In the 1970s you could drift into an academic career and not even realise it had happened..
Don Watson, 2021
Latest Papers
The working papers collection comprises historical papers as well as current ideas and works in progress on some of the major issues and topics of our times.
"No, the real reason for our apathy is that the most interesting figures, controversies and shortcomings of Australian Federation have been edited out. Even today, or should I say, even more today, the temptation for historians and politicians is to have god and a triumphalist story of federation and Australian democracy on their side. Heaven help the black arm band historians! It’s important to be on top at the turn of a century, and in the era of the 1990s, the great temptation is to be seen as a ‘winner’ and on the side of democracy, officialdom, the legal fraternity and the big end of town."
The ABC’s “survey” of Woorabinda opinions on “The Voice” was a classic story about the many worlds of Aboriginal life. Congratulations to the reporter Rachel McGhee for the insights and people she interviewed...
Anyone who met or saw Jimmy Little sing was struck by his quiet, loving dignity, his unforgettable voice and stage presence. He represented something more - an invincible spirit - a famous trait of his mother's Yorta Yorta culture.
Though only a handful of us were gathered at Milingimbi on ANZAC Day, the full reality hits home: more than 30 million soldiers and civilians were killed in the Pacific theater during WWII, compared with 15 million to 20 million killed in Europe.
Changing the Australian constitution and deepening democracy
AUKUS almost certainly means that Australia will sign and ratify the 2017 UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. It is long overdue.
Reflections on the must-read book of 2023
There is nothing like the black of a perfect blackberry. So black it’s a void of black, purple, blue. Stare into it and you might get lost. It seems too much for the eyes. Is there anything else we eat that is so black, so beneficial, so immediately satisfying and delicious? Christ’s crown of thorns was made from blackberry runners, the black juice his blood. Blackberries symbolize spiritual neglect. In neglected areas of land in Australia they will run forever and will quickly take over acres, if you let them.
Are we optimistic or pessimistic about the future? Pessimism rules! But there are reminders, all around of us, of place, and how lucky we have it.
