AustLit

In the early 1980s, many Australians demanded their say about 'Lindy Chamberlain'. On radio, in letters to the media, over coffee and on television, we exposed our wisdoms about mothering, matricide, inappropriate family holiday destinations, religious sects, the dressing of children in black, the desert, the law, and the requirements of justice. Australians - not for the first time - eagerly devoured tales of uncanny happenings in the desert. In the heart of the county, at Ayres Rock as it was still called, a sacrifice of some kind had occurred. 'Why would you take a child out there?' 'As if a dingo could do that!'