Sky News Australia gives Tony Abbott the stage in Australia: A History
The documentary examines Australia’s Indigenous heritage, colonial legacy, migration story and democratic evolution.
Sky News Australia will air a new three-part documentary series, Australia: A History, presented by former Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
Premiering Monday 13 October at 7.30pm, the series charts the nation’s story from its Indigenous beginnings to its development as a modern democracy.
The program traces Australia’s history across three episodes, covering events from the First Fleet to the gold rush, the wool boom, and the migration waves of the 20th century.
It examines how economic, cultural, and political milestones shaped the country’s trajectory.
Abbott travels from Arnhem Land to Sydney Cove and beyond, considering how stories of resilience, reform, and migration continue to influence national identity.
Along the way, Australians from diverse backgrounds share personal accounts of their own histories and those of their ancestors.
Contributors and perspectives
The series features interviews with a wide range of public figures and experts, including Governor General Sam Mostyn, former Prime Minister John Howard, Olympic champion and former Senator Nova Peris, former Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove, entrepreneur Anthony Pratt, Independent MP Dai Le, and author Li Cunxin.
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Military historian Peter Brune, former NRL player Nathan Blacklock, and descendants of the First Fleet also contribute.
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 better we know our national story, the more surely we’ll keep it that way.”
Sky News Australia CEO Paul Whittaker described the series as “an important and timely account of the extraordinary moments that have shaped our nation.
"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 series is inspired by Abbott’s book Australia: A History, published by HarperCollins. It is supported by The Institute of Public Affairs.
