Lauren Jackson on progress - transcript
Lauren Jackson, international basketball star and 3 times winner of the ‘most valuable player’ in the WNBL talks to us about Australia's progress.
Transcript
In terms of progress, what do you see as important?
Having a good family environment where you are really supported and able to grow up in an environment that allows you to be who you want to be; and where you have the resources for education. I think that’s the most important thing really.
What other things are important to you?
Educating young people is also important – making sure they know about the world and what’s going on in the world and about Australia’s history. People are becoming more aware of our history, which is really important and is a way in which we move forward as a nation and become more united. I think it is important to think about that, and about immigrants – people who want to live here. How we as a country embrace different cultures, working to manage it so that everybody is included.
How do you see Australia in relation to the rest of the world?
As a western country, we’re definitely in a very good spot and in a place where we can lead the way for progress and tolerance and peace, here and around the world.
What about sport and the role it plays?
Sport gets kids out of the house, away from the television or away from the computer or video games. It puts them in an environment where they have to work with other people regardless of their gender, or their age, or their religion or anything like that, and where they have to work together with others for a common goal … it is one of the ways in which we can enrich kids’ lives in moving through into the future.
How do you see Australia progressing in the future?
What I would love to see in the future in Australia, are unity and acceptance of differences … I think it’s important being able to work together and live together peacefully.
Is there anything else you would like to highlight?
With all the turmoil that’s going on in the world at the moment, it’s just so important that we look after each other … Where we are actually taking the time to help, whether it’s to sponsor kids or go up to remote communities, or something as a small as helping someone with their groceries. I think those sorts of kindnesses are not seen as much anymore, and I think they are the sort of things that really define countries and the people within those countries.
The views expressed in this opinion piece are the personal views of the individuals concerned and they do not represent the views of the ABS. The intention of this opinion piece is to generate debate and discussion about how Australians view progress. These views will assist the ABS in measuring progress in the future. The ABS continues to be independent and objective.
Photographs are supplied by the Canberra Times.
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I agree that learning about our history is important. It puts the way we are into context. I just learned about Justice Higgins decisions about 'the lving wage' and how we progressed to equal pay.
I also agree that education is critical and gaining a perspective of the world. I think it's great to travel and compare our country with others...it also teaches tolerance and appreciation for what we have.
Participation in team activities is also important...whether in sport or work or education. I think this is something that distinguishes Aussies from a lot of other nationalities...and it's valuable in the real world, including in the community.
Lauren rasies some good points:
Firstly, the importance of a stable supported family environment.
Also, her focus on community: tolerance, acceptance of others differances, our connections to those around us, embracing different cultures, and access to education for young people.
So refreshing - with so much focus on just economic progress as our main measure: jobs; productivity; how wealthy are we (really, how much stuff do we need to accumulate?).
When looking back on our lives who will say "I wish I had spent more time at work" or "I wish I had accumulated more material things (stuff)" or "I wish I had gained more wealth" . These are just a means to an end: let measure the things the REALLY matter!
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