Border security

We have a robust parliamentary system and gregarious press, just like the British.

We have a special bravado and can-do attitude, just like the Americans.

We define ourselves by our sporting prowess like, well, the New Zealanders.

So what really defines us? And what is it that I try to find when overseas for extended periods?

I guess it is best summed by an event on one of my visits home.

My wife and I flew into Tullamarine for Christmas with our newly born daughter.

We were all jetlagged and laden down by the weight of baby bags and other paraphernalia associated with one year olds. A large line loomed before us for non-residents to pass through with their passports. The Australian residents' line was virtually empty.

While my daughter has an Aussie passport, my wife doesn't. Despite this, I walked up to a customs official and asked if we could pass through border control without joining the larger line.

He briefly looked at the passports, briefly looked at my family, and said with a broad smile "That's ok. Let's make her Australian for a day."

Now that was laidback and helpful.

And unique.