And it’s an example we could use now more than ever.
What’s the best thing about Australia? Or at least the most emblematic thing? Here’s my vote: the free gas barbecues in local parks. They’re everywhere: outer suburbs, regional towns and beachside parks. The local council pays for the gas, even though half the people using that gas are ring-ins from other areas.
Other than the free barbecue, what else is quintessentially Australian? When we think about that question, our Australian mind – a mind that dislikes self-congratulation – often settles on the negatives. Plus, in Australia, every industry is a cosy duopoly. There’s competition, sure, but no one wants it to get out of hand. Even the official outfit – the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission – has no competition. What hypocrites! Couldn’t we have at least one other competition commission?All this, though, is outweighed by the good stuff. Compulsory voting, which forces the main political parties to woo the moderate middle.
But back to the barbecues. The councils clean the barbecues, but most of the time that task is unnecessary. Despite the absence of any hectoring signage, nearly everyone understands you should leave the barbecue in the state you found – sparkling and ready to use. You also see people aware of the queue, should one have formed. They cook quickly, clean up, then signal to the next group.
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