No, Australia was not a utopia before British arrival, but it has sure gone close since
Stop glamorising the ancient past and look at all this young, fair and courageous nation has achieved since 1788.
Geoffrey Blainey
Latest
Would the US ever defend Taiwan from China?
The exact sequence of escalating events, once a war begins, cannot easily be forecast. Would the US negotiate or would it retaliate by launching missiles on the Chinese ports and industrial towns opposite Taiwan?
War must not be allowed to destroy our social cohesion
As sympathy rises for the Muslims in Gaza, there are strong reasons to reject rising anti-Semitism, not least because Jews have been remarkable contributors to the success of Australia.
The ‘lucky’ country? Mining wealth built on brains
One of our most eminent historians also proved to be an expert on the future when he wrote about the fortunes of mining in December 1969, just before the great market bust.
Lessons of war now forgotten across a changed nation
At the end of the war, Australian politicians of all parties knew their country had achieved a narrow escape. They learned from the experience.
How Taylor Swift took half the nation by surprise
Whether you’re a fan of her music or not, Taylor Swift and the cultural phenomenon she’s whipped up in Australia this week is undeniably a force for good.
Let’s tell the truth about the country we call home
It is true that for decades the Indigenous people mostly died from diseases to which they had no immunity. They were killed in large numbers. The whole truth, however, can be elusive.
It’s time to tell the truth — but are we ready to hear it?
This land is infinitely more fruitful than it was in 1788, and most Aboriginal people are now the gainers. The whole globe gains too.
Before voice vote, let’s get the facts in order
The Uluru statement is militant. It offers no sentence of respect or gratitude to the Australian people. Yet it is hailed by the PM as warm hearted and generous.
Brushes with history
For many Australians, the coronation will hasten their desire for a republic.
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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/geoffrey-blainey