Unapologetically Ita

A compelling and enlightening book by our most celebrated journalist, Ita Buttrose. In her eighties she’s as passionate as ever about the many causes important to her, the future of Australia, and living meaningfully to the very end of our lives.

Ita Buttrose has been a defining force in shaping Australia’s cultural and social landscape for more than six decades. Now in her eighties, Ita is as passionate as ever about the many causes important to her, the future of Australia, and living meaningfully to the very end of our lives. In this captivating book Ita reflects on everything from sex to leadership with her characteristic wit, compassion and razor-sharp intellect.

Fresh from the toughest job in Australian media, Chair of the ABC, Ita frankly discusses her time at the place she calls ‘an incredibly special Australian institution’. She also looks at the strengths and challenges of Australian society, and has some inspiring words on how to succeed in the workplace. Closer to home, Ita opens up on motherhood, menopause, health curveballs, and what life is like for an older person.

Ita is someone with a unique perspective, a rare depth of knowledge of our country and its people. Unafraid to share her opinions, she proves in Unapologetically Ita that her voice is more compelling and essential than ever.

About the Author

Ita Buttrose started her media career as a copygirl on The Australian Women’s Weekly. Eighteen years later she was appointed the magazine’s editor, its youngest ever, a distinction she still holds. She has enjoyed an extensive career in print, radio and television and, as well as The Weekly, has edited leading magazines and newspapers including Sydney’s Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph. Ita was the founding editor of Cleo and ITA magazines.

In 2019 she was appointed Chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), completing her five-year term in March 2024. She is Patron of Dementia Australia, Patron of Macular Disease Foundation, Patron of Bobby Goldsmith Foundation and Qtopia, the queer museum. Ita was the 2013 Australian of the Year. She currently chairs the Advisory Committee of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at UNSW.