Inside the Greens: The Origins, the Future of the Party, the People and the Politics

by Paddy Manning

A revelatory examination of the history and future of the Australian Greens

After a decade of leadership changes and volatility in Canberra, the Australian electorate is disillusioned with the two major parties. But what about the Greens, the supposed ‘third force’ in Australian politics?

Inside the Greens exposes the workings of a divided, defensive organisation reckoning with structural and strategic challenges. Reeling from a series of shocking seat losses, the dual-citizenship crisis, dramatic factional showdowns and suggestions of internal sabotage, can the party hang together? Has it strayed too far from its origins in grassroots activism? Can the Greens do politics differently and still succeed at the polls?

Respected journalist Paddy Manning examines the personalities, policies and turning points that have led the party to where it is today. Drawing on archival material, conferences and interviews with party friends and foes, and with Greens past and present – including Bob Brown, Christine Milne, Lee Rhiannon and Richard Di Natale – Manning weaves a compulsively readable account of where the Greens are heading, and what that means for Australia.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

562 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2019

About the author

Paddy Manning is the editor of The Monthly Today, the daily newsletter produced by The Monthly. During almost twenty years in journalism he has worked for Crikey, The Sydney Morning Herald, Australian Financial Review and The Australian, and reported for ABC TV’s Four Corners. A three-time winner in the Citigroup Journalism Awards for Excellence, Manning founded the magazine Ethical Investor.

Reviews

[David Risstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inside the Greens is a thorough and strongly researched examination of the Greens in Australia, examining the good, bad and the less so,

As a member of over 25 years, the book contained a great deal of information and insights about the people involved in the challenging task of politics. As Australian politics has on full show, for someone involved in trying to avoid inequality and dangerous climate change in Australia and worldwide, the apparent dissonance between what could be and what is remains alarming.

Paddy Manning’s analysis appears fair. It doesn’t pull punches. It frequently gives first hand voice to the ideas and motivations of those taking on some of the most important and undervalued efforts to help the planet’s inhabitants achieve their potential.

Politics involves mediating inevitably limited resources. If and how you see this book will likely be influenced by your view on Green politics. For me, it was thought provoking and encouraging, in both its honesty and its aspiration to voice much needed discussion about a better future.

Inside the Greens is well worth reading as an interesting and often uplifting insight into a political party with a long history of ideas and action to help achieve a cooler, fairer, world.

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorough and informative. Highlights well the party’s shortcomings and achievements.

[Mitchell Busby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid

[Alex Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested in knowing more about how the Greens in Australia came to be, and their history since then, this is the only game in town - Manning's book is the definitive history. But its also entertaining, well written, and exhaustively researched - a real triumph. It also gives a super overview of Australian politics for the last 30 years or so (admittedly, from a decidedly leftist viewpoint) that was incredibly useful to me as an immigrant who is very interested in politics and wanted to know more about how Australia works politically.

[Sally O'wheel]

This is a great book. I learned a lot about the early Greens that I didn't know and wasn't around for. It was also interesting to read the bits I did know and had experienced first hand. It makes me proud to be a Green; it made me sad about all the divisions and fights over trivial issues that weaken us. In the end it firmed up my commitment to continue building the party from within.

[Laura Aston · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough history of the people, values and policy of the Australian Greens (and by association the Greens movement worldwide). Includes events up to the end of 2019. The book closes with a summary of emerging directions and the most pressing challenges facing the greens. Worth a read for anyone considering whether to vote for, join, or run for the Greens.

[Jase Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid history. Pretty dry, but that's to be expected. Tbh my enjoyment of the later parts of it was owing to my familiarities of recent Greens personalities.

[standingontheshouldersofgiants · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exemplary.

[Zac McDougall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this book and learning more about the history of the Party. It’s so great to read about their policies without the populist, and sometimes misleading, rhetoric that’s used in their campaigns (despite my agreement with policy). After reading this book, i’m definitely much more sympathetic to the party, and understand the sometimes ridiculous internal pressures it’s leaders must deal with from the fringes (in particular the NSW branch) when crafting political strategy. I also emerged with even more respect for Bob Brown than I previously did.

Probably my overall takeaway from the book is that, despite their statements to the contrary, this book illustrates that the Greens aren’t really ‘politics done differently’. They’re the same as every other political party, making realpolitik calculations and engaging in back room details. Yet there are many people on the inside trying to fight the good fight and make positive change, which is really all that matters at the end of the day.