From a Rural/Agrarian perspective, I wouldn't spruik Bush Economic independance if I were you given how freely the Urban taxpayer is supporting the Bush. During our protracted years of drought and more recently bush fires the urban taxpayer has stepped up to the mark and delivered.
Our generosity in that respect is one of the reasons why China is now bunging on crippling import tariffs on our beef, barley, wine etc because they claim that the our Government is subsidising farmers contrary to WTO regulations.
Bush voters have always been politically conflicted in being Right Wing in matters relating to others while being Agrarian Socialists when it comes to hip pockets.
As a City dweller, I'm quite happy to pay a few % extra in tax so that the Bush is supported as I am also willing to pay a few bob extra for my Aussie grown fresh food despite our quarantine regulations being mostly trade/commercial rather than bio., thereby shielding our fresh food market from global competition.
So in summary, mate, rather than being divisive, we are all in this together. Australia is a package deal....eh?
