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The PM Years
It was the coup that killed Australian politics.
Less than three years after taking government in a landslide election victory, Kevin Rudd was betrayed by his deputy and the factional powerbrokers of the Australian Labor Party, the 'Faceless Men', despite enjoying historically high personal and party approval ratings.
The betrayal of June 2010 is the most significant Australian political event of the century. No prime minister including Rudd has since seen out a full term before being dethroned by their own caucus. But how did party games in Canberra spiral so catastrophically out of control?
Kevin Rudd defeated John Howard on a platform of fresh ideas, progressive innovation and new leadership. He inherited two wars and the legacy of eleven years of conservative economic mismanagement. And within months of taking office, his new government would face the greatest economic cataclysm since the Great Depression - the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. But none of these deterred Rudd from his vision of bringing Australia into the modern age.
In witty, forthright and audaciously honest prose, Rudd recounts his early triumphs and challenges in the hard business of government. But beyond the policy goals he kicked - from raising the pension to axing WorkChoices to laying the foundation for a decades-long Labor dream of paid parental leave - he takes us into cabinet, the prime minister's office and the back-corridor conversations that reshaped the country. We learn of the wheeling and dealing of governance as Rudd works with President Obama in the face of the financial crisis, apologises to the Stolen Generations and ratifies the Kyoto Protocol.
Yet regardless of Rudd's efforts to combat climate change and his success in keeping Australia out of recession - the great moral and economic challenges of our generation - dark forces within his own party conspired against him. The unceremonious removal of a first-term prime minister from office shocked Rudd as much as it did the nation.
Despite great pain, Rudd continued to serve his party, and his country, as backbencher and foreign minister. He documents his time in the wilderness before his brief resurrection as Labor leader and the 2013 election, retaking the party after it had truly 'lost its way'.
After years of silence, the 26th Prime Minister of Australia is finally on the record about his time in government, in this second volume of his autobiography. This is the memoir of a prime minister full of energy and ideals, while battling the greatest trials of the modern age. This is Kevin Rudd's response to the ultimate political - and personal - betrayal.
Less than three years after taking government in a landslide election victory, Kevin Rudd was betrayed by his deputy and the factional powerbrokers of the Australian Labor Party, the 'Faceless Men', despite enjoying historically high personal and party approval ratings.
The betrayal of June 2010 is the most significant Australian political event of the century. No prime minister including Rudd has since seen out a full term before being dethroned by their own caucus. But how did party games in Canberra spiral so catastrophically out of control?
Kevin Rudd defeated John Howard on a platform of fresh ideas, progressive innovation and new leadership. He inherited two wars and the legacy of eleven years of conservative economic mismanagement. And within months of taking office, his new government would face the greatest economic cataclysm since the Great Depression - the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. But none of these deterred Rudd from his vision of bringing Australia into the modern age.
In witty, forthright and audaciously honest prose, Rudd recounts his early triumphs and challenges in the hard business of government. But beyond the policy goals he kicked - from raising the pension to axing WorkChoices to laying the foundation for a decades-long Labor dream of paid parental leave - he takes us into cabinet, the prime minister's office and the back-corridor conversations that reshaped the country. We learn of the wheeling and dealing of governance as Rudd works with President Obama in the face of the financial crisis, apologises to the Stolen Generations and ratifies the Kyoto Protocol.
Yet regardless of Rudd's efforts to combat climate change and his success in keeping Australia out of recession - the great moral and economic challenges of our generation - dark forces within his own party conspired against him. The unceremonious removal of a first-term prime minister from office shocked Rudd as much as it did the nation.
Despite great pain, Rudd continued to serve his party, and his country, as backbencher and foreign minister. He documents his time in the wilderness before his brief resurrection as Labor leader and the 2013 election, retaking the party after it had truly 'lost its way'.
After years of silence, the 26th Prime Minister of Australia is finally on the record about his time in government, in this second volume of his autobiography. This is the memoir of a prime minister full of energy and ideals, while battling the greatest trials of the modern age. This is Kevin Rudd's response to the ultimate political - and personal - betrayal.
