[smcl]

I wasn't suggesting it was part of Asia, rather highlighting that it was not unusual for Australia or indeed other countries to be part of continental organizations (Israel/UEFA and Aus/AFC/Eurovision) that are different from the continent they're usually considered to be a constituent of (Israel/ME, Aus/Oceania). Regardless I do not think skin tone should come into it.

[aussiesnack]

My "Asia" comment wasn't really a response to you - it's been a part of internal Australian debate since the 1980's. Keating crowned the 21st the "Asian Century", and claimed Australia should turn towards Asia. My point is that never really bit culturally. Australia is geographically Pacific, economically Asian, and culturally European/American Despite self-perception, there isn't really much non-derivative Australian culture beyond some small Indigenous influence, though we're probably a century behind NZ in that respect.

> I do not think skin tone should come into it

It shouldn't, but it certainly does. Little can be understood about Australia without it (well, ethnicity at least - broader than 'skin tone'). A large part of Australia's Europe-longing comes from a historical fear of China (as a kind of stand in for people of Asiatic ethnicity).