Made in Queensland: A New History

Citation

Moore, K. (2011), "Made in Queensland: A New History", History of Education Review, Vol. 40 No. 1, pp. 99-101. https://doi.org/10.1108/08198691111140857

Made in Queensland:A New History offers both the general reader and the professional historian valuable understandings about the social and political history of the northern state. Written by Ross Fitzgerald, Lyndon Megarrity and David Symons, this expansive and enthusiastically written volume examines Queensland since the state's formation in 1859. The breadth of Made in Queensland is impressive. This book could easily have been a compendium of facts, but the authors have written an interesting and readable examination of Queensland over the past 100 years, including a detailed and concisely written initial chapter on the pre‐1859 period.

Fitzgerald, Megarrity and Symons examine the nature of the various State Governments and explain how their policies impacted upon the populace. Queensland's uniqueness is a central theme. Aboriginal Queenslanders, the labour movement, women's suffrage, immigration and the two World Wars are skillfully woven into the fabric of the text. The importance of rural and regional centres, the central role of minerals development and the contribution of agriculture and grazing are central aspects of investigation. Policing, the environment, tourism, celebrations, the arts and education are not forgotten. A strength is the authors' avoidance of excessive factual detail that would stymie readability. The coloured photographs are appropriate and heighten reader interest.

Fitzgerald's previous contributions to Queensland's history From the Dreaming to 1915 (1982) and From 1915 to the 1980s (1984) investigate the history of Queensland in comprehensive detail. Made in Queensland on the other hand, takes a broad and sweeping approach that promotes an overall understanding of the nature of the state. This can only be successfully accomplished by authors who have a thorough knowledge of their subject.

The chapters are arranged chronologically, with most covering a 15‐20‐year period. Sub‐chapters are utilised. This gives the writers a valuable organisational tool and the reader the opportunity to compartmentalise the large amount of material contained in this large book. The authors' analysis of recent events is particularly valuable, especially for lay readers who, through their memories of various circumstances, can reflect upon their own interpretations. The authors' examinations of Joh Bjelke‐Petersen, the Fitzgerald reforms, Wayne Goss, the Borbidge Government, Pauline Hanson and One Nation, the Beattie Government and the Premiership of Anna Bligh are thoughtfully considered. The presence of bias could have been a problem, but, in the opinion of this reviewer, the authors do not push particular political views. This book was generously funded by the Queensland Government and no doubt the text was carefully proof read to ensure that such an accusation would be without substance.

The sections of the text that refer to education offer the reader (and researcher) a broad overview of changes in the provision of education in Queensland since 1859. Twenty‐six pages are fully or partially devoted to examining education in Queensland. Policy and curriculum, entry levels, examinations and enrolment figures as well as the development of higher education institutions are carefully integrated into a readable narrative. Catholic schools, senior technical schools, teachers' colleges and universities are discussed, although State Primary and Secondary schools are examined in greatest detail. The information provided is accurate and the observations perceptive and reflective of the authors having acquired detailed and comprehensive understandings.

The authors have included an extensive and valuable select bibliography, endnotes and index. The select bibliography entry for education offers a valuable listing of books and articles on Queensland's schools, universities and educational policies. They are a good starting point for those interested in researching the history of education in Queensland.

Made in Queensland provides the reader with a broad overview of Queensland's unique social, economic and political development. This book is written with both authority and verve and admirably caters for the needs of the general reader, senior high school student, university student or academic historian seeking insights into Queensland's past – and present. Analysis, far‐reaching informed observations and a fast paced narrative make this book a success. The blurb on the back of the book states:

Made in Queensland examines the evolution of this vast state by considering all aspects of its recent history, from its people and its politics, to its events and its achievements. It charts the social, cultural, political and economic developments that have marked the past and defined the present […] The authors deserve praise and congratulations for having achieved this.