Colonial expansion lust has been missing for some time! Or are you asking why I didn't mention the colonial past? I didn't because I would like to think that we could draw a line on the past (taking on-board both the positives and negatives from it - yes, there were both) and work with the present.
As for Australia (& NZ?), I agree it is difficult getting a work permit there - even for Europeans! But they do travel a lot don't they - I think they feel a bit lonely down in the bottom right hand corner and feel the need to get out and socialise
