Australia’s schism in the soul began its life as an investigation into the question; why did Australia begin abusing, and sometimes, torturing refugees? In pursuit of that answer the book became an exploration of the soul and psyche of the nation. A nation that voted No to a Voice in Parliament, and one that continues to cower in the shadow of our more powerful friends.

Australia is a fragile, divided, anxious nation. We vote for policies that destroy the sacred core of people, of children, simply to assuage and manage our own fear. We are unable to accept the reality of Australia’s colonial violence and we all continue to pay a dangerously high price for this delusion. The country that went silent on the violent origins of colonisation has largely become tongue-tied on immigration detention.

Dr Julie Macken, author of Australia’s schism in the soul, is a former journalist, political consultant and currently an advocate. She completed a PhD at Western Sydney University in 2023 and is on the board of Sweltering Cities, the Sydney Peace Foundation and Australian Peace and Security Forum and member of the RFS.

Watch the latest Talking Authors Online now, with special guest host Emeritus Professor Ian Lowe.

Recorded Tuesday, May 12th

View the book here.