Various legumes and herbs grew among the clumps but there was space for Plains Rats, Gould's Mice and Pale-Field rats to run about in the open as they fed. These are graceful and beautiful creatures. Although they are true rats and mice, the association of the name with the introduced rodents unfairly denigrates them.

Eric Rolls, The Pillaga, Murray-Darling Basin Commission Reading the Land, 1997

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.

Vale Tom Uren (released 26 January 2015)
Vale Tom Uren (28 May 1921 – 26 January 2015)
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The Art of Aboriginal Saltwater Fishing: An Interview with the Legendary Ron Ardler and family (released 8 December 2014)
At one time there were 16 Aboriginal fishing companies supplying the Sydney fish markets from Wreck Bay south of Sydney. Now there is only one. All up and down the NSW coast we must ensure for environmental, cultural and economic reasons that Aboriginal fishing enterprises prosper into the 21st century and beyond.
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Mourning Two Australian Prime Ministers: Mary Gurruwiwi (1922-2014) Gough Whitlam (1916-2014) (released 4 November 2014)
This 30 page essay is a reflection on the death and legacy of E. G. Whitlam and Mary Gurruwiwi (whose name is used with family consent). It contains photographs taken by E. G. Whitlam in Yirrkala and Cooktown in the 1940s as well as photographs of the funeral for the great elder at Mata Mata which was occurring on the morning E.G. Whitlam passed away. There are also links to recordings and footage of the bungul (ceremony) at Mata Mata in accordance with family wishes.
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Governing from Gulkula (released 11 October 2014)
For four days Prime Minister Abbott ruled the country from the sacred area in NE Arnhem land called Gulkula.. did anything rub off? Maybe.
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"Go-On Bird": The Ongoing Struggle for Aboriginal Fishing Rights on the NSW South Coast (released 6 October 2014)
On October 18, 2014 on Candlagan Beach near Broulee Island a protest for the restoration of Aboriginal fishing rights will take place. In the lead up to that event in this hour and a half long interview John Brierley and Andrew Nye reflect on the history of NSW South Coast Aboriginal Fishing. The conversation, which was recorded in John Brierley's kitchen in Moruya on October 1, 2014, ranged from history, to licencing, to the issues of selling fish and developing a well resourced Aboriginal South Coast fishing industry that creates employment opportunities for young people.
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The Fire of Mata Mata (released 2 October 2014)
A discussion with Batumbil Burarrwanga, traditional owner, leader, master artist and weaver at her spiritual home, Mata Mata, on the Arafura Sea, North East Arnhem Land
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Wonders of the World (released 28 September 2014)
Tribute to one of the great men of Lake Evala
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The Greatest Show on Earth (released 15 September 2014)
Stephen Pigram, Australia’s greatest contemporary troubadour, is the artistic director of a show that will take not only Australia, but the world by storm.
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Work With What You Have Got (released 4 August 2014)
An Independent Review of Andrew Forrest's Creating Parity
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The Good Sock (released 28 July 2014)
A story about the value of good socks for a working man.
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