According to the International Crimes Victim Survey 2000, published in The Economist, Australia is tops among the rich nations in violent crime and burglary and second only to Britain in car theft.
But crime is not the only problem afflicting Australians. A report from Keith Suter, a senior fellow at Global Business Network Australia, estimated that "one of 10 Australian small businesses will go bankrupt this year." He also said that "the rich are getting richer and the poor are becoming more numerous."
Mr. Suter mentioned "a lack of faith in the political system" and "a gap between mainstream politicians and the reality experienced by ordinary people." Although statistically Australians have experienced a booming economy for several years, the average citizen complains of economic troubles. (Sources: The Economist [London], International Herald Tribune .)
