shanks,
I think most Australians primarily think of South-East Asia when they hear the word Asia, probably extending as far north as Japan on the east side. Heading west is a different story. I imagine that most people here would NOT regard Indians (or Pakistanis or Nepalis or ...) as Asians. I think it relates mainly to physical characteristics of a country's inhabitants, rather than to geography. If you asked the same people what continent India is in, they wouldn't hesitate long before replying "Asia". Certainly a dilemma.
Interestingly enough, our previous prime minister, looking to strengthen economic ties with our Asian neighbours, tried to convince us that Australia was part of Asia. Unfortunately for him, the rest of Asia saw us as a large country sparsely populated primarily with European immigrants, with a healthy mix of people from ethnic groups from just about everywhere. They didn't buy his argument. Nor did the Australian people.
