Aspirational Nationalism or Opportunistic Federalism

'Aspirational Nationalism' appears to be a slogan in search of a meaning. To what do we aspire? Do we aspire to be a nation, to be nationalistic, or to nationalise the states? The context in which the Prime Minister coined the phrase suggests that it was intended to mean that we should do the best for the nation, regardless of federal-state distinctions. On its face, few would dispute this sentiment. But what is best for the nation?