Meet the author - Tony Abbott

Tony Abbott  will be in conversation on his new book Australia. A history.How an ancient land became a great democracy

Australia is one of the world's great success stories: a land long hidden from outsiders, chosen as a convict dumping ground, where - since 1788 - people from many backgrounds have built one of the freest, fairest and most prosperous countries on earth.

By the standards of a harsher time, the early governors tried to respect the original inhabitants and to encourage the convict outcasts of the British Isles to make a new start to a better life. This Indigenous heritage, British foundation and immigrant character have shaped the land of the 'fair go' especially for those willing to 'have a go'. It's not perfect, even now, yet mostly we have a history to be proud of. Within a century of settlement, Australia had not only the world's highest standard of living but had become a global pioneer for democratic freedoms such as the secret ballot, the payment of MPs and voting rights for women.

A country largely created by settlement and negotiation has evolved from 'White Australia' at the time of federation into one of the world's most colour-blind societies and has managed the transition from an old 'Anglo' identity to a civic patriotism based on an overriding commitment to Australia and its values.

This book is intended to give anyone interested - as every Australian should be - an account of our past that's positive, while not oblivious to our mistakes and imperfections as a nation. If to be an Australian is still to have won the lottery of life, the history that's produced us is surely something to savour.

'Not quite the "white armband" version of history I was expecting in the first half, nor a "Liberal Party highlights package" in the second half. I enjoyed reading it' - Peter FitzSimons,

‘This book helps us rediscover our past with honesty and respect, so we can better understand our present and shape a stronger, more inclusive future' Dai Le. MP, independent member for Fowler

The Hon. Tony Abbott, AC served as the 28th prime minister of Australia from 2013 to 2015. He held office as the leader of the Liberal Party of Australia and was the member of parliament for the New South Wales division of Warringah from 1994 to 2019. Prior to entering parliament, he was a journalist with The Australian, a senior adviser to opposition leader John Hewson, and director of Australians for Constitutional Monarchy. He has degrees in economics and law from Sydney University and in politics and philosophy from Oxford which he attended as a Rhodes Scholar.He is the author of three previous books: The MinimalMonarchy (1995), How to Win the Constitutional War (1997), and Battlelines (2009).      

The vote of thanks will be given by Frank Bongiorno AM, Professor of History ANU and President of the Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. 

Books will be available for signing from 5.30pm and again after the event.

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A podcast will be made available after the event.

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