Rear Vision — How History Shaped Today ABC Radio

Until the 1967 referendum, First Nations people were not included in the census and so weren’t considered members of the Australian population. This referendum was the most successful in Australia’s history, with over ninety percent voting in favour of changing the Constitution. It empowered federal governments for the first time to make laws that might improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

After World War II, Australia embarked on a massive immigration program. Between 1945 and 1965, two million immigrants came here, many from countries formerly excluded under the ‘White Australia’ policy. These 'new Australians' were expected to assimilate, become just like us, but by the late 1960s it was obvious many families were struggling. The introduction of multiculturalism in the 1970s transformed the lives of many migrants and, ultimately, Australia itself.

In the current debate over the Voice to parliament, both sides agree on the need for a Treaty. What they don’t agree on is when. Both New Zealand and Canada have treaties and a complex history of implementing them. What, if anything, can we learn from their story?

In early January, 2020, news began filtering through from China about a previously unknown illness, perhaps a new kind of pneumonia that appeared to have a high mortality rate. Our lives were about to be upturned, with lockdowns, border closures, masks and even toilet paper shortages transforming our day-to-day lives in unimaginable ways. Three years later, we know a lot more about Covid-19 and the virus that causes it, SARS-CoV-2.

In just twelve months, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has reshaped the political landscape in Europe. Finland and Sweden have applied to join NATO, perceptions of Russia in Central Asia have shifted, and the focus of Russia’s foreign policy has changed. Rear Vision explores the political fallout from the conflict in Ukraine.

Russia’s attempt to take its neighbour, Ukraine, by force has not gone according to plan. Many—including Russia—expected Ukraine’s capitulation within days. But, led by its charismatic president, Volodymyr Zelensky, and supported by NATO, Ukraine fought back, although at a terrible cost to its people. Why did Russia’s invasion go so spectacularly wrong?