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Australian Prime Ministers
The first 115 years of Australian nationhood has produced 29 prime ministers—a rich cast of characters diverse in personality, background, ability and achievement. From Edmund Barton to Malcolm Turnbull, they share (even the more unlikely of them) a common drive for power.
Australian Prime Ministers was originally prepared to coincide with the Centenary of Australia's Federation in 2001. The subsequent years were marked by much drama. The Howard Government's 2007 defeat saw Labor's Kevin Rudd last less than one term; he was followed by Australia's first woman prime minister, Julia Gillard, who replaced him in a party coup. The 2010 election produced the first hung parliament since the 1940s; Gillard then headed a minority Labor government. Kevin Rudd return to the prime ministership in a counter-coup, but lost an election less than three months later to the Coalition, led by Tony Abbott. After two years in the job, Abbott was overthrown by Malcolm Turnbull, who only just scraped home at the 2016 election.
Australian Prime Ministers was originally prepared to coincide with the Centenary of Australia's Federation in 2001. The subsequent years were marked by much drama. The Howard Government's 2007 defeat saw Labor's Kevin Rudd last less than one term; he was followed by Australia's first woman prime minister, Julia Gillard, who replaced him in a party coup. The 2010 election produced the first hung parliament since the 1940s; Gillard then headed a minority Labor government. Kevin Rudd return to the prime ministership in a counter-coup, but lost an election less than three months later to the Coalition, led by Tony Abbott. After two years in the job, Abbott was overthrown by Malcolm Turnbull, who only just scraped home at the 2016 election.
582 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
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120 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Grattan
15 books1 followerMichelle Grattan AO, is an Australian journalist and was the first woman to become editor of an Australian metropolitan daily newspaper. Specialising in political journalism, Grattan has written and edited for many significant Australian newspapers.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 17, 2020
Sharply written and informative essays on all Australia's PM's, from Federation to PM Turnbull's stint in office. Due to date of publication, this book does not track the transition from Turnbull to Scott Morrison, but this is probably just as well. Reviewing the establishment of Australia's parliamentary democracy, I really got into this book during a time of intense change in Australia, particularly against the backdrop of our bushfire crisis (2019/20) and the political and social realities wrought by a long term inadequate response to climate change, drought, refugees and our overall positioning and reputation within the international community. I particularly enjoyed reading about our youngest PM, Chris Watson who got the job at 37, as well as understanding much more about Malcolm Fraser's tilt, given he succeeded Whitlam post-Dismissal. I also enjoyed the insight into the Gillard and Abbott's time in government, as at the time, it was hard to see the structural changes they bright in due to the intense media coverage and animosity towards both leaders. The benefit of reading cumulative essays from past to present in this book that you can see how the personality of the PM and their professional judgement, ideology and management of cabinet and parliamentary process all have a fundamental impact - or none at all - upon who we are as a nation. It would be really interesting to see a PM that has a background in emergency services, fire fighting, climate, digital and social media or lived experience of disability. Looking forward to the day we have an Indigenous PM and a more diverse ministry reflecting our modern demographic.
December 17, 2021
Finding good books that cover Australian political history, particularly pre-Menzies can be very difficult.
I love reading about the first decades of Commonwealth Australia and the authors include talents such as Judith Brett, Paul Kelly and Michelle Grattan who herself feels like she has been commentating as long as there have been Australian politics to comment on.
This is why I picked it up but I enjoyed the perspectives all the way through to the late 20th century ending in Keating. My version ended with Howard but I didn't spend much time in that chapter given it was written only halfway through his tenure.
From a page per tenure perspective, Whitlam is the best served (ignoring PMs with <1 yr tenure) which from a biased perspective seems fair - he arguably can be seen as the dividing line between traditional Australia and modern Australia.
None felt underserved though, and the essays were consistent and well edited making it easy to read what is otherwise a mammoth book.
I love reading about the first decades of Commonwealth Australia and the authors include talents such as Judith Brett, Paul Kelly and Michelle Grattan who herself feels like she has been commentating as long as there have been Australian politics to comment on.
This is why I picked it up but I enjoyed the perspectives all the way through to the late 20th century ending in Keating. My version ended with Howard but I didn't spend much time in that chapter given it was written only halfway through his tenure.
From a page per tenure perspective, Whitlam is the best served (ignoring PMs with <1 yr tenure) which from a biased perspective seems fair - he arguably can be seen as the dividing line between traditional Australia and modern Australia.
None felt underserved though, and the essays were consistent and well edited making it easy to read what is otherwise a mammoth book.
January 18, 2023
Great book which details the stories of our Prime Ministers following its first century. My only critique was that each prime minister should’ve featured how they rank amongst historians’ perspectives.
June 8, 2021
The earlier essays are definitely better, with much less personal opinion.
