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 CollegeNegative 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.

Lifting Indigenous Employment (released 12 July 2006)
Discussion of the imperative to increase Indigenous employment. (5,024 words)
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The politician as community catalyst: A conversation with Kevin Rudd (released 11 July 2006)
A conversation with Kevin Rudd recorded 9 February, 2006 at Parliament House in Canberra
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Simon's Struggle (released 11 July 2006)
A version of this article on Simon Crean's pre-selection battle in Victoria was published as "Friction from the Factions", Courier Mail, 08/03/2006
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Opinion Editorial Financial Review 6 Jan 2006 (released 11 July 2006)
A call for reconciliation with Australia's Aboriginal nations.
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Day of the Terrigal (Audio) (released 11 July 2006)
A commentary on the resignation of Bob Carr read by author Peter Botsman
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Day of the Terrigal (released 10 July 2006)
A commentary on the resignation of Bob Carr
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Democracy: Whitlam's Forgotten and Forbidden Legacy 1960-1972 (released 7 June 2006)
Party Democracy: Whitlam's Forgotten and Forbidden Legacy 1960-1972 a paper presented to the New Institute, Newcastle, 16th November, 2005
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