The full story of Australia's democracy from one of our leading historians.
Australians did not invent political democracy, but they have created a unique form of it. This book tells the story of the democracy Australians have made.
It's a story which traces the growth of democratic rights and freedoms from convict times until the present. It charts the transition from the era when racism limited political rights to today's concern that everyone's human rights be respected; from the demand that governments be free to carry out the people's wishes to the current desire to see all government power checked and controlled. It examines notable Australian innovations like the secret ballot, the basic wage and the practice of democratic manners.
The book also explores the oddities of Australia's democratic society - one where there has been strong opposition to military conscription but not to compulsory voting; where egalitarianism and the belief in 'a fair go' has not led to a universal welfare system nor prohibited the growth of private schools; where politicians have been held in contempt but governments have been competent and efficient; where the people have been scornful of British snobbishness but loyal to a British monarch and where men have been keen about mateship, leaving women to take citizenship seriously.
This is the first book on Australia's democratic history. It is written by one of Australia's most notable historians whose hallmark is fresh interpretation, an engaging style and a compelling eye for the human story in history. John Hirst brings the history of our particular democracy to life in a lucid, entertaining and vivid way for students of history and for general readers so that they can understand better the society in which they are citizens.
