picture, leaving many to question whether the luck has finally run out for the land down under.

 

28.03.24

Source

 

[JonnyF]

All that immigration and still with economic woes. I thought they'd be flying with such a huge influx.😄

 

Last year I was in Sydney for a few days work and the got chatting to the driver from the airport who was a nice Indian chap, came over 10 years ago. Did a masters in engineering but couldn't find a job so he does the night shift driving taxis for a living. The housing crisis meant he couldn't afford a house so he still lived with his parents. He was considering returning to India. 

 

Sad to see them repeating so many of Britain's mistakes. Huge increases in population without the infrastructure to support it. 

[Chomper Higgot]

16 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

All that immigration and still with economic woes. I thought they'd be flying with such a huge influx.😄

 

Last year I was in Sydney for a few days work and the got chatting to the driver from the airport who was a nice Indian chap, came over 10 years ago. Did a masters in engineering but couldn't find a job so he does the night shift driving taxis for a living. The housing crisis meant he couldn't afford a house so he still lived with his parents. He was considering returning to India. 

 

Sad to see them repeating so many of Britain's mistakes. Huge increases in population without the infrastructure to support it. 

Scapegoating immigrants again.

 

There are more balanced views available:

 

https://www.oecd.org/economy/australia-economic-snapshot/#:~:text=Economic Survey of Australia - 26,population ageing and climate change.

[JonnyF]

1 hour ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Scapegoating immigrants again.

 

There are more balanced views available:

 

https://www.oecd.org/economy/australia-economic-snapshot/#:~:text=Economic Survey of Australia - 26,population ageing and climate change.

 

I am not scapegoating immigrants. In most cases they are not to blame.

 

The problem is governments opening the floodgates to provide cheap labour for large multinationals without spending on the infrastructure to support the increased numbers. This leads to a housing crisis and a deterioration in services for the native population. If not vetted and intergrated properly it also negatively impacts the local culture. 

[RayC]

4 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

I am not scapegoating immigrants. In most cases they are not to blame.

 

The problem is governments opening the floodgates to provide cheap labour for large multinationals without spending on the infrastructure to support the increased numbers. This leads to a housing crisis and a deterioration in services for the native population. If not vetted and intergrated properly it also negatively impacts the local culture. 

 

Maybe you have a point. It would be interesting to get a native-born Australian's perspective regarding any negative effects of British immigrants on Australian culture.

[JonnyF]

6 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

Maybe you have a point. It would be interesting to get a native-born Australian's perspective regarding any negative effects of British immigrants on Australian culture.

 

British culture and Australian culture is very similar, for obvious reasons. 

[thaibeachlovers]

9 hours ago, Social Media said:

Despite its wealth and stability, Australia finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with a housing market crisis, soaring inequality, and a general sense of economic malaise.

The common theme in all western nations discontent is the housing crisis, which IMO is down in it's entirety to governments allowing too many people in when there are just not enough houses for everyone. IMO an entirely government created crisis. 

 

It wouldn't have even been necessary if they educated people properly, and made lazy youths get off their fat backsides and get a job.

[thaibeachlovers]

4 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

I am not scapegoating immigrants. In most cases they are not to blame.

 

The problem is governments opening the floodgates to provide cheap labour for large multinationals without spending on the infrastructure to support the increased numbers. This leads to a housing crisis and a deterioration in services for the native population. If not vetted and intergrated properly it also negatively impacts the local culture. 

I could not have said better myself.

[RayC]

36 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

British culture and Australian culture is very similar, for obvious reasons. 

 

Given that the Aussies call us "Whinging Poms", it would appear that at least some Brits have problems integrating themselves into Australian society.

 

British migrants to Australia will require housing, health provision, etc and their kids will need schooling so, as a group, they are just as much a drain on Australia's infrastructure as other immigrants. Wouldn't you agree?

 

In any event, as the article states, from post-WW2 until COVID Australia was an almost continuous economic success story. Roughly 30% of Australian residents were born outside the country. Therefore, it seems reasonable to suggest that immigration has had a positive effect in Australia.

 

[JonnyF]

15 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

Given that the Aussies call us "Whinging Poms", it would appear that at least some Brits have problems integrating themselves into Australian society.

