So, the idea is that I'll use this space to chronicle my experiences moving to Perth for (probably) a year. The blog is named for the idea of experiencing a different system or culture (perhaps?) within the one country - albeit several thousand kilometres away. (Federalism is the name given to the form of government that unites separate political entities/states within a single national system, but which allows each political entity/state to retain its independence.)
My first adventure in federalism came a few weeks ago when I realised that my NSW teaching accreditation (which I achieved after a quite impressive hoop-jumping routine) would not be recognised by the WA College of Teachers. They will let me teach eventually, but only after sifting through my uni transcripts and prac reports to decide for themselves if I'm qualified to do so. My favourite part of this story is that if I had trained in any other state of Australia OR New Zealand (!) I would be able to receive immediate accreditation.
We're going this weekend for a few days to decide which suburb we want to move to in 3 weeks time - what a bizarre task. I have a list of suburbs gleaned from Perth ex-pats that we'll visit, and then judge ruthlessly. I've decided my personal goal is to return with a great photo of a sunset over the beach to remind myself that this is supposed to be fun.
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Well we, as in the latte supping, ignorant mothers milk mining royalty stealing, east coasters are very glad you've put finger to keyboard and are now willing to document your experiences in West-side federalism for all time. You’ll be like a spy in fact. How dashing.
ReplyDeleteNonetheless it is extremely apt that you have chosen WA to consider the federalist way of life as the state has and continues to be embroiled in federal controversy...well how about "was embroiled" about 110 years ago.
As you'd know WA knocked back joining the federation twice and it was not until some concessions aka inducements, aka bribes were granted that the WA populous signed up to the idea. Who would of thought WA is based on a bribe. Cynical historians would say the eternally trendy concept of bribery continues in Australia's largest state today: http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2007/s1852567.htm .
Back to federalism though, it’s noteworthy to point out that Fiji passed an Act regarding federating with Australia, while it appears NZ left the door open for joining up at a later date. See the references at Sept.-Oct. 1885 & 9 July 1900 at http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/web/common.nsf/key/ResourcesFactsausfed for more if you must.
Nowadays WA’s reluctant embrace of federation still looms large. Do not be alarmed this is actually of benefit to you if things come a cropper with your man after you have produced say 6 west coast kids that only know a sunset that sets on the ocean. That’s right, you’ll have your entire own just-for-you-westcoast-type Family Court to sort out your very own west coast custody orders and west coast property settlements http://www.familycourt.wa.gov.au/ . So with that wisdom squared away prepare to write your very own Westside Story!