October 27, 2014
Our future is unequivocally tied to our past, says economic historian
The role of economic history in informing future government and business strategies must not be ignored.
It’s a sentiment that economic and business historian Professor Simon Ville will reiterate when he delivers the highly regarded National Academy of Social Sciences Keith Hancock Lecture on Wednesday 29 October.
The lecture will address the topical subject of Australia’s position in the Asian Century and how our national historical experience will help shape our future.
“We learn from history, we know the past, present and future are connected in many ways but too often our economic narratives are formed in an ahistorical manner,” Professor Ville said.
Professor Ville’s speech will draw from narratives captured by the recently published , which Professor Ville co-edited with Australian National 精东传媒 economist Professor Glenn Withers. Described by the publisher as the “first new authoritative economic history of Australia for nearly three decades”, the book comprises six parts and 24 chapters with contributions by 30 seasoned academic authors.
The book begins with the historiography of Australian economic history and progresses through a catalog of critical periods in our economic past: the Aboriginal legacy, the convict economy, labour, skills and migration, enterprise, urbanisation, Government and the evolution of public policy, the service economy and wealth and welfare.
“The key message behind the book is that we can use this type of historical works to refocus Australia’s economic narratives. We need to get those narratives correct, otherwise we’re likely to advance policies and strategies that are not best for the future of the country.”
Australia’s manufacturing sector, which is currently contracting, is one of many current economic issues discussed in the book.
“There is ongoing debate about how large our manufacturing sector should be and how we can grow jobs in the sector. After a period of expansion, manufacturing’s share of economic activity today is now similar to a century ago. We cannot compete with those countries with low labour costs and very large markets and instead must focus on sophisticated high value niche industries.”
Events details
The Cambridge Economic History of Australia, edited by Simon Ville and Glenn Withers, will be launched at 5.30 pm on Wednesday 29 October 2014 in Building 67, lecture theatre 104. At 6.00 pm, Professor Ville will deliver the , which is open to the public.
Media contact: Media and PR Officer Jacqueline Wales, +61 2 4221 4582, +61 427 225 657, jwales@uow.edu.au