Harvard College was probably less hurtful than any other university then in existence. It taught little, and that little ill, but it left the mind open, free from bias, ignorant of facts, but docile. The graduate had few strong prejudices. He knew little but his mind remained supple, ready to receive knowledge.

Henry Adams on Harvard College, Negative Standard, 1854, from The Education of Henry Adams.

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.

Jihad of Symbolism (released 19 July 2006)
The escalating extremism of terrorism and democratic militarism. Extract from a larger work in progress: Age of Abstraction: Perils and Possibilities of our Time
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What does the ALP need in a leader now? (released 18 July 2006)
Opinion column, January 18, 2006
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Citizenship, Land Rights, Economic Rights… and the importance of Micro Finance (released 18 July 2006)
Some early thinking about the need for linking up the Indigenous Stock Exchange with micro-finance initiatives
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The Future of Success: An Interview with Bob Reich (released 18 July 2006)
Bob Reich enjoyed this meeting with Indigenous Australian leaders. It was a great occasion in Cairns with Noel and Gerhardt Pearson.
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Previously unpublished written notes on the eve of Mark Latham's elevation to the leadership (released 18 July 2006)
Unpublished and unedited written notes in the lead up to the Federal caucus vote which would install Mark Latham as leader of the ALP.
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Maxine McKew interviews Peter Botsman on the Labor leadership, 2005 (released 18 July 2006)
Broadcast: 20/01/2005, Time for young blood: Botsman, Reporter: Matt Peacock, Interviewer Maxine McKew, 7.30 Report
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Pathways to the Enterprise State (released 18 July 2006)
This 31,000 word, 60 page report, published as a pdf document, was written in 2003 for a Federal Government department.
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Capacity Paradox (released 18 July 2006)
Extract: Age of Abstraction: Perils and Possibilities of our Time, work in progress
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Policing Anxiety (released 13 July 2006)
The effect of the western world's response to terrorism.
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Lifting Indigenous Employment (released 12 July 2006)
Discussion of the imperative to increase Indigenous employment. (5,024 words)
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