Culture, writes Professor David Throsby, refers to beliefs and values that bind us together. And if we know what our culture is, why would we need a cultural policy? Prime Minister Howard has declared that ‘as a nation we’re over all that identity stuff… we know who we are.’ But do we? In this wide-ranging essay the author argues that radical cultural change has been brought about by deregulation, immigration, globalisation and the ‘war on terror’.
In this we are not alone. This year UNESCO invited 154 countries to assert their respect for fundamental human values by adopting a draft treaty on the protection of cultural diversity. An important part of its emphasis is on making creative work a ‘cultural exception’ to trade agreements. 148 countries voted in favour. Australia abstained. Why have we denied ourselves protection in this way? The vision of Australia from the top is one many citizens no longer share. A cultural policy would be a powerful tool with which to show what we really value about being Australian. A national debate, to define and assert our common values could well alleviate the fears at present dividing us.
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http://www.currencyhouse.org.au/pages/pp_issue_07.html