Richard 'Dick' Downing (1915-1975) was an influential and intriguing figure in Australian public life. Many will remember the high regard in which ordinary Australians held him. Today, such esteem for a public figure, let alone an economist, seems barely credible. Like H. C. 'Nugget' Coombs, Downing was one of the generation of capable young men whom World War II catapulted into positions of public prominence. He was Professor of Economics at the University of Melbourne, highly respected Chairman of the ABC from 1973 until his untimely death, and prominent advocate for a wide range of social policy reforms in the 1960s and 1970s. Nicholas Brown examines Downing's rich and complex public life, with interests ranging from economics to the arts and education, and their expression has much to tell us about Australia politics and society. Readers will find many revealing insights into the discussion and formation of public policy during the post-war decades, and into a particular style of Australian liberalism. The story of Richard Downing's life will fascinate readers, and its telling illuminates many aspects of contemporary Australian history.
- ISBN13 9780522849738
- Publish Date 7 October 1997
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 15 August 2011
- Publish Country AU
- Imprint Melbourne University Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 352
- Language English