Australia: A History on Sky News Australia presented by Tony Abbott – Sky News Australia will broadcast a landmark three-part documentary presented by former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Australia: A History, that charts the remarkable journey of our nation from ancient land to great democracy.
Premiering across three nights from Monday 13 October at 7.30pm, this special television event explores the key moments that shaped Australia. From Arnhem Land to Sydney Cove, from the Eureka Stockade to multiethnic Cabramatta, Tony Abbott embarks on a deeply personal and wide-ranging journey through Australia’s past, its present, and hopes for the future.
Across three episodes, Australia: A History celebrates our nation’s resilience, and asks a vital question: how can our shared story bring us together?
From our nation’s rich Indigenous history to its colonial legacy and the landing of the First Fleet, through to the broad migration of people from across the world to our shores, the documentary examines how these deeply connected events have all shaped Australia’s trajectory.
As Australia grew from colony to Commonwealth, waves of fortune-seekers, farmers, adventurers, and reformers reshaped the landscape, economically, politically, and culturally. From the gold rush and the wool boom to the migration-driven transformations of the 20th century, Mr Abbott explores how Australia became a nation built on freedom, opportunity, and aspiration.
The documentary brings together Australians from all walks of life sharing their own experiences and those of their ancestors.
It celebrates the diversity, grit, and ideals that continue to shape the fabric of our nation, through interviews with prominent Australians, historians and academics including Governor General of Australia Sam Mostyn, former Prime Minister John Howard, Olympic Champion and former Labor Senator Nova Peris, former Governor General of Australia Sir Peter Cosgrove, military historian Peter Brune, former NRL player Nathan Blacklock, renowned ballet dancer and author of Mao’s Last Dancer Li Cunxin, leading entrepreneur Anthony Pratt, Independent Federal MP Dai Le, and descendants of the First Fleet.
Tony Abbott said:
“It was hardly an auspicious beginning but Australia has developed from convict dumping ground to a nation that’s the envy of the earth. The gravitational pull of the Australian way of life, the basic decency of the Australian people and the profoundly democratic institutions that we’ve pioneered here mean that to be an Australian is to have won the lottery of life. The better we know our national story, the more surely we’ll keep it that way.”
Sky News Australia Chief Executive Officer, Paul Whittaker, said:
“Australia: A History is an important and timely account of the extraordinary moments that have shaped our nation into the vibrant, modern Australia it is today, uniquely told by one of its greatest advocates, Tony Abbott. It marks the first time our nation’s history has been conveyed from the perspective of a former Prime Minister, to inspire Australians to rediscover a history they should be proud of in a country that has made remarkable achievements against incredible odds.
“While our history is complex, reflecting our Indigenous heritage, British foundation and immigrant character, it’s important that our nation’s struggles and imperfections, endeavours and triumphs continue to be shared to remind all Australians that it is this single unifying story that connects us all.”
The documentary was inspired by Australia: A History, written by Tony Abbott and published by HarperCollins. The book gives a detailed account of our nation and is the first history of Australia to be written by a former Prime Minister.
Australia: A History is proudly supported by The Institute of Public Affairs.
Australia: A History – Premieres Monday 13 October – Wednesday 15 October at 7:30pm AEDT
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Australia: A History on Sky News Australia presented by Tony Abbott
