Here it is not inapropos to mention the regrettable, if not unexpected, closure of the Murdoch-owned Review. However short its life, and however contentious its origins, the Review made a contribution to current debates about Australian history, Aboriginal rights, and national identity. With Professor Gaita’s resonant essay, ABR – in its fortieth year – continues the work of interrogating our history, advancing debates of national importance, and challenging orthodoxies.

With this issue, ABR has a new tier: an editorial advisory board. I look forward to working with its members: Don Anderson, Isobel Crombie, Kerryn Goldsworthy, John Hirst, Paul Kane, Hilary McPhee, Pam Macintyre, and Michael Shmith. All of them are notable contributors to our literary culture. They have already helped me considerably this year. Their editorial contribution will be apparent in future issues, starting with the Literature issue in August and the Performing Arts issue in September.

Last month I wrote about ABR’s new subscription drive. The response to this promotion has been fantastic, with an unprecedented rise in subscriptions and a much greater retail presence. Thank you to those who have assisted us in promoting the magazine to readers and writers throughout Australia. And to our many new subscribers – whether fresh to ABR, or former subscribers who have returned to the fold – we are most grateful for your support. We hope you enjoy this and subsequent issues. At ABR, we are all committed to bringing you vibrant, timely Australian writing. Now, more than ever, we need to preserve and enhance independent magazines of review and comment.