If you have a look at a site called 'Freedom House' , and then have a look at the country entry for ' Australia ', you will see that there are 3 divisions; 'Free', 'Partly Free', 'Not Free'.

Australia is listed as 'Free' (thanks guys). On this I mostly agree. We are freer than our northern neighbours in SE Asia (Why then would we want to consider ourselves 'part of Asia' Mr Keating?).

I do however feel that we achieve a level of freedom somewhat less than the ideal. Don't get me wrong there, I have worn the uniform of this country, I believe the political institutions of this country work reasonably well, but it could be better. (more)
Cam Riley: South Sea Republic. Freedom, liberty, equity and an Australian Republic.