At this time of year, perhaps more than any other, it is easy to see why Australia is the envy of the world in so many ways. The long, lazy summer party reaches its apex in the wonderful Australia Day weekend; the barbies sizzle, the stubbies crackle on ice, the air resounds with the whack of tennis rackets, cricket balls and flattened mozzies, whilst our kids hurl themselves in and out of the water, sharks notwithstanding.