Defending Country: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Military Service Since 1945

Book Cover

Author/s (editor/s):

Noah Riseman
Richard Trembath

Publication year:

2016

Publication type:

Book

Few Australians realise the extent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in the military. Many enlisted before they had the right to vote, to drink alcohol or even to receive equal wages.

Launched by General David Morrison AO, former Chief of Army and the 2016 Australian of the Year, Defending Country is the first book to document the unique experiences of Indigenous men and women since the Second World War. Using compelling personal narratives and rigorous archival research, it explores how military service impacted the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruits. It also reveals how their involvement in Australia’s defence contributed to the advancement of Indigenous rights.

Historians Noah Riseman and Richard Trembath examine what motivated Indigenous people to sign up, their experiences of racism in the armed forces, the challenges in returning to civilian life and the role of the Australian Defence Force in promoting Reconciliation.

Defending Country is an important addition to Australia’s military history studies and offers a fascinating insight into little-known wartime experiences.

You can find all the details on this book at The University Of Queensland Press website, and further coverage of the launch of Defending Country by General David Morrison AO, former Chief of Army and the 2016 Australian of the Year on the ACU website.

Please note: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material - read more

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