This series contains a large collection of talk scripts for programs presented on ABC radio by the ABC's Talks Department. The Talks Department, a section of the Programmes Division, was responsible for all talk broadcasts appearing on ABC radio.

The Talks Department began its operations in 1934. By 1941 it was responsible for general talks, sporting, religious and rural broadcasts, the 'Women's Session', documentaries and actualities, broadcasts of short stories and non dramatised serials, book and film reviews, news commentaries, current affairs broadcasts, science talks and war correspondence. Although the responsibilities of the Department did change over time, this series does contain scripts dealing with most of the above subject areas.

The scripts appearing in this collection, therefore, cover a wide variety of issues of importance and interest to Australians. Talks relating to the war and the Australian war effort feature prominently, as do presentations about cultural and historical issues. The scripts were also often authored and presented by notable Australians including Dame Enid Lyons, Professor Marcus Oliphant, Harold Blair, Don Bradman, CEW Bean and Jessie Street. However presentations given by thousands of other Australian and special international guests are also held within this series. Together they combine to form a detailed picture of Australian social, cultural and political life in the mid twentieth century.