There’s an idea out there, that Australia is built on primary industries and manufacturing. That we are first and foremost a country that “makes things.” And that we should be proud of it.

This view of history must not stand.

This is a country that depends on services. Always has, always will.

People who go on and on about how we are about to turn into a nation of burger-flippers and/or door openers reveal themselves to have bugger-all understanding of the true history of Australia.

Services, mate. Since day dot. Each one building on the last, to make this great nation you see before you:

1. Pre- European Australia.

Story-telling services, decorating services, etc. [no photos available, sorry]

2. Cpt J.Cook

3. Arthur Phillip

4. Burke and Wills.

5. Governor Macquarie:

6. Banjo Patterson

7. The Man From Snowy River

8. Ned Kelly

9. Simpson and his Donkey.

10. Royal Flying Doctors Service.

11. Don Bradman.

12. John Bradfield.

13. Sidney Myer

14. Dennis Lillee.

15. Road train drivers.

16. Bob Hawke.

17. Professor Peter Doherty

18. Cate Blanchett

This nation is not just about things.

It’s about people and the things they do for one another. If the Colt from Old Regret had got away and the owner went and bought another one, while the Man from Snowy River worked in a factory, it wouldn’t be much of a story, would it?

Next time you hear a politician say they don’t want to live in a country that doesn’t make things, remember that living in a country that didn’t do things would be even worse.