The ad hoc nature of the land takeover by the newcomers was partly motivated by seeking to deny other ‘foreign’ powers coming into the continent and also led to Indigenous inhabitants being pushed to the margins (including Queensland, Tasmania and WA). ‘In every colony it was the combination of British racial superiority and God-given right that would prove fatal to the interests of First Nations people’. Massacres and extreme ill treatment took place until the ‘state’ intervened and forced First Peoples onto missions and reserves, taking control of their lives and upsetting families and cultural identity.

McKenna contrasts the largely forgotten loss of life of Indigenous Australians in the 19^th century with the claims that the loss of 60,000 ‘Aussies’ in WW1 was a source of our nationhood. Aboriginal participants in that war received little recognition or improvement when they returned, and repressive policies continued until after WW2. In more recent times, the Mabo judgement ended up granting Indigenous people land rights to over 40% of the Australian landmass. Greater awareness of, and acknowledgement to, Indigenous knowledge of the bush and fire prevention gave new impetus to learning from first peoples. This has been enhanced by greater recognition of Indigenous arts and deep knowledge of landscape and country.

The book devotes attention to the religious conflicts that emerged during European settlement, especially the Catholic-Protestant differences over state aid, land reforms, communism, and conscription. Women are acknowledged as having had a major role in pro-and anti-conscription referenda during WW1. On the wider scene, McKenna refers to the ongoing political manipulation of racist policies in discussions on immigration and citizenship. He emphasises the significant changes over the years that have led to Australia being the first English-speaking country to become a majority migrant nation in 2021: ‘The rapid transformation of Australia from an outpost of the British race into one of the most eclectic multicultural societies on earth has obscured its racist past’.

The way the book’s story unfolds shows the ongoing contradictions in Australia’s pattern of development. Movements for more independence were evident at times – e.g. for a free press, against convict transportation, for responsible government, and against unfair taxes. Federation identified loyalty to Australia with loyalty to the Crown, and we remained tied to Britain for many years (until 1984) while building links with USA. The Whitlam era showed the most determination for change.

At 260 pages, this is certainly a short history of Australia. Its focus on the Indigenous perspectives and the broader impact of occupation on today’s Australia is a refreshing alternative to other attempts to chart the country’s journey.

As mentioned in the Editorial to this issue of the AF, the title of this book parallels the ironic title of the recently published 65,000 years A Short History of Australian Art (Marcia Langton AO & Judith Ryan AM); McKenna’s book The Shortest History of Australia intentionally and ironically  focuses on the ‘last page’ of  the long timeline of Australia, the questionable British presence.

Canberra, January 2026