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Lawrence Ryan is Australia's very own Evel Knievel. Legend: A Childhood Dream is Lawrence's lively autobiography which traces his progress from outback Junee (NSW) to this country's number one stuntman. As he writes: "Was there always an inner stuntman lurking in my genes? I was three when I told my dad I wanted to be a stuntman. Teacher, police officer, truck driver - these seemed okay occupations for other kids to aspire to but I knew they were tame compared to my dream." TV personality Grant Denyer remarks in his foreword: "He's part superhero, part gentlemen, part dreamer, partly psychotic. But, far more importantly, he's always entertaining." Legend is indeed an entertaining read and generously illustrated with photographic evidence of Lawrence's astounding stunts.

Taking on topics from pornography and prostitution to female genital mutilation, from womens magazines and marriage to sexual violence, contributors in this collection argue that the kind of liberal feminism currently rising to prominence does little to challenge the status quo.

Part autobiography, part cultural history, some will read Memoirs of a Slow Learner as a comic anatomy of the corpse of Australian small-l liberalism. Others will see in it a journalistic record of the times. Yet others a moving personal statement. It is a unique departure in Australian autobiography. Commenting on this new edition, Coleman writes: 'Looking back across twenty years I see more clearly than I did at the time that the real origin of Memoirs of a Slow Learner was my immersion in the poetry of James McAuley (my co-editor at Quadrant.) I had already written one response to his work and genius, The Heart of James McAuley (Connor Court). His autobiographical poems moved me deeply, especially his 'Letter to John Dryden'. It distantly echoed a similar family background to mine (freethinking father, Protestant mother), a similar education in a secular state grammar school and Sydney University, infatuation with Marxism, mysticism and Christianity. But whereas McAuley found a resolution of his quest in the Catholic Church, I persevered with secular liberalism, in the belief that imagination and feeling could still moisten its parched landscape. Several writers published rejoinders to McAuley's poem - Jack Lindsay, Amy Witting, A.D.Hope. Memoirs of a Slow Learner was mine. It could be called 'A Letter to James McAuley'. In the years since I have come to accept many of McAuley's criticisms of my liberal secularism - many but not all. I am now more sceptical of the freethinkers who influenced me in my youth such as the philosopher John Anderson and far less sceptical of church leaders who deplored their influence. The conversation continues.'

The Father Factor prompts the reader to consider the evidence on what drives success and happiness. What emerges from the research is the finding that the relationships with the father and the mother tend to powerfully affect long-term happiness, financial success and work success. The resolution of one's relationships with father and mother, then, is pivotal to the pursuit of success and happiness. Because father-child relationships have tended to break down more dramatically in contemporary society than mother-child ones, this book gives particular emphasis to father-child ones. In seeking to help the reader to resolve the crucially important relationships with parents and navigate the journey to wholeness, the book provides various evidence based strategies, illuminating case studies and links to useful resources.

"With an engaging blend of scriptural reflection, theological investigation and very personal and human stories of struggle, confusion and journeys in faith, Father Ken Barker has provided his readers with a very real reason to live their lives in hope. Over and over again he shows us that the basis for this hope is Jesus Christ. As Father Barker insists, however, there is a world of difference between knowing about Christ and knowing Christ. It is when we encounter him as a living presence in our lives today, rather than simply an interesting and perhaps inspiring figure from the past, that our lives begin to be transformed by his saving grace. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know Jesus better, love him more and serve him with generosity and courage."

Four Aboriginal writers are worried about proposals for Aboriginal recognition in the Constitution. Australians should read these, and the other distinguished essays in this volume, before they embark on this venture. Wesley Aird -Anything more than a simple statement of historical fact risks the process being jeopardised by 'blackfella politics'. Anthony Dillon - The many thousands of happy, successful Aboriginal people, who are flourishing despite the lack of constitutional recognition of culture, are surely evidence that such recognition is not needed. Kerryn Pholi - The inclusion of clauses that pledge 'respect for Aboriginal cultures, languages and heritage' ... could create conditions in which a person with a long-ago Aboriginal ancestor may ... find it legally advantageous to cultivate a claim of Aboriginal identity. Dallas Scott - Constitutional recognition is an exercise in futility. Unlike the resounding result achieved in 1967 that allowed native Australians to be counted in the Census, and to have laws made on their behalf, there is no urgency or importance attached to the present undertaking.

