Interview with Michelle Arrow & Frank Bongiorno, Australia's New History Wars

Uncommon Sense – Triple R FM

Historians Professor Michelle Arrow and Professor Frank Bongiorno speak about the disturbing new history wars, which have seen several of Australia's national cultural institutions suffer severe cumulative federal funding cuts over decades with damaging effects. For example, the National Library of Australia has taken an unprecedented step and closed access to its manuscript collections for seven months to repair a leaking roof. This will have enormous effects on the work of academics, students, historians, and everyday Australians who use this unique collection. Other institutions like the National Gallery of Australia, the National Archives of Australia, and the National Sound and Film Archives are under great financial and operational strain. Michelle and Frank also talk about the National Cultural Policy to be developed and what needs to change to protect our nation's heritage and cultural institutions. Frank and Michelle also lead the Australian Historical Association. Broadcast on 27 September 2022.