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About this quote

What does it mean?
Keating argues Australia's identity was forged by the voluntary choice and ambition of migrants rather than just circumstance.
In plain terms
Migrants built Australia through their choices and dreams.
What can you take from it?
National identity is built by voluntary action.

Where it applies

  • nation building
  • immigration debates
  • historical reflection

Putting it to work

  • acknowledge migrant contributions
  • value individual agency

Questions to consider

  • How is a nation truly made?
  • Who is the foundation of a country?

Another view

It ignores Indigenous peoples who were not migrants.

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