1. 'Alien and Servile Characters'

In the debut episode of Australia Fair, host Janak Rogers examines the contradictions in Australia's identity as a multicultural nation with a history of racism. Drawing from his experiences growing up in 1980s Sydney, Janak explores how Australia's colonial past and policies like the White Australia policy have shaped the country's approach to race and immigration. Featuring insights from experts like Jacqui Katona, Tim Soutphommasane, and Abul Rizvi, the episode delves into the brutal impact of colonialism on First Nations people and the economic and racial motivations behind policies that aimed to maintain a white majority. The discussion highlights how these historical practices continue to influence modern Australia, from cultural symbols to ongoing debates about race and belonging.

More than 40,000 people marched in Sydney to protest the 1988 Bicentenary celebrations, which marked 200 years since the arrival of the First Fleet. Credit: Patrick Riviere/Getty Images

The issues experienced by the multicultural community in Australia are similar to the experience by Aboriginal people because issues around difference are treated in a unique way in Australia, but the connection to land, the prior ownership by Aboriginal people puts Aboriginal people as a central part in the identity of Australia.

Jaqcui Katona - Djok woman, activist and lawyer

Australia Fair offers a critical look at the nation's struggle to reconcile its diverse present with its exclusionary past.

LISTEN TO

1. 'Alien and Servile Characters'

SBS Audio

30:59English

Find all episodes in the eight-part series in the SBS Audio app or other podcast apps such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and LiSTNR.

GUESTS

Jacqui Katona — lawyer and award-winning environmentalist

Senator Lidia Thorpe — Senator for Victoria

Tim Southpommasane — former Australian Race Discrimination Commissioner Professor

Fethi Mansouri —Deakin Distinguished Professor in Migration and Intercultural Studies Social Justice

Abul Rizvi — former Deputy Secretary of Immigration

Australia Fair is created by Janak Rogers

Additional editing by Max Gosford

The podcast is dedicated to Joyrsri Trivedi Rogers (1945 — 2024). "Woman Extraordinary. Plenipotentiary. Citizen of the World, Origin India". And, to John Michael Rogers (1932 - 2002).