Author Description

Product Description Since the 1967 constitutional referendum, Australian governments have moved toward policies of Indigenous self-determination. Obliged to Be Difficult presents the central issue of self-determination as seen by Dr. H. C. Coombs, the most influential policy maker after the referendum: through what political mechanisms will Indigenous Australians find their own voice? This narrative of Coombs' work draws on many unpublished sources and illuminates the interplay of government policy with Indigenous practice. This book is both an account of government policies and a biographical slice of an outstanding Australian. Review "Rowse has provided a definitive and accomplished account of Nugget Coombs' public persona." John Lea Book Description Since the 1967 constitutional referendum, Australian governments have moved towards policies of indigenous self-determination. Obliged to be Difficult presents the central issue of self-determination as seen by Dr H. C. Coombs, the most influential policy maker after the referendum: through what political mechanisms will indigenous Australians find their own voice? Rowse's narrative of his work, drawing on many unpublished sources, illuminates the interplay of government policy with indigenous practice. This book is both an account of government policies and a biographical slice of an outstanding Australian. About the Author Tim Rowse is a Senior Research Fellow, History Program, Research School of Social Sciences, Australian National University.