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Australia says it could follow Canada in forging deeper ties with EU

254 points · 216 comments · doener

  1. mindwok · · focus · HN ↗
    As an Australian, I have noticed a shift personally in feeling like I identify more with "European" culture, compared to 10 years ago I felt like we were the 51st state and I felt very close with the US.

    This seems to be shared by others, I remember reading there was a survey that asked Australians who they felt our closest international friend was. The US was the top answer for over a decade, having stolen the crown from the UK I think in the late 90s or something. Recently though, it switched to New Zealand.

    1. mynameisash · · focus · HN ↗
      I'm surprised - aren't AU & NZ super close culturally and aligned politically? I would have thought the US, CA, et al would be vying for a distant second.
      1. BLKNSLVR · · focus · HN ↗
        NZ is always the correct answer but is rarely given because it's taken for granted.
        1. marcus_holmes · · focus · HN ↗
          If they'd only just admit they didn't invent Pavlova, it would definitely be obvious. But the Kiwis are a stubborn bunch...
          1. latentsea · · focus · HN ↗
            Not need to claim you didn't invent it when you did.
      2. bashtoni · · focus · HN ↗
        NZ isn't big enough to think about. Don't tell them because they get very upset.
      3. pinchydev · · focus · HN ↗
        Not only close, but NZ was originally slated to join Australia and is indeed named in the original Australian Constitution (that created federation) as one of the original 7 states.
      4. aussieguy1234 · · focus · HN ↗
        Australians and New Zelalanders don't need a visa to travel either way.

        In NZ, I approached the immigration desk with my American partner at the time, they stamped her passport with a visa but said to me I didn't need one.

        1. tripleee · · focus · HN ↗
          Not just travel. Australians can live, work and own real estate there last I checked
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