 

They call all of us whinging Poms, not only the ones that move to Australia to live. It's a term of endearment nearly always said with a cheeky grin and a wink. I have a great relationship with my Aussie colleagues and whinging pom is nothing more than a light hearted bit of ribbing. A nod to our shared history. You're reaching with that one.

 

15 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

British migrants to Australia will require housing, health provision, etc and their kids will need schooling so, as a group, they are just as much a drain on Australia's infrastructure as other immigrants. Wouldn't you agree?

 

I'd agree it's an equal drain on infrastructure as other immigrants. However, the similarity of the cultures (love of cricket, rugby, beer etc.) plus the fact we speak the same language would obviously make cultural integration easier for the average Brit than many other countries. I'm not sure why you keep banging on about Brits emigrating though, I never suggested there should be different rules for the British, I don't believe in positive discrimination. Are you creating opinions for me to argue against again? 😄 

 

15 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

In any event, as the article states, from post-WW2 until COVID Australia was an almost continuous economic success story. Roughly 30% of Australian residents were born outside the country. Therefore, it seems reasonable to suggest that immigration has had a positive effect in Australia.

 

 

Yes, they used to control it much better than they do now. Controlled, selective immigration based on the needs of the country is a great thing, always said that. They've lost control of the numbers now and are paying the price. Just like the UK. Sad. 

[Chomper Higgot]

Still no evidence presented yo back up the claims that Australia’s current economic woes are cause by immigrants.

 

[RayC]

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

 

They call all of us whinging Poms, not only the ones that move to Australia to live. It's a term of endearment nearly always said with a cheeky grin and a wink. I have a great relationship with my Aussie colleagues and whinging pom is nothing more than a light hearted bit of ribbing. A nod to our shared history. You're reaching with that one.

 

Language evolves. 'Whinging Pom' can be used in a playful manner but the origins of the phrase (probably) date to the early '60s when it was used in a derogatory manner to describe British immigrants (the £10 Poms?) who were constantly complaining and did not mix with the locals. So an example of a lack of integration and hardly "reaching".

 

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

 

I'd agree it's an equal drain on infrastructure as other immigrants. However, the similarity of the cultures (love of cricket, rugby, beer etc.) plus the fact we speak the same language would obviously make cultural integration easier for the average Brit than many other countries.

 

Common interests obviously aid integration. 

 

I'm no expert re Australian immigration requirements but I'd be very surprised if those applying for permanent residency in Australia (other than refugees) weren't required to be able to speak English.

 

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

 

 

 

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

 

Yes, they used to control it much better than they do now. Controlled, selective immigration based on the needs of the country is a great thing, always said that. They've lost control of the numbers now and are paying the price. Just like the UK. Sad. 

 

What events/ changes to visa requirements have caused Australia to lose control of their immigration system?

[VocalNeal]

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

They call all of us whinging Poms, not only the ones that move to Australia to live. It's a term of endearment nearly always said with a cheeky grin and a wink. I have a great relationship with my Aussie colleagues and whinging pom is nothing more than a light hearted bit of ribbing. A nod to our shared history. You're reaching with that one.

 

Q. What's the difference between a 747 and a Pom

A. The 747 stops whining when it gets to Sydney.

[Dolf]

1 hour ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Still no evidence presented yo back up the claims that Australia’s current economic woes are cause by immigrants.

 

Caused by bad politicians like every other country. The 2024 leaders are terrible in almost every country but it has been bad for years.

[Chomper Higgot]

2 hours ago, Dolf said:

Caused by bad politicians like every other country. The 2024 leaders are terrible in almost every country but it has been bad for years.

 
In the absence of evidence you offered an unsubstantiated opinion.

[Dolf]

20 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

 
In the absence of evidence you offered an unsubstantiated opinion.

As do you.

[Dolf]

4 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Still no evidence presented yo back up the claims that Australia’s current economic woes are cause by immigrants.

 

He doesn't have to present evidence. You are just a troll.

[Chomper Higgot]

5 minutes ago, Dolf said:

As do you.

Example?

[Dolf]

1 minute ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Example?

Troll

[Chomper Higgot]

5 minutes ago, Dolf said:

He doesn't have to present evidence. You are just a troll.