July 21, 2024
have a lot more to write about this book but probably one of the most important books i’ve read.
January 9, 2024
Michelle Grattan's "Australian Prime Ministers" is an invaluable and comprehensive exploration of the political landscape Down Under, offering readers a nuanced understanding of the leaders who have shaped the nation. Grattan's expertise as a seasoned political journalist shines through in this meticulously researched and engagingly written book, making it an essential read for those eager to delve into the history and dynamics of Australian governance.
One of the book's strengths lies in Grattan's ability to distill complex political events and biographies into accessible narratives. Each prime ministerial profile is crafted with clarity and insight, providing readers with a well-rounded perspective on the challenges, triumphs, and defining moments of each leader's tenure. Grattan's balanced approach offers a fair assessment of both the personal and political dimensions of these figures, allowing readers to appreciate the complexities inherent in Australia's political evolution.
The book also excels in highlighting the evolving nature of Australian politics. Grattan skillfully weaves historical context into the narrative, demonstrating how political landscapes have shifted over time. By examining the policies, controversies, and leadership styles of each prime minister, she provides a comprehensive overview of the nation's political trajectory, allowing readers to trace the threads that connect different eras in Australian governance.
Grattan's deep understanding of the political climate is evident in her analysis of the interpersonal dynamics within each prime minister's cabinet and party. The book goes beyond the surface of political events, delving into the intricacies of coalition politics, party rivalries, and the impact of global events on Australia's domestic policies. This holistic approach adds depth to the narrative, making it a rich source for those interested in the inner workings of Australian politics.
The book's readability is enhanced by Grattan's engaging prose, which brings historical events and political machinations to life. While the content is informative and substantial, Grattan avoids unnecessary jargon, making "Australian Prime Ministers" accessible to a broad audience, from political enthusiasts to those new to the intricacies of Australian governance.
In addition to its historical scope, the book provides valuable insights into contemporary political challenges. Grattan's analysis of recent prime ministers adds relevance to the narrative, offering readers a lens through which to view current events in the context of Australia's political legacy.
In conclusion, "Australian Prime Ministers" by Michelle Grattan is an authoritative and engaging account of the individuals who have shaped the political destiny of Australia. Grattan's blend of meticulous research, insightful analysis, and accessible writing makes this book an indispensable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Australian politics and its influential leaders.
One of the book's strengths lies in Grattan's ability to distill complex political events and biographies into accessible narratives. Each prime ministerial profile is crafted with clarity and insight, providing readers with a well-rounded perspective on the challenges, triumphs, and defining moments of each leader's tenure. Grattan's balanced approach offers a fair assessment of both the personal and political dimensions of these figures, allowing readers to appreciate the complexities inherent in Australia's political evolution.
The book also excels in highlighting the evolving nature of Australian politics. Grattan skillfully weaves historical context into the narrative, demonstrating how political landscapes have shifted over time. By examining the policies, controversies, and leadership styles of each prime minister, she provides a comprehensive overview of the nation's political trajectory, allowing readers to trace the threads that connect different eras in Australian governance.
Grattan's deep understanding of the political climate is evident in her analysis of the interpersonal dynamics within each prime minister's cabinet and party. The book goes beyond the surface of political events, delving into the intricacies of coalition politics, party rivalries, and the impact of global events on Australia's domestic policies. This holistic approach adds depth to the narrative, making it a rich source for those interested in the inner workings of Australian politics.
The book's readability is enhanced by Grattan's engaging prose, which brings historical events and political machinations to life. While the content is informative and substantial, Grattan avoids unnecessary jargon, making "Australian Prime Ministers" accessible to a broad audience, from political enthusiasts to those new to the intricacies of Australian governance.
In addition to its historical scope, the book provides valuable insights into contemporary political challenges. Grattan's analysis of recent prime ministers adds relevance to the narrative, offering readers a lens through which to view current events in the context of Australia's political legacy.
In conclusion, "Australian Prime Ministers" by Michelle Grattan is an authoritative and engaging account of the individuals who have shaped the political destiny of Australia. Grattan's blend of meticulous research, insightful analysis, and accessible writing makes this book an indispensable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Australian politics and its influential leaders.
April 20, 2016
An interesting look into 28 of Australia's Prime Ministerships before the current PM Turnbull and since it's federation in 1901. Very concise and easy to read through and despite the fact that Australia being a young country and many Australians are cynical about it's past PMs. This book conveys an underlying thread of political robustness and fervour in it's political leadership and yet asking the question of what it takes to handle this unique job successfully. Each profile somewhat represents the Australia of the times and it has it's fair share of heroes.
April 3, 2013
An interesting read. A bit slow in places. Great way to learn a bit more about the history of our nation through the experiences of those who led us through the good times and the bad. Mostly for history buffs but a good reference for students as well.
July 10, 2011
Good book which fills a gap in Australian history for me.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews