Australia’s Long-Term Obsession with Antarctica: An Interview with Rohan Howitt — Hosted by Michael Lester

Australia has long held activities, interests, ambitions, and visions related to Antarctica and the Great Southern Ocean, dating back to colonial times. These aspirations arguably precipitated federation and underpinned a vision of empire extending from the equator to the South Pole—across two continents, three oceans, and multiple islands— as framed by Rohan Howitt in his book The Southern Ocean: Australia, Antarctica and Empire (Melbourne University Press, 2025). We discuss this nineteenth-century vision, which, although now largely forgotten, leaves a legacy that includes Australia’s claim to sovereignty over 42% of the Antarctic continent. It also highlights Australia's role as a signatory to the remarkable and unique Antarctic Treaty among twelve nations, at a time of increasing geopolitical tensions and contested claims. Sign Save Sydney City  Shops Petition https://divinestreamradio.com/page/3196485/save-our-city-shops-petition/   Northern Beaches Entertainment https://northernbeachesentertainment.com.au