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Try to Imagine ─ Don Watson on Paul Keating's Redfern Speech, December 1992

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Episode notes

Paul Keating's speech delivered to a mainly indigenous audience at Redfern Park on 10 December 1992 is regarded as one of the great Australian speeches. In an ABC radio listener poll in 2007, it was voted the third greatest speech ofr all time, behind 'I Have a Dream' and 'The Sermon on the Mount'. Here is the video and transcript.

In this episode,Keating's speechwriter Don Watson discusses the speech, its construction, its impact. He also talks about language, Keating's gifts for language, as well as the souring of his relationship with Australia's 24th Prime Minister, after the publication of his best selling and award winning memoir, 'Recollections of a Bleeding Heart'. in 2001.

Watson's most recent books are 'There it is Again' (Collected Writings) and The Bush.

Tony's books are available online and at his website. Send an email to swap details for signed copies. He mentions Harry Highpants in this episode, a picture book about protest and pants freedom!

Episode supported by GreenSkin™ and PurpleSkin™ avocados at https://greenskinavocados.com.au/

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