Not Quite Australian

‘Mares is indefatigable in his data gathering and scrupulously even-handed in weighing the evidence. He strikes an exquisite balance between the personal and scholarly, the humane and tough-mindedness. Not Quite Australian is big-picture storytelling with a pulse, always keeping ideals, blunt realities and people — the exposed who want a place and the lucky ones entrenched here — in the frame.’ * Australian *
‘Compellingly readable…[Mares’] research is comprehensive, intellectually deft, ethically and philosophically grounded – but digestible, and personally attested…This is on-the-ground, people-focused journalism of the highest kind.’ * Sydney Morning Herald *
‘Mares has once again presented a controversial and complicated topic with clarity and humanity. At a time when a national conversation about what it means to be Australian (or unAustralian) seems daily social media fodder, Not Quite Australian is an important contribution. And a reminder of the importance of thorough, slow-burn journalism in the hot-takes age.’ * Big Issue *
‘An important and timely contribution to the debate about how Australia should handle the migration of people to its territory, and I highly recommend it.’ * Australian Book Review *
‘This detailed, careful and topical book is illuminated by the personal stories of individuals and families caught up in a complex and bureaucratic system, and it leaves a lasting impression of an Australia that is becoming a two-tiered country…Powerful and persuasive.’ * Overland *
‘This book is one which should be read by policymakers and concerned citizens alike.’ * Spectator *

Peter Mares is an independent writer and researcher. He is a contributing editor with the online magazine Inside Story and a senior moderator with The Cranlana Programme. Peter was a broadcaster with the ABC for twenty-five years, serving as a foreign correspondent based in Hanoi and presenting national radio programs. He is the author of the award-winning book Borderline: Australia’s Response to Refugees and Asylum Seekers in the Wake of the Tampa and has written about migration for many media outlets including The Age, Australian Financial Review, and Griffith Review. Peter lives in Melbourne with his wife and son.

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