As a young democracy with an emerging middle class and an abundance of natural resources, Indonesia is attracting plenty of interest from foreign investors. While the potential benefits of doing business in the developing Asian economy are obvious, the risks can be tougher to spot. But journalist Ari Sharp has found there are plenty of things that can go wrong, and often do. With widespread corruption, a crooked legal system and dysfunctional infrastructure, Indonesia can be a high-risk destination for outsiders keen to invest. Looking back over the past five years, Risky Business investigates real-life investment nightmares and discovers that plenty more pain might await others who venture to Indonesia unprepared.

In a no nonsense fashion, Asher Judah abruptly calls time on the Asian Century mindset by placing Australia's long term future front and centre. By declaring that Australia has begun the most important century of its existence, Judah outlines why and how Australia can change to become a more powerful global player. He illustrates a future in which Australia grows stronger amidst mounting international instability, and shows how the rise of the global middle class will drive the nation's socioeconomic evolution. Sparing few sacred cows, Judah challenges the inevitability of Chinese and Indian economic domination, identifies the unassailable rise of the "peripheridy" nations and rewrites the manual on conceptualising Australia's strengths and weaknesses. Casting a fresh eye over Australia's urban and economic development history, Judah also exposes the reality of its development model - one which more closely resembles an expanding archipelago. THE AUSTRALIAN CENTURY does what should have been done years ago - tells a story all about us.

In court cases, policy studies and media stories, euthanasia advocates claim that Belgium's euthanasia records are complete and transparent. The official euthanasia story from Belgium has been accepted at face value by the authors of these influential reports and court decisions; the Royal Society of Canada End-of-Life Decision Making report; the Quebec Select Committee on Dying with Dignity report; the Commission on Assisted Dying report - UK the BC Supreme Court Justice Lynn Smith: Carter decision.

Can you pick James Hird's great grand-father in the photo on the front cover? Who was the Carlton coach (and Test cricketer) who grew up on the Goldfields? Who was "Best on Ground" in the 1914 VFL Grand Final? Where did he die? Who was the indigenous defender who starred in the 1950 VFL Grand Final? Who is the champion woman footballer whose dad was a great VFL full-back? Find the answers to these questions and much more, in this one-eyed family story of Aussie Rules by Kevin Reed, who believes that to truly understand a sport it helps to know its history from different perspectives. Does your family have a similar story?

IN Press Gang, lead character journalist David Reed risks injury and death to report on voting scams, then a violent strike, is sent to cover a military battle and uncovers a scandal, has on-and-off romances after his regular girlfriend deserts him, is sent to Federal Parliament and uncovers a ghastly sex scandal, then corruption among MPs, faces peril from a gang of bogan bikies, marries and travels abroad, then becomes deeply involved in reporting on the issue of refugees in boats. The novel is fiction, but some incidents may be based on events that happened in author John Kiely's life. Kiely was a reporter, then columnist and sub-editor on the Melbourne Argus which closed in 1957. He went to Britain and worked on the Manchester Guardian, then Fleet Street papers. He returned to the Melbourne Herald, rising to Deputy Editor, and in 1978 joined The Age where over 14 years he rose to Deputy Editor. In 1993 he joined the Herald Sun as Opinion Editor, leaving journalism in 2010 at the age of 76.

"Recent years have seen significant changes in the various institutions sponsored and operated by the Catholic Church. Probably one of the most important of these is the fact that the governance of these institutions - works of education, health care, aged care, and social services - is now in the hands of lay persons, rather than being directed by clergy or religious. This change has led to remarkable progress is many ways. Nevertheless, there remains the question of the preparation being given to those who now find themselves in a governance position for a work operating on behalf of the Church. This book examines the types of preparation that would be necessary for those who assume such tasks. There is no question of their competence in the field of administration and personnel management. But, when it comes to issues of "Catholic identity" and related questions, people might be expecting from them decisions for which they were never duly prepared. This joint work, arising out of significant doctoral studies, lays the foundation for formation of those who are assuming leadership positions in Church-related institutions. Given my own work in this area, I can hardly wait to be able to put this book in the hands of those who are eagerly awaiting guidance in arranging for future leaders to acquire the appropriate doctrinal and ecclesial formation to accompany them in their difficult mission." Francis G. MORRISEY, OMI, Faculty of Canon Law, Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Canada

What sort of priest is needed for the third millennium? The cultural and ecclesial landscape has changed so dramatically over the past fifty years. There are new and challenging forces at work influencing the direction of culture and there are many forces bearing in on the Church. The priest is at the cutting edge of the intersection of these forces as they play out in the lives of Catholics. It is timely to look again at the identity, spirituality and pastoral orientation of priests. This book is written firstly for priests and for seminarians, but can be of interest to lay people who seek to understand what is happening to the priesthood in our time.

