Australia: A History: How an Ancient Land Became a Great Democracy

Australia is one of the world’s great success stories — a nation built on resilience, reform, and the pursuit of fairness. In Australia: A History, former Prime Minister Tony Abbott traces how an ancient land became a modern democracy: from its Indigenous heritage and British foundations to the diverse, thriving society of today.

Through clear-eyed storytelling, Abbott explores how a penal colony evolved into one of the freest and most prosperous nations on earth — a place of opportunity, democracy, and civic pride. Along the way, he examines defining moments such as the creation of the secret ballot, women’s suffrage, and the transformation from “White Australia” to one of the world’s most multicultural societies.

Candid, reflective, and grounded in historical perspective, this book invites readers to rediscover Australia’s story — its triumphs, contradictions, and enduring spirit. As Abbott writes, “If to be an Australian is to have won the lottery of life, the history that produced us is surely something to savour.

About the author: 

The Hon. Tony Abbott, AC served as Australia’s 28th Prime Minister from 2013 to 2015 and as the Member for Warringah from 1994 to 2019. A Rhodes Scholar with degrees in economics, law, and politics, Abbott is also the author of The Minimal Monarchy, How to Win the Constitutional War, and Battlelines.

Beyond politics, he is known for his community service through initiatives such as the annual Pollie Pedal charity ride and his volunteer work with the Davidson Rural Fire Brigade. He lives in Sydney with his wife, Margaret, and their three daughters.

Product details:

Author: Tony Abbott

Publisher: HarperCollins

Dimensions: 165 × 44 × 242 mm

Pages: 448

Format: Paperback

Publication date: 13 October 2025

ISBN: 9781460768297