An Insider's Account of Six Turbulent Years of Aboriginal Politics.
Told by our longest serving Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, this book tells the inside story of a succession of turning points in the history of black/white relations.
The creation of ATSIC, the passage of the Native Title Act following the High Court's Mabo decision, the appointment of the "stolen generations" inquiry, the birth of the reconciliation process, the establishment of the Indigenous Land Fun - these are just some of the initiatives chronicled by a major participant.
Robert Tickner was in the thick of the fray as the Hawke and Keating Labor governments confronted a two century long legacy of neglect and discrimination, in circumstances which became increasingly bitter and divided. While describing the achievements of the governments he served, Tickner frankly acknowledges their failures and points out where inertia and hostility to indigenous needs were not solely the property of the Opposition.