680 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 5, 2019
This is Part 2 of an autobiography about former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. The first part details everything up to his rise to the leadership. The second part, titled The PM Years, attemps to explain what happened during his years as PM and in both Cabinet and the backbench before his retirement from parliament. This is an extremely one-sided view of the events that happened that led to being removed from leadership before the 2010 election (and everything before and after), and it's purely at the discretion of the reader to believe what he says. His firm grasp of the English language cannot obfuscate his desire to push his narrative, after 8 years of staying silent on the coup while Gillard and the 'faceless men' tarnished his legacy to save their own. Ultimately, no-one came out of this exchange looking good. But the book achieved the one thing it aimed to do: cast doubt into the minds of the reader as to what really happened. It achieved this through an extremely well-written, albeit trope-laden and repetitive recount. But like Rudd, while the substance is great, it's people management is not.
Rudd spends a majority of his time denoting foreign affairs and the fiscal and economic management of the Global Recession, undoubtedly his two greatest achievements. Rudd is a master of the written word, and somewhat of a wonder kid when it comes to policy. The foreign affars focus should be of no surprise: Rudd is a known diplomat, his main career before his foray into Federal Parliament. He specifically was fantastic in his delegations with the Chinese government, a problem area for almost any other leader or country in the developed world. The Global Recession, or the Global Financial Crisis, is also naturally a main focus, as it should be. Rudd (and much to Rudd's chagrin, Wayne Swan), led Australia to be one of the only main economic powers to avoid a recession completely, despite overwhelming negative GDP growth, due to his Keynesian approach to financial policy (Keynesian can be loosely summarised as spending money to make money, or artificially creating demand to make money). Rudd comes across as a fantastic leader here, along with discussing his other champion policies, such as Gonski, NBN, record spending in aid and health, sweeping reforms to State/Commonwealth spending splits. Naturally, that's what he aims to do, and hopes to do, because he spends the next half of the book smiting most of his worst enemies. He needs the positive image of his success to remain in the reader's mind, otherwise he comes across as begrudging, vindictive, and acrimonious.
The overview of the coup and loss of power, and subsequent coup and re-gain of power, is where this book will be highly controversial. Up until this point, Rudd did a fantastic job of detailing his policies and the fantastic change he brought. But from here he loses this focus, instead emphasising Newspolls (while simultaneously noting that Newspolls are overinflated in importance and are largely not indicative of what the public at the time thought) and trying to rationalise the motives of Gillard, Swan, Arbib and the other 'faceless men' who brought about his demise. He attempts to present political hearsay and conjecture as facts, while also spouting fallacies by using those facts to justify other reasons as facts. It falls off a cliff very quickly in its authenticity, and you can feel Rudd's resentment of the events that expired.
There is still facts to his recounting of the events, though. Gillard did avoid talk of the coup to prevent the truth from spilling, in order to present herself as a savior for the Labor party. Swan wasn't a fantastic treasurer. The 'faceless men' did work massively behind the scenes to orchestrate the coup. Newspolls and election results did indicate that the public did in fact favour Rudd over Gillard. Gillard's policies weren't perfect. Murdoch did rig the election in 2013 as best as he could. Abbott was a bigot and a liar. But, through all of this, Rudd didn't seem genuine. He could not deliver much criticism of himself, if any at all. He truly believed his methods were best, despite evidence that it wasn't. He tries to absolve himself of blame completely, instead of taking ownership for his failings. He tries to paint himself as empathetic when he demonstrates how he wasn't.
Despite essentially two books in one, this was a solid read. It was enjoyable but long, informative but biased. It cleared a lot of questions but raised some unanswered ones. He knows how to write, that's for sure. But he doesn't know how to be honest when presented with failure. This book did not help his legacy as a politician, but I think it helped him a lot as a writer.
The main lesson I took from this book was that he was a better Prime Minister than a person.
