Don Burrows, Australia’s most decorated jazz instrumentalist, died on March 20 and it is worth sketching out his significance. Jazz is, self evidently, not readily associated with Australia, although there is a long history of it being played here, especially traditional jazz. Bands like the Yarra Yarra Jazz Band and the Red Onions were producing…
There’s a new villain in Australian society today. The Socialiser! More than two of these freebooters get together for a “catch up” and the Riot Squad and SAS are called in. They are organised criminals, these prolix punks, and they could turn up anywhere, coffee shops, tea rooms, beaches, ovals, cafés, shopping centres … always…
by Jeffry Babb The United Nations (UN) is not intended to be about realpolitik, but about international cooperation. Many Australians have always had a soft spot for the UN. We are reminded of Labor leader Herbert Vere “Doc” Evatt (1894-1965) and his role in the formation of the UN, so that small and medium powers…
by Geoff Crittenden Australia had a long, proud history of manufacturing throughout the 20th century. With the Federation of Australia in 1901, customs barriers were eliminated between the states so they could more easily trade with another. This prompted the first wave of manufacturing expansion, particularly in Victoria and New South Wales. By 1913, manufacturing…
