“Crime and Punishment”
Few scholars of Australian history need reminding that Colonial Australia began as a prison. While the detrimental effect it had, and perhaps still has, on Indigenous Australia is unambiguous, to what extent this brutal background shaped the modern nation merits re-evaluation. In 1788 Australian society was divided into convicts versus guards, ratbags and whores versus their keepers, criminals versus State with the Indigenous population swept to the side lines. The sinews which link Australians to this past, some familiarly, all historically, arguably have left a mark on the modern country – a stain.
In this issue of Coolabah we aim to extrapolate and explore the links stretching from the First Fleet, the Ticket-of-Leave men, bushrangers, Female Factories, larrikins and wowsers to the Australian of today.
Further to be explored is how crime, criminal identities and law enforcement has been portrayed in Australian media, including fiction by written form, TV and cinema. Has it been glorified? Idealised? Why is the swagman of Waltzing Matilda still revered? Why too Ned Kelly and Chopper Reid by some? Contemporary law enforcement issues such as gun control, Indigenous deaths in custody; Don Dale, Koori Courts, African Gangs, the detention of mothers, children and immigrants amongst others also warrant attention. We aim to explore how deep this stain has penetrated today’s Australia and what solutions are offered and can be found.
To submit and show an expression of interest please contact guest editor Lorne Walker-Nolan at: lornebcn@hotmail.com
1. Expressions of interest – 31 November 2019
2. Full papers due by – 31 January 2020