Bob Carr

Bob Carr, former NSW premier and foreign minister who wrote a grief memoir after his wife Helena’s sudden death. He talks about shock and obsessive walks through Sydney. He describes the silence of their Maroubra home, relearning everyday tasks, returning to Vienna, and finding solace in opera, reading and a new ‘left-over life’.

Bob Carr, former NSW Premier and Foreign Minister and author of Bring Back Yesterday, recalls fifty years with his late wife Helena, born in Taiping to Chinese and Tamil parents. He recounts meeting her in Tahiti, her quiet competence, the shock of her collapse in Vienna, the chaotic early grief and the idea of a ‘leftover life’. He also reflects on reading for solace, politics, and small moments that shaped their life together.

Bob Carr, former Foreign Minister and New South Wales Premier, shares his insights on China's military prowess and diplomatic strategies. He discusses China's assertive maritime behavior and its implications for regional relationships, especially with the Philippines. The conversation highlights the Quad alliance's dynamics and India’s strategic positioning amid geopolitical shifts. Carr also analyzes the message behind China's recent military parade and reflects on the complexities of US-China relations, framing it within the broader landscape of modern diplomacy.