“Naku Dharuk: The Bark Petitions” wins 2025 Australian Political Book of the Year
Clare Wright has won the Australian Political Book of the Year for Naku Dharuk: The Bark Petitions (Text).
The book “makes an enormous contribution not only to the history of Australian democracy but to our future direction,” said judges. This year’s judges were Australian National University political science professor John Warhurst, the Age/Sydney Morning Herald senior writer Kerrie O’Brien and political journalist Barrie Cassidy.
“The Bark Petitions tells the inspiring story of how the people of Yirrkala changed the course of Australian democracy. In this story the Indigenous people themselves are joined by missionaries, miners, government agents and politicians,” said judges. “Professor Wright explores all their perspectives and contributions with vigour, forensic research and great sensitivity. In doing so, she gave meticulous regard to the cross-cultural issues involved.”
Wright is a historian, author, and broadcaster, known for her work uncovering women’s stories in history. She is a professor of history and public engagement at La Trobe University. Her books include The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka (Text), which won the 2014 Stella Prize, You Daughters of Freedom (Text). and We Are the Rebels (Text), which was shortlisted for a CBCA Eve Pownall Award. Wright was recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to literature and historical research.
The judges said, “Her outstanding research involved both traditional academic archival methods and deep learning from Indigenous people by living in the region for months at a time. Professor Wright’s book, combining flair and skill, is as readable and engaging as a novel as she brings the leading characters to life.”
“The Bark Petitions, standing alongside the other two books in Professor Wright’s trilogy, will be read across the Australian community for many years to come,” said judges. “It expansively and accurately tells the whole story of an extraordinary development. Truth-telling about Australia’s past has never been more important. This book contributes to ongoing discussion and debate about the rights of First Nations peoples and to broader discussions of the dynamics of Australian democracy.”
The organisers reported a record number of submissions this year, from which 10 books were longlisted and 4 shortlisted.
Announced by former South Australian premier Jay Weatherill at Old Parliament House in Canberra last night, the award recognises “the vital part political books play in promoting a better understanding of Australian politics and public policy”. The winner will receive $15,000, with each shortlisted author receiving $1000.
Last year’s prize was awarded to Chris Masters for the book Flawed Hero: Truth, Lies and War Crimes (A&U).
Category: Local news
