Fishy Business

The story of Sydney and its fish markets

John Faulkner

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Hardback

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English

Allen & Unwin
16 September 2025

History; Australasian & Pacific history; 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000

For millennia, the Aboriginal people of coastal Sydney lived in harmony with the natural environment. Fishing and shell fishing were a way of life. Everything changed with the arrival of the First Fleet. Fishing quickly became important to the European colonists. The place where the fisherman's catch was sold also became important - and colour and controversy were never far away from Sydney's markets.

From Woolloomooloo to Redfern, Haymarket and Blackwattle Bay - with its new world-class facility - the Sydney Fish Market has become an institution. Its history is filled with larger-than-life characters, political machinations and shady dealings, as well as the incredible success stories of hardworking families, many of whom arrived in Australia as migrants from Europe and Asia.

John Faulkner, a former senator, has been passionate about the Sydney Fish Market for decades. His many years of speaking with its people and recording its rich history are brought together in Fishy Business - the complete and colourful story of a Sydney icon.

By: John Faulkner
Imprint: Allen & Unwin
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 240mm, Width: 220mm,
Weight: 1.070kg
ISBN: 9781761470677
ISBN 10: 1761470671
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 16 September 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

John Faulkner's working life began as a teacher of severely disabled children. In 1989 he became a Labor Party senator, serving until his retirement in 2015. He was a cabinet minister in the Keating Government, serving after its defeat as Leader of the Opposition in the senate from 1996 to 2004. He was elected National President of the ALP in 2006. He served as a cabinet minister in the Rudd and Gillard Governments - firstly as Cabinet Secretary and Special Minister of State, and then as Minister for Defence. Faulkner remains active in many community organisations and charities, including as chair of the Bondi to Manly Walk Steering Committee and the Whitlam Institute. For many years he has been a passionate patron and supporter of the Sydney Fish Market. Fishy Business is his second book.