Student Questions about Federation
"A good question
is never answered. It is not a bolt to be tightened into place but a seed to be
planted and to bear more seed toward the hope of greening the landscape of
idea."
John Anthony Ciardi (1916-86)
American poet, critic
Our Questions:-
Federation was a
unifying concept, 100 years later, are we a united or
fragmented nation?
Should more powers be devolved to the states? Has Federation Stifled the Role of
the States?
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Has our national identity changed since Federation?
In what ways does Queensland benefit
the Federation?
If the Federation question were put today, how would people vote? In particular,
what vested interests would emerge, and what kind of system or model might be
produced to gain their support?
How do the events of 1901 affect our lives in
2001?
Should Sydney be the national capital?
Would the millions being spent on the
Centenary of Federation be better spent on the Aboriginal
Is history irrelevant?
Given that Great Britain is still a
significant economic and political power would we be better off if we had
remained a group of colonies?
What did we gain from federation?
Are there some tangible benefits or symbols?
What did we lose as a result of federation?
How is Australia different as a result of
federation?
Why was it thought necessary to change the
status quo?
What was wrong with the way things were?