Working 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.
The political ethos of the United States is always a challenging monster to harness and understand. Most often it is very different from that of Australia. Often it is so radically different that it is very difficult to explain. The words are in English. The markings of people are similar. But the giant currents of change are unlike anything in Australia. There is a complexity of forces playing across 300 million people, cultural spheres and billions of dollars of investment, capacity and spent energy.
Labor party hatred is a wonderfully malleable thing.
Faithful, dedicated, hard working, focused and roundly loved by all - everything a PM would aspire to be.
Trees can talk. Thoughts on the majesty of Aboriginal life and its importance for our nation.
Jabukanji (Port Douglas) was like the High Court, a cathedral, a war memorial, a cemetry, and an embassy all in one for the combined Bama (Indigenous) nations of the lower Cape York and Cairns region. Bama camped in the area for the duration of their ceremonial or law or diplomatic business but it was not a permanent residential settlement. Just as Londoners do not live in Westminster Abbey, Jabukanji was a revered place of respect and culture. The Mulloridgi, Western and Eastern Yalanji, Jabakai and possibly other Aboriginal nations used Jabukanji to resolve internal and external issues of state and to conduct ceremonies and burials.
Beck Cole's new film "Here I Am" continues the triumphant march of new Indigenous cinema. These are the movies of our lives. In Cinemas from June 2.
Who or what is Bob Dylan? Ghost? Man? Ghost of a Man? Elfin figure with pointed boots, bent knee and raised foot? Little drummer boy with striped pants and marching tunic? Chorister? Conductor whose gentle hand commands a wall of sound? Rider of the Easter Moon tides? Force who steps through the ordinary world bringing a spirit that is not stopped by any of the foibles of time, place and land? Don Quixote and the wind mills? Is it a child or an old man under the firmly fitting white Fedora hat? Who will emerge with each song? Thoughts on Dylan's Wollongong performance on a fateful Easter day in 2011.
The problem in Aboriginal Australia is that there are many poor failures that no-one learns from.
