A stunning collection of essays that provides a portrait of the major issues facing Australia today.

The nation has a lot of unfinished business. Will we become a republic any time soon? How to deal with the intractable issues of indigenous disadvantage or the steady flow of asylum seekers? Will we have a proper debate next time we go to war? How well is the Westminster system working?

In early 2013, La Trobe University held a conference in honour of Professor Robert Manne, at which papers were presented from thinkers Manne has worked or argued with, and whom most admires. State of the Nation compiles these original papers, all of which display Manne’s core values of intellectual engagement and independence - of thinking for oneself.

There are innovative looks at multiculturalism, the future for Labor and the politics of climate change. Contributors include Raimond Gaita, Pat Dodson, Mark McKenna, Patrick McGorry, John Hirst, Clive Hamilton, Ramona Koval, Tim Soutphommasane and Carmen Lawrence. This collection offers an ideal way to get a sense of how Australia is faring as it enters the Abbott era.