Australians: What Are We? How Do We See Ourselves? How Do Others See Us?

30 April 2007

Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser

What does it mean to be Australian in 2007? How do we as Australians see ourselves? How are we as a nation, culture and society, perceived by others? How have recent actions and policies affected attitudes within Australia and the perception of other people of Australia? Former Prime Minister of Australia Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser discusses the implications of independence as a state.

Broad Topics: Arts and Social Sciences

Sub-topics: Policy & Political Science

Areas: ANU College of Asia and the Pacific

On 21 March 1975, Fraser became the Leader of the Opposition and on 11 November 1975, following the dismissal of the Labor Prime Minister, he was appointed Prime Minister of a Caretaker Government pending the outcome of a General Election. Fraser’s government was subsequently re-elected in the two succeeding elections, in 1977 and 1980. On 25 February 1983 Fraser became Australia’s second longest serving Prime Minister. Fraser resigned from the Parliament in April 1983 after nearly 28 years as the Member for Wannon.

Fraser was Chairman of CARE Australia from 1987 to December 2001. He was President of CARE International from 1990–1995, and was Vice President from 1995–1999. The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission awarded Fraser the 2000 Australian Human Rights Medal.