‘Much to be proud of’: Abbott writes landmark history of nation

The former PM has long wanted to tell the story of Australia through a more balanced and positive lens, countering the so-called ‘black armband view’ of the past, but with recognition that sometimes ‘good intentions’ have gone awry.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott in his office before the release of his new book. Picture: Jane Dempster/The Australian

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Tony Abbott has authored a new history of Australia, from the uncertain convict settlement of 1788 to the prosperous, fair and free nation that it is today, shaped by Indigenous, British and multicultural heritage, with the aim of fostering greater appreciation of this overwhelmingly positive national story.

The former prime minister told The Australian in an exclusive interview that he had long wanted to tell the story of Australia through a more balanced and positive lens, countering the so-called “black armband view” of the past, but with recognition that sometimes “good intentions” have gone awry.

“While there are blemishes on our past, as there are in all countries’ pasts, I think there’s so much more to be proud of,” Mr Abbott, 67, said.

“So, utilising the megaphone available to a former PM, I thought why not try to tell our story in a positive, upbeat, encouraging way.

“My working title for it was Australia: A Proud History. So that is essentially my approach. It is a history to be proud of.

“As I said, there are some blemishes, but on balance, it’s a great story and it deserves to be better known and more appreciated.”

Cover of Tony Abbott's new Australian history book.

The book, Australia: A History – From Convict Colony to Great Democracy, has a foreword by esteemed historian Geoffrey Blainey and will be published by HarperCollins in October. Mr Abbott acknowledged the assistance of The Institute of Public Affairs in researching the book.

He hopes that readers of the book, which highlights the contribution that farmers, miners, soldiers, ­carers and democratic pioneers have made to Australia, will find there is much to value, respect and admire in our past and will come away with “a deeper patriotism”.

Having served as prime minister from 2013 to 2015, Mr Abbott said he could bring a perspective of wrestling with high-level decision making and would include brief accounts of his government and that of his Liberal successors, Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison, among others.

“There is quite a focus on politics,” he explained. “Having been in the prime ministership and other senior political positions myself, it does give you a bit more sympathy to all others in similar circumstances.”

Always an admirer of John Howard, he also praises Bob Hawke highly and says he is more of a Ben Chifley “fan” than of John Curtin, and regards Joe Lyons as “rather underestimated” who deserves rehabilitation as “a very significant figure in our national story”.

Mr Abbott, who also served as a minister in the Howard government and was the Liberal Member for Warringah (1994-2019), is a former journalist and author of three previous books, including Battlelines (2009). He said he had no plans to write an autobiography or memoir but did not entirely rule it out.

“I used to say, facetiously, that as a journalist I was a frustrated politician and as a politician I was a frustrated journalist,” he joked.

“I don’t think many political memoirs are that successful. Too often they are about retrospective justification of events that are no longer that interesting.”

Former prime minister Tony Abbott in his office prior to filming part of his documentary with Mark Tedeschi KC on his new book. Picture: Jane Dempster/The Australian

Publisher Mary Rennie said she was excited to be publishing a landmark history of Australia that is the first written by a former prime minister.

“Tony Abbott provides a unique view into the events, people and attitudes that have brought us to where we are today, and he tells our story with affection, clarity and in an immensely readable style,” she said.

Mr Abbott said he hoped readers would approach the book “in a spirit of curiosity and appreciation” for our shared history.

“It’s not about me, it’s about the country,” he said. “If you’re in public life, you will be judged and let people make their judgments.

“Do your best to, I suppose, have positive deeds and uplifting words, and honourable political combat, on which they can judge you.”

Mr Abbott is also filming a companion documentary for Sky News Australia, talking to prominent Australians about ideas, events and personalities, which will be broadcast over three one-hour episodes this year.

Tony Abbott’s Australia: A History – From Convict Colony to Great Democracy will be published by HarperCollins on October 14