Rudd spends a majority of his time denoting foreign affairs and the fiscal and economic management of the Global Recession, undoubtedly his two greatest achievements. Rudd is a master of the written word, and somewhat of a wonder kid when it comes to policy. The foreign affars focus should be of no surprise: Rudd is a known diplomat, his main career before his foray into Federal Parliament. He specifically was fantastic in his delegations with the Chinese government, a problem area for almost any other leader or country in the developed world. The Global Recession, or the Global Financial Crisis, is also naturally a main focus, as it should be. Rudd (and much to Rudd's chagrin, Wayne Swan), led Australia to be one of the only main economic powers to avoid a recession completely, despite overwhelming negative GDP growth, due to his Keynesian approach to financial policy (Keynesian can be loosely summarised as spending money to make money, or artificially creating demand to make money). Rudd comes across as a fantastic leader here, along with discussing his other champion policies, such as Gonski, NBN, record spending in aid and health, sweeping reforms to State/Commonwealth spending splits. Naturally, that's what he aims to do, and hopes to do, because he spends the next half of the book smiting most of his worst enemies. He needs the positive image of his success to remain in the reader's mind, otherwise he comes across as begrudging, vindictive, and acrimonious.
The overview of the coup and loss of power, and subsequent coup and re-gain of power, is where this book will be highly controversial. Up until this point, Rudd did a fantastic job of detailing his policies and the fantastic change he brought. But from here he loses this focus, instead emphasising Newspolls (while simultaneously noting that Newspolls are overinflated in importance and are largely not indicative of what the public at the time thought) and trying to rationalise the motives of Gillard, Swan, Arbib and the other 'faceless men' who brought about his demise. He attempts to present political hearsay and conjecture as facts, while also spouting fallacies by using those facts to justify other reasons as facts. It falls off a cliff very quickly in its authenticity, and you can feel Rudd's resentment of the events that expired.
There is still facts to his recounting of the events, though. Gillard did avoid talk of the coup to prevent the truth from spilling, in order to present herself as a savior for the Labor party. Swan wasn't a fantastic treasurer. The 'faceless men' did work massively behind the scenes to orchestrate the coup. Newspolls and election results did indicate that the public did in fact favour Rudd over Gillard. Gillard's policies weren't perfect. Murdoch did rig the election in 2013 as best as he could. Abbott was a bigot and a liar. But, through all of this, Rudd didn't seem genuine. He could not deliver much criticism of himself, if any at all. He truly believed his methods were best, despite evidence that it wasn't. He tries to absolve himself of blame completely, instead of taking ownership for his failings. He tries to paint himself as empathetic when he demonstrates how he wasn't.
Despite essentially two books in one, this was a solid read. It was enjoyable but long, informative but biased. It cleared a lot of questions but raised some unanswered ones. He knows how to write, that's for sure. But he doesn't know how to be honest when presented with failure. This book did not help his legacy as a politician, but I think it helped him a lot as a writer.
The main lesson I took from this book was that he was a better Prime Minister than a person.
October 9, 2021
Both undoubtedly biased. But ngl, better than the Gillard autobiography. Thicker and with more substance. And I thought it was important to read his side of the story having been exposed to the headlines and sentiments of that time and having read through Gillard's autobiography as well - stuff he spends time addressing with satisfying oompf.
Can also taste Rudd's policy-wonk brain by the way he clearly outlines, structures, and communicates his policy strategies - which is always a pleasure (although probably can already get that from the videos involving him as the president of the Asia Society as well as in his press interviews these days).
It was nice to relieve that sense of vitality that I remembed from the '07 days (although I was just in primary school at that time - so I'm not sure if this is a false memory). Good to appreciate the insanity of the dark side of the Labor Party (and even politics more broadly). And contextualise the emptiness, disappointment, distaste, (or anguish) that our current political status and trajectory engenders.
It was disappointing Rudd doesn't talk more about some of the positives that happened in the Gillard government. Makes the book as a whole feel more one-sided - although I guess there is no avoiding this. And tbh I'd be salty too.
Can also taste Rudd's policy-wonk brain by the way he clearly outlines, structures, and communicates his policy strategies - which is always a pleasure (although probably can already get that from the videos involving him as the president of the Asia Society as well as in his press interviews these days).
