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The Power Of Speech: Australian Prime Ministers Defining the National Image

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The Power Of Speech: Australian Prime Ministers Defining the National Image
Authors and Contributors      By (author) James Curran
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:438
Dimensions(mm): Height 198,Width 133
Category/GenreAustralia, New Zealand & Pacific history
ISBN/Barcode 9780522852486
ClassificationsDewey:320.540994
Audience
Tertiary Education (US: College)
General

Publishing Details

Publisher Melbourne University Press
Imprint Melbourne University Press
Publication Date 1 March 2006
Publication Country Australia

Description

A highly original study of prime ministerial rhetoric that exposes the sources of our most powerful leaders' beliefs about Australia. The subjects of this book are five fascinating prime ministers-Gough Whitlam, Malcolm Fraser, Bob Hawke, Paul Keating and John Howard-and how they view Australia. Until the 1960s, our nation believed itself to be British. Then, during a decade of momentous change, this concept of our national identity collapsed. It was buried by the forces of cultural and political renewal; by disturbing and exciting developments in Asia; and by a dawning recognition that the global era of colonial power was over. The result was a crisis of national meaning reflected in public debates about multiculturalism, Australia's relationships with its Asian neighbours, the dispossession of indigenous Australians, and the nation's involvement in war. In recent years, our political leaders have played a conspicuous role in the controversy. In The Power of Speech, James Curran explores the end of the idea of British Australia, and how successive prime ministers have attempted to assert personal, and often competing, visions of Australian nationalism in its place. This highly original study of prime ministerial rhetoric exposes the sources of our most powerful leaders' beliefs about Australia.

Author Biography

James Curran has a PhD in History from the University of Sydney. Since 2001, he has worked as a policy adviser in the NSW and Commonwealth Public Service. Dr Curran is the John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library Visiting Scholar for 2004.