Arts Non-Fiction Award: Refuge Australia, Klaus Neumann
Refuge Australia, by Klaus Neumann documents the history of Australia's response to refugees and provides fresh insights that illuminate the social and political forces that have shaped Au
About this winner
- Year: 2004
- Level: Winner
- Award category: Media award
About the 2004 nomination
Refuge Australia , by Klaus Neumann documents the history of Australia's response to refugees and provides fresh insights that illuminate the social and political forces that have shaped Australia's refugee policy.
The judges described Refuge Australia as a highly readable account of Australia's long history of debate about refugees and asylum seekers. Drawing together thousands of personal stories of refugees seeking refuge in Australia between 1930 and 1970 and original government documents, the book describes Australia's ambivalent attitude to refugees in a cool, clear tone.
"In so doing, Klaus Neumann doesn't prejudge the issues. Rather, he allows readers to arrive at their own conclusions. Refuge Australia does, however, leave the reader with a sense of optimism and the idea that change is possible.
In the midst of widespread community debate about Australia's current treatment of refugees and asylum seekers, Refuge Australia provides an important historical context in which to examine these issues. It's also a great read."
About the Human Rights Awards
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