Life was never meant to be easy, as a famous politician once said, and tragedy and loss can strike at any time. Losing a loved one unexpectedly and without reason, facing family hardship or a crisis at work are events that can touch anyone of us. But, there are ways to be resilient and to overcome adversity and pain and to lesson the impact of depression. In Taming the Black Dog, Kevin Donnelly writes how literature, religious faith and the love and comfort of family and friends can help one to find a safe shore after the storms and the rough seas. While there is no closure - there is hope and a chance to live life to the full. Dr Kevin Donnelly, author of Dumbing Down, Australia's Education Revolution and Educating your Child, is one of Australia's leading education authors and commentators. He taught for 18 years in government and non-government schools and is currently a Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Catholic University.

Land rights, welfare and culture have locked aborigines out of the good life. Land has become a burden, welfare has become disabling, bad behaviour is mistaken for culture. There is a way out. Aborigines must abide by the same rules as every other Australian -- seek out opportunities, study hard, and free themselves from a culture of bad behaviour. This is in contrast to the white man's dream of Aboriginal self-determination. This grand experiment has failed. Aborigines, especially those in remote Australia, need an exit strategy from the dream. The exit strategy outlined in this book destroys the rallying cry for culture. Instead, it shows that the way to self-determination is through individual dignity.

Dr Joseph Santamaria, a devout Catholic with a long and distinguished medical career, is well equipped to offer his wise insights on bioethical and public health issues such as alcohol and drug abuse. His latest publication contains selections from his vast store of published articles and keynote addresses commenting on a wide range of contentious contemporary questions. He tackles controversial topics such as the corruption of science by a combination of ideology and vested interests as in the flawed approaches to the AIDS epidemic, so-called "reproductive health" and drug abuse. Secularism's attempt to marginalise religious values from the public square in addressing these problems, in Australia and other Western nations, is also forcefully confronted. Dr Santamaria concludes with a series of reflections on religious topics that he has found challenging. Joseph N. Santamaria, son of Italian migrants who arrived in Australia early in the twentieth century, graduated in 1948 in medicine. He specialised in haematology and oncology and later became the Director of Community Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital. He retired from hospital practice at the end of 1988.

"...the essays assembled in this volume edited by my old friend and first student, Gianfranco Cresciani, and by Bruno Mascitelli of Swinburne University in Melbourne. All the essays are in some sense focused on what some contemporaries might think is 'old fashioned political history'; there is no mention of emotions, food or dance. The themes are significant. The research is serious. Archives have been probed and detail from them is made available that was not public before. Australia and Italy may be quite a long way apart in 2013 and the gap between them may be increasing. Nonetheless they share quite a bit of history. Important aspects of it are recovered in this collection of essays. It is as much a part of Australian history as is more familiar tales about 'resistance' on the frontier, the growth of mining or the spread of 'Meals on Wheels' across the nation". -- Professor Richard Bosworth

Here at last is a scientific voice from the developing world that dissects the West's current obsession with "dangerous man-made climate change". Hans Christian Andersen's 19th century fairy tale, The Emperor's New Clothes, serves as a parable for today's anthropogenic global warming hoax that has politicians, journalists and academics around the developed world bending the knee to the new green religion of climate alarmism. Like the boy in the fairy tale, the author points out that the climate "emperor" also has no clothes. Making extensive use of documentary evidence from across the scientific spectrum he demonstrates that the alleged "consensus" of the climate scientists is non-existent. The writer examines in detail the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment reports and finds there is no credible scientific evidence to back up the claims of imminent climate catastrophe. The present book has particular significance, given that the developing world will suffer most if deprived of sources of urgently needed cheap energy as a result of the West's futile, indeed hypocritical, crusade to "save the planet" by outlawing fossil fuels. The New Emperors' Novel Clothes is an important addition to the growing body of scientific literature refuting the claims of the climate alarmists. Let's hope more of our politicians are starting to pay attention.

