Labor of Love

by Terri Butler

Author(s): Terri Butler ISBN: 9780522872255 Binding: Paperback Published: 2017-08-28 Why would you get involved in politics when you could be spending time drinking cocktails, going to the beach or hanging out with family and friends? People view politicians and politics with suspicion, if not downright hostility. Every other day someone declares that politics is broken and reform is dead. Most of us just rock up for a sausage and a moment at the ballot box every few years. But in that way the decisions that affect all of us become the preserve of those few who care enough, those who have vested interests, motivated extremists and insiders. However, the decisions made in our parliaments affect everyday life. They also affect our future. So, politics matters. Deciding whether to get involved or leaving it to other people, matters too. After almost two decades as Labor party member, Terri Butler remembers the cocktails foregone and kids' school concerts missed and argues that yes, it is worth it.

200 pages, Paperback

Published August 28, 2017

Reviews

[Rhonda]

A quick and easy read but raises some big issues. It definitely is very empowering and encouraging of women to go into politics, but author Terri Butler had a very long background in politics and the Australian Labor Party before she became a federal MP. I do think it would be very difficult for someone without her extensive background and support (her husband is also very involved in unions and politics) to understand what is involved and stick with it through the tough times. First female Australian (Labor) PM Julia Gillard gets a bit of a mention, but expected more. Might just be due to the Terri-from-Qld vs Julia-from-Victoria difference, and Terri taking over ex-PM Kevin Rudd's seat.

Essential reading for anyone, particularly women, thinking of "making a difference" in politics.

[Leili Golafshani]

Fantastic book! Very honest and informative about politics in Australia. Anyone who is interested to know what Labor Party stands for, read this book.

[Seff]

A great plane read.

Really digestible recruitment book for the ALP.