Australia’s boast of its fairness and easy-going style is loud and unmistakable. When it comes to ethnic diversity in top jobs, it appears hollow and grating.

The boast permeates across all sectors, communities and states, highlighting that, as a country of immigrants, we are open to all walks of life with talent and personal commitment. It has been a key factor in bringing Asian (and, to a smaller degree, African) newcomers to these shores in large numbers in recent decades.