I have a new grandchild, but don’t worry. This column is not about her, although she is cute. It’s about family history, HECS debts, a website called Trove, and how I’m pretty sure I’m Chinese. OK, not entirely Chinese. But I’m now a grandfather to two children who are a tiny bit Chinese.

My daughter-in-law, proudly, has always said, “I’m ever-so-slightly Chinese.” Her grandmother says something similar. But neither offers any details. Just a name. A Chinese bloke who came to Australia a long time ago.

When they say his name – and the location – I go on high alert. History! Finally, I’m useful to the family. Some families have an electrician (good in a crisis) or a plumber (even better). As it happens, I know a chap who’s a chef (recommended!) and another who is a lawyer (so I know who to ring if I’m ever arrested.)

Historian Richard Glover.

These folks are obviously useful, but is the same true of a retired radio announcer with a BA (Hons), awarded many decades ago by the history department of the University of Sydney?

My answer is “yes”. When my daughter-in-law says, with a sigh of disappointment, “I don’t know anything about my Chinese ancestor”, I find myself confidently answering. “I’m sure I can find something.” I’m a trained historian. Well, sort of.

It’s a tiny, personal illustration of what has become a matter of political contention. The previous........

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