It was nice to relieve that sense of vitality that I remembed from the '07 days (although I was just in primary school at that time - so I'm not sure if this is a false memory). Good to appreciate the insanity of the dark side of the Labor Party (and even politics more broadly). And contextualise the emptiness, disappointment, distaste, (or anguish) that our current political status and trajectory engenders.
It was disappointing Rudd doesn't talk more about some of the positives that happened in the Gillard government. Makes the book as a whole feel more one-sided - although I guess there is no avoiding this. And tbh I'd be salty too.
December 29, 2018
An excellent addition to Australian political discourse - especially in providing a first-hand account and analysis of the Gillard coup that has consequently and fundamentally changed Australian politics.
A little repetitious in parts, but overall a riveting read.
4.5 stars.
A little repetitious in parts, but overall a riveting read.
4.5 stars.
July 4, 2019
Kevin Rudd had a tough task to carve out the story of his two times Australian prime ministership in a way that represent great values of his Australian Labor party and not-so-great actions by some of the top leadership of the very same party.
First half of the booking is informative yet boring. As Kevin has painstakingly provided details of his policies, actions, meetings & events from his prime ministership days. No wonder the book spans over 600 pages.
The book sheds the light on hard business of politics. Negotiations, budget management, tackling internal lobbies & foreign powers. Its not for faint hearted. So, Kevin deservedly takes credit of his great achievements like getting his country unscathed through GFC, initiating significant national projects such as NBN, NDIS etc and organising a bipartisan national apology day for stolen generations of aboriginals.
The political dramas of 2nd half does make book interesting. His self-portrayal is of a flawless person. Someone who always stood on principles over personal ambitions. While his opponents, in his opinion mostly did the opposite. Ironically, such implausible personality self-assessment itself appears as his weakness to the reader.
On issues where he admitted to fail, He uncovered it as behind the scenes plotting by Murdoch Media, Greed of Mining Industry, Personal ambitions of his team mates who later staged coup against him and even hinted at Jewish lobby to have a bit of a role. Kevin’s people management issues aside, almost all of his allegations are presented with citing or some level of documentary proof.
Even after discounting exaggeration, he still appears to be a world class leader whose leadership caused more good to Australia than harm. His writing skills are solid. He is a deep & pragmatic thinker compared to both his opponents. I.e. The conservative Abbot & the Liberal Gillard.
Despite all the negativity associated with his politically tumultuous era, Kevin has managed to pack enough enthusiasm for Australian values, principles & politics that this book would still encourage interested young people to take active part in politics & serve the country.
First half of the booking is informative yet boring. As Kevin has painstakingly provided details of his policies, actions, meetings & events from his prime ministership days. No wonder the book spans over 600 pages.
The book sheds the light on hard business of politics. Negotiations, budget management, tackling internal lobbies & foreign powers. Its not for faint hearted. So, Kevin deservedly takes credit of his great achievements like getting his country unscathed through GFC, initiating significant national projects such as NBN, NDIS etc and organising a bipartisan national apology day for stolen generations of aboriginals.
The political dramas of 2nd half does make book interesting. His self-portrayal is of a flawless person. Someone who always stood on principles over personal ambitions. While his opponents, in his opinion mostly did the opposite. Ironically, such implausible personality self-assessment itself appears as his weakness to the reader.
On issues where he admitted to fail, He uncovered it as behind the scenes plotting by Murdoch Media, Greed of Mining Industry, Personal ambitions of his team mates who later staged coup against him and even hinted at Jewish lobby to have a bit of a role. Kevin’s people management issues aside, almost all of his allegations are presented with citing or some level of documentary proof.
Even after discounting exaggeration, he still appears to be a world class leader whose leadership caused more good to Australia than harm. His writing skills are solid. He is a deep & pragmatic thinker compared to both his opponents. I.e. The conservative Abbot & the Liberal Gillard.
Despite all the negativity associated with his politically tumultuous era, Kevin has managed to pack enough enthusiasm for Australian values, principles & politics that this book would still encourage interested young people to take active part in politics & serve the country.
