Rob Riley

Winner of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, Arts Non-Fiction Award, 2006.
Winner of the Non-fiction section of the Western Australian Premier’s Literary Award, 2007.
Shortlisted for the New South Wales Premier’s Award, 2007.

Widely regarded as one of the great Aboriginal leaders of the modern era, Rob Riley was at the centre of debates that have polarised views on race relations in Australia: national land rights, the treaty, deaths in custody, self-determination, the justice system, native title and the Stolen Generations.

He tragically took his own life in 1996, weighed down by the unresolved traumas of his exposure to institutionalisation, segregation and racism, and his sense of betrayal by the Australian political system to deliver justice to Aboriginal people. His death shocked community leaders and ordinary citizens alike.

Set against the tumultuous background of racial politics in an unreconciled nation, the book explores Rob's rise and influence as an Aboriginal activist. Drawing on perspectives from history, politics and psychology, this work explores Rob's life as a 'moral protester' and the challenges he confronted in trying to change the destiny of the nation.

Production Details

• Paperback
• 235mm x 155mm x 25mm
• 256pp
• Released April 2006
• ISBN 9780855755027

Excerpt

Contents

About The Cover

Front cover Illustration: Rob Riley, West Australian Newspaper Ltd