The new SBS podcast Australia Fair hosted by journalist Janak Rogers, takes listeners on a sometimes challenging history lesson of our modern multicultural country, chronicling key moments contributing to our identity.

Through archive audio and news clips the series takes you back in time to examine everything from ‘blackbirding’ South Pacific Islanders, settling ‘Ten-Pound Poms’ and African youth ‘crime gangs’. Janak interviews academics and high-profile Australians charting a path from the White Australia policy to where we stand today.

Janak said:

“Australia Fair is a podcast that examines the contradictions of being a modern multicultural country where some racist attitudes continue to prevail. The podcast looks for ways forward while shedding light on what is, at times, a very dark history. 

I’ve always thought deeply about my own identity and connection to this country. I was born in Australia, but my mother was an Indian socialite and my father a British soldier. No one looked like me growing up, so I couldn’t help but question whether I belonged here and what it means to be Australian.

As a storyteller, I also think it’s crucial we consider what stories we tell and who tells them. Australia Fair has a wide line-up of guests who all have a story and a voice in this conversation, from politicians and experts, to refugees, activists, and more.”

Australia Fair is available to listen now on the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, LiSTNR and wherever else you stream podcasts.