January 13, 2019
Well you can’t say this book isn’t entertaining! KRudd comes across as a complex character. This is evidenced by unnecessary references to swearing and drinking which I think is Kevin’s attempt at hiding his inner nerd. His best analytical chapters are those on foreign policy. The most entertaining chapters are on the “coup” (although they do drag on). It is clear he has not forgiven or forgotten what Gillard did. Some of the book is even written as a rebuttal to the claims Gillard made in her autobiography.
January 9, 2021
What an amazing read. This is one of the books that all Australians should read, regardless of their political affiliation. Rudd's mastery of the English language makes this >600 page long non-fiction a thrilling read from start to end.
Before even reading this book, I have always held Rudd and his Labor government in a positive light. At the time of his governance, I was only 8 and had no real understanding of the wider world around me, let alone the intricacies of federal politics. During that time, I was only able to see with my own two eyes the changes that were happening around me - my public school getting new computers in the library, we suddenly began construction of a new enclosed hall (which back then we all hated because it cut through our decrepit play area), the teachers protesting for something called 'Gonski', and the talk about a carbon tax, and everyone was talking about this 'Global Financial Crisis' that I and those around me didn't really feel impacted by.
It is only now, nearly a decade after those events, that this book helped me rationalise all those changes for the better that I took for granted back in my youth. This book takes us through each of the major policy changes that Rudd and his government were working towards, from the repeal of WorkChoices to Gonski to Australia's role in the climate debate, nearly a decade before the historical Paris Agreement.
Rudd's defense of his position regarding the internal coup was also meticulous in its citations and use of evidence. Rudd was unrelentless in his portrayal of his political enemies as incompetent and self-serving, and while many may fault him for this clearly biased opinion, one cannot accuse him of accusation without evidence.
Overall, after reading this book, and in conjunction with my own personal experience living through this period and now living in the 2020's, I closed the last page with a great sense of loss. A sense of morose for what I consider the Lost Decade after 2013, where Australia is now embroiled in the tug of war between the US and China, the economy was in an effective recession even before Covid-19, and 2019-20 saw us go through the worst bushfire season on record.
An excellent book though. Would highly recommend.
Before even reading this book, I have always held Rudd and his Labor government in a positive light. At the time of his governance, I was only 8 and had no real understanding of the wider world around me, let alone the intricacies of federal politics. During that time, I was only able to see with my own two eyes the changes that were happening around me - my public school getting new computers in the library, we suddenly began construction of a new enclosed hall (which back then we all hated because it cut through our decrepit play area), the teachers protesting for something called 'Gonski', and the talk about a carbon tax, and everyone was talking about this 'Global Financial Crisis' that I and those around me didn't really feel impacted by.
It is only now, nearly a decade after those events, that this book helped me rationalise all those changes for the better that I took for granted back in my youth. This book takes us through each of the major policy changes that Rudd and his government were working towards, from the repeal of WorkChoices to Gonski to Australia's role in the climate debate, nearly a decade before the historical Paris Agreement.
Rudd's defense of his position regarding the internal coup was also meticulous in its citations and use of evidence. Rudd was unrelentless in his portrayal of his political enemies as incompetent and self-serving, and while many may fault him for this clearly biased opinion, one cannot accuse him of accusation without evidence.
Overall, after reading this book, and in conjunction with my own personal experience living through this period and now living in the 2020's, I closed the last page with a great sense of loss. A sense of morose for what I consider the Lost Decade after 2013, where Australia is now embroiled in the tug of war between the US and China, the economy was in an effective recession even before Covid-19, and 2019-20 saw us go through the worst bushfire season on record.
An excellent book though. Would highly recommend.
March 29, 2021
Looked very promising and it is certainly full of interesting behind-the-scenes detail on the workings of government, diplomacy and the Australian Labor Party, but I couldn't get away from the feeling that this was Kevin's self-vindication opus, which spoiled the narrative for me.
December 22, 2018
According to the author greatest leader who ever lived.
February 1, 2024
Biased, you can feel the anger and hatred for some seeping off the page. But it's a great read about a turbulent time in Australian political history, and he does a great job of the facts.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews