Dr William Coleman - Was Australian Federation A Mistake?

We speak with well respected Australian liberal academic, Dr William Coleman about Australian Federation in 1901 and Australian nationalism more generally. Our discussion centres around Dr Coleman's book, "Their Fiery Cross of Union - A Retelling of the Creation of the Australian Federation, 1889-1914", which is critical of federation project and many of those involved. Topics we cover include:Whether there were really any practical alternatives possible?Whether the Australian constitution is really as flawed as claimed and how it could have been better?Whether Dr Coleman is too hard on the Australian Founders (compared to the American Founders and other nationalist leaders)?Whether our national immigration and foreign trade policies implemented at Federation, which liberals bemoan, were necessary at the time and important for the development of Australia?The relevance of Australia's founding to today's discussions about nationalism and importance of nation-state, trade, and immigration policies, being conducted as part of the "national conservative" movement in US, Europe and elsewhere.