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.
Raffy (he who must be obeyed) cat, kept me awake all night with a 186 Taylor Swift song playlist and he refused to turn it down until I added to what he reckons was a completely superficial initial survey of Swift Power. He was disgusted that I did not understand the true significance of the “22” hat. He also reckoned, The Beatles 1964 (not 1968) invasion of Australia, no comparison with TS Power: . the Beatles on the balcony of the Southern Cross Hotel in Melbourne, 15,000 people at most, maybe 3500 people at their concert; Taylor filled the MCG three times in a row with Grand Final crowds. So please... Okay Raff point taken. He then went on to pontificate about many other serious questions including of course Taylor’s preference for cats over dogs... This alone, according to Raffy, indicates that Taylor is superior to most other human beings. The thing is Raff is correct that Swift Power deserves much more understanding, but my problem is that the more you look at Taylor Swift’s songs and words the deeper and harder you have to go, not something to be accomplished quickly or easily.
Not since the Beatles has a musical act captured the imagination of whole cities in Australia like Taylor Swift. Moreover the performances are arguably at a level that even the most sophisticated operas or theatre would be proud of.
The first referendum influenced by social media - a modern day disaster.
"No, the real reason for our apathy is that the most interesting figures, controversies and shortcomings of Australian Federation have been edited out. Even today, or should I say, even more today, the temptation for historians and politicians is to have god and a triumphalist story of federation and Australian democracy on their side. Heaven help the black arm band historians! It’s important to be on top at the turn of a century, and in the era of the 1990s, the great temptation is to be seen as a ‘winner’ and on the side of democracy, officialdom, the legal fraternity and the big end of town."
The ABC’s “survey” of Woorabinda opinions on “The Voice” was a classic story about the many worlds of Aboriginal life. Congratulations to the reporter Rachel McGhee for the insights and people she interviewed...
Anyone who met or saw Jimmy Little sing was struck by his quiet, loving dignity, his unforgettable voice and stage presence. He represented something more - an invincible spirit - a famous trait of his mother's Yorta Yorta culture.
Though only a handful of us were gathered at Milingimbi on ANZAC Day, the full reality hits home: more than 30 million soldiers and civilians were killed in the Pacific theater during WWII, compared with 15 million to 20 million killed in Europe.
Changing the Australian constitution and deepening democracy
AUKUS almost certainly means that Australia will sign and ratify the 2017 UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. It is long overdue.