You’ll find this written at the top of the world news forum.

 

”Any alleged factual claims must be supported by a valid link to an approved credible source.”

[Dolf]

Just now, Chomper Higgot said:

You’ll find this written at the top of the world news forum.

 

”Any alleged factual claims must be supported by a valid link to an approved credible source.”

It is just opinions. You are trolling.

[Chomper Higgot]

Just now, Dolf said:

It is just opinions. You are trolling.

Baseless opinions made by people who are unable to defend their nonsense.

 

[still kicking]

Look, I lived in Thailand many years and went back to Australia broke. I don't have any income anymore apart from my OAP I don't have my superannuation anymore which I got paid out moving to Thailand. Also sold my business which I had for 22 years. I am not blaming Thailand I might have made some bad discissions, but I can't complain about Australia. I have not paid electricity for a number of years (yes, I am not in the east) and yes prices went up but that happens in every country. I still travel to Thailand ones or twice a year living on just my OAP. My Thai wife owns 2 houses, so I get my full single pension (we live separate, but we are not apart.) I am happy here and have been for many years. For me it is still the land of milk and honey, maybe the younger generation don't agree, but we didn't agree with the generation prior to us as well.

[still kicking]

37 minutes ago, Dolf said:

Troll

The only troll on here is you

[thaibeachlovers]

12 hours ago, VocalNeal said:

 

Q. What's the difference between a 747 and a Pom

A. The 747 stops whining when it gets to Sydney.

In NZ it was different. There the saying was

 

Q How do you know if a plane has arrived from Pommyland?

 

A it keeps whining when the engines stop.

[thaibeachlovers]

8 hours ago, still kicking said:

Look, I lived in Thailand many years and went back to Australia broke. I don't have any income anymore apart from my OAP I don't have my superannuation anymore which I got paid out moving to Thailand. Also sold my business which I had for 22 years. I am not blaming Thailand I might have made some bad discissions, but I can't complain about Australia. I have not paid electricity for a number of years (yes, I am not in the east) and yes prices went up but that happens in every country. I still travel to Thailand ones or twice a year living on just my OAP. My Thai wife owns 2 houses, so I get my full single pension (we live separate, but we are not apart.) I am happy here and have been for many years. For me it is still the land of milk and honey, maybe the younger generation don't agree, but we didn't agree with the generation prior to us as well.

You are obviously far better off in Oz than I am across the ditch. By the time I pay my rent and buy food, pay full price for Dr visits, expensive dentists, car costs etc, the idea that I could afford a trip to LOS is just a dream.

[Darksidedude]

I left Melbourne in 2009 for a O/S expat job in middle East country's, working 4 weeks on 4 weeks off living in Thailand.

 

I been going back to Melbourne every year for a month, apart from Covid years.

 

Before Covid the place was a mess so expensive, i never knew Australia to be like that ever that is cost of living.

 

Now after Covid its even worse, the gov is trying to get back what they lost for the disastrous way they handled Covid, i was embarrassed to what happened to the country and was glad i wasnt living there at the time, i mean they made every state pretty well much a separate country it was just stupidity and wrong I'm surprised the people didn't revolt.

 

I'm 58 now have a few more years in working O/S, when i retire it will be Thailand i will not ever live in Oz again i will not pay the stupid tax the country imposes on its citizens so pretty well Oz can get the F**K

[giddyup]

Have a friend in Adelaide who says the dream of owning a home for first home buyers has become out of reach. They are looking at prices starting at around $500,000 and up, median price is $850,000. Sydney and Melbourne even higher.

[mfd101]

16 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

British culture and Australian culture is very similar, for obvious reasons. 

No, not really. Not any more.

 

And historically never was. Founded on convicts & exiles NOT dreaming of Mother England.

[JonnyF]

13 hours ago, VocalNeal said:

 

Q. What's the difference between a 747 and a Pom

A. The 747 stops whining when it gets to Sydney.

 

That's pretty funny. 😃 You Aussies always had a good sense of humour, on paper anyway.

 

Talking of paper, you can tell a lot by a person by the type of paper they buy.

 

Take Steve Smith and sandpaper for example. 😄