Misconceptions and misunderstandings by Australians about Britain and Britons about Australia are preventing better partnerships, trade and investment opportunities for both countries, according to the British High Commissioner, Sir Roger Carrick.
He told the National Press Club yesterday that the typical Australian impression of Britain was one of beefeaters, castles, feral tabloid newspapers, warm beer and lousy food.
In fact, he pointed out, the best French cuisine in Europe was to be found in London.
More seriously, Australians and Britons underestimated the strength of the trade and investment relationship and misunderstood that its growing strength was a recent phenomenon. They were also unaware of the quality of hi-tech industry in each other’s country.
He illustrated the British misconception of Australia by suggesting that Britons saw Neighbours as a documentary.
“”I believe those misconceptions can hurt us both,” he said. “”They can inhibit further healthy trade, academic and educational exchanges. They can all too readily affect adversely the attitudes of succeeding generations.”
To that end he said the recently launched New Images program of cultural, sporting and industrial exchanges and events in Britain and Australia this year would help.
Sir Roger pleaded, however, against one exchange. He thought that seeing Share Warne did not tour India he should go to Britain for the Ashes tour.
On trade, Sir Roger called for the end to special preference deals that some states gave local companies against international competition when contracting for government work or supplying government. He said NSW, Queensland and South Australia gave a 20 per cent advantage; Western Australia, Tasmania and Northern Territory gave 10 per cent. The federal government had expressed its concern over the preferences which were no good for either Australian taxpayers or free trade.
Sir Roger repeated the British view that the republican debate in Australia was purely an Australian matter.