As it does in these early days of autumn, the sky had turned cobalt blue. It was cloudless and there was the faintest hint of sea breeze, just enough to temper the hot sun.

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

Login or signup to continue reading

At low tide, the surf was playful, the water clean and refreshingly cool. And apart from a couple and their dog, we had the beach to ourselves. Lying back slathered in sunscreen, lulled by the hiss of waves breaking over the sand, I mused that this was the best time of year in the very best place on earth.

And I was here, enjoying it, by the sheer accident of birth. Not just mine but those of ancestors who chose to leave Europe in the strife-torn 19th century and seek a better life at this far end of the world. It wasn't just the sea sending waves across the sand. I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me as well.

For all the woes and grievances amplified in the febrile social media world, for all the noisy politics, for all the challenges of life lived at such distance, the reality is we're lucky to call Australia home.

I've been reminding myself of that lately. It helps soothe those petty annoyances like dropped toast or fresh stains on new T-shirts or trying to tell apart the conditioner and shampoo in the shower. "At least I'm not in Iran or Lebanon or Gaza or Afghanistan," I tell myself.

Despite all our complaints, our country functions very well when compared to others.

Elections take place, governments change, power is transferred without spasms of violence.

Our healthcare system, while it can always be improved, functions well. After he suffered a heart attack a few years ago, my father-in-law couldn't praise enough the care he received in a public hospital. Nor could he fault the care and supervision which came after he was discharged. All free of charge.

Compulsory superannuation, mandated since 1992, means most of us can look forward to an easier retirement than our forebears.

We rightfully fret about inflation exceeding the RBA's target band. But even when it does, it's nothing to so many other countries. Argentina's annual inflation rate stood at 33.1 per cent in February; Egypt's at 13.4 per cent; Zimbabwe's at 89 per cent. And these barely register against Venezuela's 269 per cent.

Our streets are generally clean, our rubbish bins emptied regularly. We complain about potholes and the state of our footpaths. We moan about traffic. Spend time in Asia or India, however, and we quickly discover see how efficient our cities are in comparison. And how much cleaner the air we breathe.

When it comes to corruption, Australia ranks 12th on Transparency International's corruption perceptions index. We've slipped but we're still way ahead of the UK, ranked at 20th, and the United States at 29th or Israel at 35th.

None of this is to say there's no room for improvement - there always will be. But against the backdrop of intense global uncertainty, it pays to pause and smell the salt air and eucalypts and remember how fortunate we are to live where we do.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Do you feel fortunate to live in Australia? What's the best thing about our country? What needs improving? Email us: echidna@theechidna.com.au

SHARE THE LOVE: If you enjoy The Echidna, forward it to a friend so they can sign up, too.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

- The Liberals have launched their campaign for a crucial by-election and the Nationals have shaken up their leadership team as poor polling plagues both Coalition parties.

- Move over London, New York and Paris. According to a massive global survey, the world's greatest city is Melbourne.

- Rationing fuel in Australia's major cities to supply the regions would cause unnecessary economic and social issues, a peak motoring body says.

THEY SAID IT: "Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It is already tomorrow in Australia." - Charles M. Schulz

YOU SAID IT: As it burns through billions of dollars fighting the war in the Middle East, the US spent an eye-watering amount in one month when it wasn't fighting anyone. Millions on lobster tails, Alaskan king crab and even a grand piano.

"The practice of spending any surplus in your budget because if you underspend your budget will be reduced next year, all governments including our own, should stamp out immediately," writes Arthur. "If there is evidence of spending at the end of the financial year instead of having a surplus the next year's budget ought to be pruned by double the amount of wasteful spending."

Patricia writes: "In view of the US government's spending spree on non-essentials in the middle of yet another war, it would be irresponsible for our federal government to commit to make any payments whatsoever to an increasingly unhinged administration. Our government needs to find a way to extricate Australia from the whole agreement post haste."

Geoff shares his assessment of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth: "Like many I guess, I find his diatribe infantile. Bombastic and insulting to the intelligence. Considering his past 'career', that's to be expected and won't change. I would have loved to have been a 'fly on the wall' listening to audience comments after he summoned all Defence senior officers to his 'meeting' and basically insulted all of them. The 'war' isn't going too well ... how long will he last I wonder?"

"The subs would be wiped out for practice before any major power sits down to eat its lobster or to rattle off an etude or two," writes Old Donald. "My question is the same as it has been for years now: against whom will we be fighting? China owns much of us so it won't be them. We are mere trivia to them. They will be more likely to defend us."

Louise writes: "I am absolutely speechless at your report of the eye-watering amounts of money Trump and his cohorts are spending. If Trump was prime minister of Australia, he wouldn't have lasted 12 months, we need to pat ourselves on the back for being the envy of many countries around the world."

Summer climate 'whiplash' hitting harder and faster

One inflation battle after another for Reserve Bank

Danish royal couple continue their 'second home' tour

'Hand in hand': Danish royals talk up Australia ties

Family's pain as thieves use gadget to steal $80k car

Label unhealthy foods, weight drug boss tells Australia

Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.

Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation.

Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening.

Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters.

The latest news, results & expert analysis.

Love footy? We've got all the action covered.

Going out or staying in? Find out what's on.

Real local, smart property news for regional Australia

Stay in the know on news that matters to you with twice weekly newsletters from The Senior.

Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe.

Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.

Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.

Voice of Real Australia

Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.

Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarGuide, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.

Be the first to know when news breaks.

Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am!

Your favourite puzzles

Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!

Get the very best journalism from The Examiner by signing up to our special reports.

© The Examiner