"Australia integrated the - brought on the ships and unleashed in the society the dogs of sectarianism, which had existed in other places - in Glasgow, in Liverpool and of course in Ireland, north and south"

This quote by Thomas Keneally is referring to the sectarianism that was offered Australia by the British inhabitants. The sectarianism that existed in places such as Glasgow, Liverpool and Ireland, north and south, was given Australia on the ships as well as let loose in the culture. This sectarianism was a type of religious and political discrimination that divided people right into different teams based on their beliefs. This sectarianism was a major issue in Australia throughout the 19th century and also it created a great deal of tension between different spiritual and political groups. The quote is recommending that the British settlers was in charge of introducing this sectarianism to Australia and that it had a major influence on the society. It is additionally recommending that this sectarianism was already present in various other places before it was given Australia.