Royal Commissions and Public Inquiries - Practice and Potential analyses the impact of public inquiries on policy and administration, their practices and processes and the factors which make them effective. While the volume focuses mainly on Australia, there is also up-to-date analysis of public inquiries in the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. The contributors to Royal Commissions and Public Inquiries include leading Australian and international academic experts, practitioners, commentators, judges and researchers including: Nicholas Aroney, Gary Banks, Stephen Bartos, Linda Courtenay Botterill, Frank Brennan AO, Rosalind Croucher, Geoff Davies AO, Henry Ergas, Philip Flood AO, Paddy Gourley, Grant Hoole, John Humphreys, Kenneth Kitts, Tony Makin, Scott Prasser, Janet Ransley, Charles Sampford, Alan Simpson, Graeme Starr, Mark Thomson, Rodney Tiffen, Helen Tracey and Roger Wettenhall. Royal Commissions and Public Inquiries - Practice and Potential is part of the Government, Policy and Politics Series, a joint initiative of Connor Court Publishing and Griffith University. The series explores past, present and future developments in Australian government, policy and politics. The Editors: Scott Prasser has worked in federal and state governments in senior research and policy roles and is author of Royal Commissions and Public Inquiries in Australia (2006). He holds undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications from the universities of Queensland and Griffith. Helen Tracey has had a successful career in public policy, mainly in education with the Commonwealth Government and has worked at the Public Policy Institute of the Australian Catholic University. Helen has academic qualifications in political science, public policy and education from the Australian National University and the University of London (Institute of Education).

This book explores Pope John Paul II concept of the New Evangelisation and examines some of the implications that this has for Catholic schools. For John Paul II the New Evangelisation arose out of the deliberations of the Second Vatican Council and its aftermath. At its core it sees a relationship between believers and Christ, through the ministry of the Church, as the key for an authentic Christian life in the third millennium. The New Evangelisation recognizes that the cultural milieu in which Catholic schools operate is very different from even a few decades ago and as such schools need to reconfigure themselves to meet new challenges. Catholic Schools can no longer rely on passive socialization as a primary means of catechesis. It needs to better articulate their message in an era when religious beliefs and practises are increasing marginalized, often seen as a private concern or one option amongst many. By emphasizing, amongst other things, an engaged and responsive mentality, cultivation of supportive groups and the need for a reconceptualisation of religious education, Catholic schools can address the significant challenges the New Evangelisation puts before them.

In creating the scholarships that bear his name, Cecil Rhodes had two great objectives: the promotion of public-spirited leadership and of harmony between nations. His vision was that these could be achieved by giving life-changing educational opportunities to outstanding young people with 'instincts to lead', and so contributing to a network of people-to-people relations between countries. In this volume, the former global head of the Rhodes Scholarships, Dr Donald Markwell - the first Rhodes Scholar to hold that position - discusses how good leadership can be promoted, drawing on examples of leaders from Nelson Mandela to Margaret Thatcher, as well as other leaders in politics, education, culture, intellectual thought, and more. The vision of Cecil Rhodes to promote international peace through scholarships that would create 'educational relations' between countries is illustrated here through the experience of the German Rhodes Scholarships in the 20th century, and points to the value of scholarships to engage China and other countries in the 21st century. A scholar of international relations, Dr Markwell also discusses other approaches to promoting peace and preventing war. In papers from his experience as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) of the University of Western Australia and as Warden of Rhodes House, Oxford, Dr Markwell discusses the spirit of a university, the value of liberal education, and the importance of collegiate education and of student engagement in the extra-curricular life of a university campus. These are educational values which the Rhodes Scholarships have promoted, and which are important to prepare students well for the challenges of a century of global forces and rapid change.

We will all die, but few of us discuss it with those who are important to us. Many will also be confronted by disability, illness, grief and loss. How we respond to suffering says much about empathy, love and who we are. There is no doubt many people have much to endure, but illness and disability are not all doom and gloom, just different, and calling on us, perhaps, to surrender to dependence on others, and place trust in God, and trust in our love for each other. In this volume the author reflects on being pleasantly surprised with doors that have been opened through illness, that he did not know existed. There was also the discovery of resilience and a deepening and strengthening of love. The book reflects on issues that arise in illness, such as the right to know and refusal of treatment, issues at the end of life, euthanasia, artificial feeding, pain management, representation and advanced directives. It also includes discussion of the care of those with mental illness, and finally the issue of health resource allocation. While considering the range of views on these issues, this book is also very frank about the author's experiences of illness, pain and threats to life.

