The Australian of the Year announcement looks just like the Brownlow count in the AFL football. Sponsors, advertising, finalists and all that hype tends to devalue the achievements of the many quiet achievers who aren’t selected.
Pity help us if we become a republic by way of a similar populist and superficial process. Without comprehensive constitutional reform, for which we are not ready, at the extremes, the outcome could be a ‘celebrity’ president sponsored by secret donations frustrating the elected government or, alternatively, a mere follower of fashion.
Back to the ‘Brownlow’, and it looks like khaki camouflage is the thing this year with Cosgrove and Morrison emerging as pre-season favourites.
– Max Thomas, CLA member, Yarragon Vic…who blogs at: http://openforum.com.au/blog/38221