Author Description

"Australia is not a lucky country by chance. Every Australian today is a beneficiary of what our forebears built. Living in one of the safest, most egalitarian and prosperous nations in the world, Australians have an advantage that citizens of many other countries could never imagine and could only dream of." This book is divided into five parts. Part One discusses the extent of colonialism in the world at the time of the First Fleet, the significance of slavery, the composition of the membership of the First Fleet and the journey itself. In Part Two, it is sought to make the point that, in the event that Australia and its allies had been unsuccessful in the world wars, the fate of Aboriginals in the country is likely to have been persecution and probable extinction at the hands of the victors in the conflicts. Part Three looks at the position of Aboriginals at the time of the settlement by the members of the First Fleet, including their lifestyle, and at the impact upon them, including the effect of introduced diseases and the general dispossession which occurred. The impact of the missionaries who came to the colonies hoping to convert the natives is also discussed. Part Four concerns the story of the 'stolen generation' and the level of compensation which has been paid and is being paid for the loss caused by the dispossession and consequent devastation affecting Aboriginals. Part Five deals with issues of moral and other concerns, the government objective of 'closing the gap', the Uluru Statement from the Heart, the Aboriginal 'flag' and possible endeavours to move towards a better future for Aboriginals still affected by traditional cultural concerns.