Australia's Democracy: A Short History. by Hirst, John - 2002

Sydney: Allen & Unwin , 2002. 1st p/b ed.. Paperback octavo, very good condition, black & white text-photos, few drawings, graphs, spine ends little rubbed, white background covers little marked, top corner tip front cover little creased, minor edgewear. 360 pp. John Hirst, a leading Australian historian at Latrobe University, describes how Australians have created a unique form of democracy. He traces the growth of democratic rights and freedoms from convict times to the present, such as the transition from racism to concern that everyone's human rights should be respected. He examines noted Australian innovations such as the secret ballot, the basic wage, and the practice of democratic manners. Also examines such democratic oddities as compulsory voting, the lack of universal welfare, private schools, and loyalty to the British monarch.