An unapologetic advocate for mainstream values, Cory Bernardi presents a bold vision for a stronger nation that is founded on conservative principles. He takes the fight to the political left and calls for an overturning of the existing moral relativism that threatens Australia's way of life. Bernardi argues that the best way to tackle this threat is to protect and defend the traditional institutions that have stood the test of time, something that he has done during his time as a senator in the Australian Parliament. Bernardi's work courageously promotes the conservative cause and sets out a path to a better Australia through a commitment to faith, family, flag, freedom and free enterprise. This volume reminds us that conservative principles - not the populist whims of the left - generate enduring stability, success and strength. That is why we need a conservative revolution.

A PUBLISHER'S APPRENTICE BOOK "No doubt about it, your boy will be drafted before Jess gets her second facelift," remarked the impeccably groomed Hank from the stadium. But his eyes were already glued to the next batter taking up position. Will the boy, a baseball prodigy, get drafted by his beloved New York Yankees? And who is the next batter taking up position? See how the fortunes of two life-long school friends weave their way through the streets of Melbourne, a church in Cairo and the ghettos of New York, ending in a mix of jubilation and unspeakable tragedy. "Home Run" is ground-breaking teenage fiction. It is a finely crafted story combining the ambitions of teenagers with their spiritual search for meaning. "This book will drive teachers mad. Teenagers will hide it under the desk for a sneaky read in maths because it's a compelling story." Tess Livingstone, author and editor of 12 books. "Well-written and inspiring ..." Zac MacMahon, aged 16. "Such a well written book addressing so many relevant themes." James Duckett. "... a compelling story ... an exceptional book ... A perfect 10 out of 10." Adrian Kotevski. David Lawrence is a freelance Melbourne writer. He has worked in various capacities for a range of large and small organisations, in Australia and overseas, and is currently employed as an educator. Home Run is his first venture into teenage Christian fiction and his second published novel.

Nick Greiner was an unusual post-war Premier of NSW. He came into office in 1988 wanting to do more than change lifestyles, win re-election and remain popular, and he proceeded to implement a wide-ranging and enduring transformation of what he called "NSW Inc." Greiner's personal story is also unusual. Born in Budapest, the elder son of a Hungarian father and Slovak mother, Nick arrived in Sydney in 1951 at the age of three. His parents' encounters with Nazi and then Communist persecution explain their determination to leave Europe, to 'make good' in Australia, and to encourage their two boys to assimilate. From an early age, Nick wanted to be the best. He came top or amongst the top in every year at school, in the Economics Faculty at the University of Sydney, and at the Harvard Business School. Frustrated by his father's 'European ways' of running the family timber business, he went into politics. Within three years this self-styled 'non-politician' and Liberal Party 'outsider' was elected Leader of the demoralised State Liberals, and within another five years led the Coalition to a landslide election victory. He brought to the premiership, and his later very successful business career, the habits of thought which his Harvard and post-Harvard experience had cultivated: a commitment to change and a willingness to take risks, an emphasis on evidence-based, rational and strategic approaches to decision-making, a concentration on outcomes rather than processes and on practical solutions rather than ideological consistency. Greiner's departure from politics was equally unusual. Having almost lost the unlosable election of May 1991, he took the 'political' option of securing a job in the Public Service for a dissident Liberal in order to reclaim his seat. ICAC, his creation, found him guilty of 'corrupt conduct' within the meaning of his legislation. The Labor Opposition and three high-minded Independents, supported by an equally high-minded media, hounded him out of office before the Court of Appeal overturned a finding which looks even more absurd in the light of recent ICAC investigations. This book sets out to describe and explain Greiner's life in politics, to tell the story of someone who made a difference and yet who, being a manager and strategist rather than a conventional politician, contributed to his own undoing.

There are few problems today which have not been either caused or made worse by the politicians. The sad fact is that the institutions of our representative democracy - one of the world's oldest - have been compromised. This can be directly attributed to the power brokers in the major parties who are in an unholy alliance with the elites. So much of what they do today just does not pass the "pub test". The authors argue that the only solution is to make the politicians truly accountable - not just every three or four years in blank cheque elections - but on every day, of every month and of every year through the tools of direct democracy.