Late Night Live - Separate stories podcast Henry Reynolds turns Australian history upside-down
Nov 12, 2025
Historian Henry Reynolds, known for his work on Australia's frontier history and Indigenous relations, delves into the untold stories of northern Australia. He discusses the distinctiveness of this region beyond the Tropic of Capricorn, the reasons behind the success of southern colonization contrasted with northern failures, and the rich presence of Indigenous Nations. Reynolds also highlights the complexities of multicultural interactions, economic aspirations, and the legacy of racial theories, urging us to view history with empathy and curiosity.
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Capricorn As A Defining Divide
- The Tropic of Capricorn marks a cultural and political divide that makes the North distinct and underpopulated.
- North of Capricorn covers 45% of Australia but holds only about 5% of the population, shaping different histories.
Settlement Was Reluctant And Transient
- Whites largely refused to settle long-term in the North, causing high turnover and FIFO work patterns.
- This scarcity of permanent colonists limited development and shaped the region's instability.
Proximity To Asia Shaped Dreams And Fears
- The North's proximity to Asia and the Pacific created persistent hopes and fears about trade and invasion.
- That closeness fuelled dreams of prosperity and national anxieties about non-white neighbours.
