Life is like a lottery
Taking chances on the trot
Even there’s so much out there to deplore
Pride, good character and fairness
Will enable us to win
Our deserving lucky first prize at the door.

Jimmy Little, Life is Like a Lottery
Frances Peters-Little, Jimmy Little, A Yorta Yorta Man, pp. 63-4

 

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.

Constitutional Recognition & Treaty (released 12 July 2022)
Back to the Future: One of the important aspects of this 2014 submission by Bill Moyle, Gerry Moore and I was the idea of a treaty making power with all Aboriginal First Nations based on traditional territory not on colonially imposed boundaries like States. If treaties could be developed with, for example, the Yorta Yorta people in Victoria and like across Australia, this would truly enhance Australia's prosperity, productivity and sense of local unity and pride. We are a top heavy Commonwealth. It was one of the problems of colonialism and one of the problems that came with the 1967 referendum. If we could have the capacity for local treaties, Aboriginal people would overwhelmingly support a referendum.
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Finding Kyanga: Kevin Pearson's Story of Hope, Life and Coming Home (released 5 July 2022)
When Kevin Pearson came over Cambewarra mountain to Kangaroo Valley in April 2022 he heard voices: “He’s here”.”He’s home”. “He’s back”. Kevin had come back home after four lifetimes...
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The Day Eddie Played for Rumba (released 29 May 2022)
When a very well drilled Deniliquin senior football team defeated Rumbalara on Saturday, 22nd April 2022 at Rumbalara’s home ground in Shepparton, with a large crowd in attendance, the day was memorable for more than just who won or lost.
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A Life of Practical Ideas: Tom McDonald and the transformation of Australia (released 11 May 2022)
Two new statues should be commissioned in Sydney: one on the corner of Francis St and Glebe Point Rd, Glebe and the other in the new Bennelong Financial District of the CBD. They should commemorate the boy from Glebe, Tom McDonald, the father of industry superannuation and so much more. His values of integrity, trust, honesty and courage are a guide for us all.
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Stranded (released 12 April 2022)
Vale Chris Bailey
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Substance, Conservative Virtue Signalling and the Growing Army of Non-believers (released 11 April 2022)
The first day of the 2022 campaign may well be seen as a god send for Anthony Albanese. He choked on basic numbers. Not a good look, but from the very first minute it etchs something into his mind, something that he already knows: Labor invariably has a fight on its hands to win a Federal Election in Australia. This may bring out Albo’s best qualities, but there is also another factor in this election: the growing unaligned independent voter. Who is s/he? The major political parties and even the major polling companies do not have a clue. Chances are Albo will beat Scot Morrison but these new non-aligned voters will not preference Labor creating a night-marish scenario for the next four years.
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The Modern Magic Pudding (MMP) (released 5 March 2022)
Could there be a better prospect than magic pudding? Endless pudding for all.
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The Voice (released 24 December 2021)
The Final Report on an Indigenous Voice to the Commonwealth Parliament has been received and legislation is pending.
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The Loyalty Letters of Cyril Wyndham (released 20 October 2021)
Cyril Wyndham was a friend and supporter of Dr. H.V. Evatt. These letters show how Wyndham defended Evatt's legacy and reputation to the very end of his own life.
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A productive year 1993 (released 18 October 2021)
Tom Uren, Peter Botsman, Trades Hall, 1993
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