Näku Dhäruk: The Bark Petitions by Clare Wright OAM, published by Text Publishing
has won the Australian Political Book of the Year Award for 2025!

The Australian Political Book of the Year Award recognises the vital part political books play in better understanding Australian politics and public policy. Well researched, balanced and compelling political books that engage Australians are vital to the strength of our democracy.


The Judges said; “Clare Wright’s brilliant book, Naku Dharuk: The Bark Petitions, is a compelling and essential account of great scope and depth. It makes an enormous contribution not only to the history of Australian democracy but to our future direction… In the words of the book’s subtitle, it tells the inspiring story of how the people of Yirrkala changed the course of Australian democracy. In this story the Indigenous people themselves are joined by missionaries, miners, government agents and politicians. Wright explores all their perspectives and contributions with vigour, forensic research and great sensitivity. In doing so she gave meticulous regard to the cross-cultural issues involved. Her outstanding research involved both traditional academic archival methods and deep learning from Indigenous people by living in the region for months at a time.”

Congratulations to Clare Wright and to all of this year’s Shortlisted and Longlisted authors and publishers.