The Idea of Australia: Season 1, Episode 3

1 - 3: Dreams of Land

Land is the heart of Australia, the source of wealth and opportunity for many, identity and belonging for the First Peoples. Battles over who owns the land, and how it should be used, were central to the old Australian story and climate change, native title, housing affordability and the need for environmental sustainability make it key now. The 26 million Australians who inhabit the vast continent have more space than any other country on earth, but most huddle in a few big cities that are becoming unaffordable for many.Who owns the land, and how it should be used, has sparked bitter battles for centuries. This episode delves into the history of the wars between settlers and First Nations peoples, and the demand for land rights and native title; the impact of the squatters and others who claimed the "empty land"; nation-defining mining disputes; the challenge of home ownership; and acrimonious contests over the environmental sustainability and climate change. We ask, what needs to be done to ensure that this wonderous land can sustain future generations?