Breaking the Sheep's Back

Uncover the shocking true story of Australia's 10-billion-dollar wool industry collapse. Spanning 170 years, Breaking the Sheep's Back reveals the greed, political corruption, and protectionism that led to this economic disaster. From its birth in 1840 to its peak in the 1950s and unraveling from 1980 to 1991, this is a searing account of an industry that shaped a nation. Charles Massy uncovers never-before-seen archival sources, government and board papers, and private correspondence. Exclusive interviews with key whistleblowers unveil the gripping true story of government corruption in a seemingly untouchable industry. Discover the policies, political maneuvering, and leadership failures that led to the demise of this once-great industry and the lessons learned from its fall. For economists, historians, and anyone interested in Australian economic history, Breaking the Sheep's Back is a cautionary tale of market intervention and the consequences of hubris.