Bulletin

Issue: July 2006

News

Reflected Light - La Trobe Essays launched

La Trobe University is showcasing the talents of its writers - and its preeminent reputation in arts and humanities - in a new collection of essays, Reflected Light.

Launched by former Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser, and published by leading independent Melbourne-based publisher, Black Inc., the book has been edited by sociologist, Professor Peter Beilharz and Professor of Politics, Robert Manne. Mr Fraser said: 'I congratulate the editors and contributors whose works are included in Reflected Light. The works show an expertise and a knowledge across a wide front.'

Noting the book's aim to discuss contemporary issues not for academic colleagues but for intelligent, nonspecialist audiences, Mr Fraser added: 'The purpose of serious writing, ought, in my view, to be to reach out to as wide a cross section as possible.'

From this book, he said, 'we learn something of Australia and I hope something about ourselves. The book reaches beyond Australia, to India, to Indonesia, to Vietnam, to commonplace events which are alien to so many. Together, these works demonstrate the breadth of the contribution and the vision that this University has made to intellectual life in Australia,' Mr Fraser concluded.

Black Inc. in its promotion of the book commented on La Trobe University's 'unique reputation in Australia for the grace of its writers and for its contribution to public debate'. 'Reflected Light collects reflections, evocations, commentary, criticism and humour by leading writers with a connection to La Trobe.

'The contributors to this collection read like a who's who of Australia's public intellectuals, writers and thinkers.

They range from Inga Clendinnen on the perils of technology, John Carroll on why Australia is the lucky country, Stefano de Pieri on life on a slow river, Judith Brett on the chook in the Australian unconscious, Dennis Altman on Gore Vidal, to Robert Manne on Howard's love affair with America.

'Reflected Light is a collection that showcases not only some of the best of La Trobe University but also some of the best thinkers and contributors to Australian culture generally.'

The launch was held at the North Fitzroy Star hotel and attended by more than 100 people, including many leading figures from the worlds of politics, publishing and academia.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian Stoddart thanked Mr Fraser 'for what I think is the best possible demonstration of why these essays were put together'. 'Your commentary on the book tonight (see report, centre pages) has encouraged everybody involved in this project, and your support is greatly welcome.'

Commenting on the role of public intellectuals and quoting University of Sheffield political economist, well-known UK author and commentator, Andrew Gamble, Professor Stoddart said two points were particularly relevant: 'Gamble stresses that the extent to which people are prepared to become public intellectuals is crucial both for the public domain and for the future of what he calls progressive politics.

'The second point is that universities have always almost traditionally been selfabsorbed - and the new higher education sector makes it even more difficult to be a public intellectual. (Gamble) talks about Britain's Research Assessment Exercise, and we are on the edge of similar activity here (the proposed RQF), so a lot of what he says also applies to Australia.

'That's why the appearance of this set of essays is so important, because it not only advertises the way in which La Trobe thinkers write and engage with the public - but it also shows the way some universities are going to survive the things that are happening to us.

'This is not to say we don't have to make some strong decisions and think very carefully about where we are at, and be highly analytical about ourselves - but, as Peter Beilharz pointed out, getting the balance right between innovation and preservation of our very strong heritage is going to be absolutely essential to the University.'

Thanking the editors, Professors Manne and Beilharz, for 'such a great piece of innovation', Professor Stoddart also praised Morry Schwartz, 'for his vision at Black Inc. and for supporting this volume in a way that shows great courage'.

'I think it will pay off as a highly innovative publishing venture - and we'll certainly want to talk to about the sequel!'

See 'Why La Trobe Essays'