Soon after Federation, the family unit is buffeted by world conflicts, poverty and disease, but then new attitudes sweep in. Workplace laws are less restrictive on women, spouses no longer have to give a reason to divorce, and the contraceptive pill arrives, all of which leads to a loosening of rigid gender roles.

Those in authority in Australia at the time of Federation envisage a prosperous and civilised nation of hardworking citizens. But modern Australia grew out of a drunken penal colony.