Unapologetically Ita

by Ita Buttrose

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.

Genres: Nonfiction

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

Reviews

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I presumed that Unapologetically Ita was a memoir. It’s not really. I wanted a memoir. But it’s more a collection of essays about the themes of Ita’s life and work, and the passions that have driven her and her activism.

Journalism. Feminism. Sexism. Women’s health. Climate change. Dementia and aging.

These pieces all held my interest, but I enjoyed them more when Ita talked about her own life and experiences more. I hadn’t realised that Ita has developed quite a severe Isolated Gait Disorder in recent years and often she needs a wheelchair.

If I ever end up in a nursing home I want Ita to have set it up. Sherry with lunch? Yes thanks.

[The_enchanted.Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Queen Ita! I listened to the audiobook, read by Ita herself. Wise words, reflections and insights. What a career and I’ll forever be in awe. Raw. Real. And echoing the title - unapologetic. And we wouldn’t expect anything less.

In her 80s now her words mean even more as she reflects on ways Australian society has changed (and hasn’t changed!) some of her recounts just floored me with what she and other women had to fight and go through for rights we have today. In a world where we don’t listen to our elders anymore because hell, what do they know, we need to listen. History repeats in one way or another.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook that was read by Ita. After hearing her discuss the book at a literary luncheon it was apparent that she’d touched on all of the interesting parts of the book there.
I was a bit disappointed with the book and would have loved more stories of her time at the Weekly and less about her time at the ABC.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful insight into the life and career of Ita Buttrose

[Elizabeth Feeney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably not the right book for me.. I would have been best looking at one of her prior books about her life. I feel this is aimed at a much older reader.