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The Costello Memoirs
The fiscally conservative and socially progressive Peter Costello is Australia's longest-serving treasurer—from 1994 to 2007—and in his political memoirs he reflects on the role of his political party, his more than 30 years of service to the Liberal cause, and his possible future role in politics. Costello was the architect of the goods-and-service tax that helped eliminate public-sector debt and a supporter the referendum suggesting that Australia become a republic. As deputy leader of the Liberal Party for more than a decade, he worked with significant Liberal leaders including John Howard, Alexander Downer, John Hewson, and Andrew Peacock. This invaluable narrative that combines a first-person memoir with a third-person perspective offers insight into a successful partnership with John Howard, which led to four election victories and the longest period of economic prosperity in Australian history.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 16, 2012
Excellent reading. Costello was a politician of integrity. He was a very entertaining parliamentarian as well. I appreciated his candid take on many issues, including the leadership confusion in the Liberal party (fascinating!), indigenous welfare, and economics. He is also a man of Christian convictions. I admire him more after reading this book.
August 14, 2011
Probably not worth reading, although I didn't hate it. I don't think the structure of the book worked terribly well, jumped around a lot & was a little repetative at times. The thinly veiled criticism of Howard were kind of amusing though.
December 18, 2019
I am amused that the Goodreads review describes Peter Costello as 'socially progressive', but I guess it's all relative.
The GST, GDP, IMF and the rest of the financial hooha glazed me over a bit but I read it to get a sense of the man. On the good side he is certainly loyal, patient, steady and a self-confessed 'tax law addict', well I guess someone has to be. On the negative, if one judges a person by the company he keeps he is a bit of a worry. Thick with the parliamentary 'God squad' he cites Michael Kroger, Eric Abetz, Tony Abbott, Peter Reith et al as allies and friends so with those dubious characters as intimates you have to be wary of his perspective. I was willing to give good works their due, but I'm afraid I saw a classic conservative who can't see past the monetary aspects of society and with little human empathy, unlike his famous brother. His vigorous support of all of the American wars is in itself a damning summation of his inability to see outside the conservative package. Having said that he has a wry sense of humour and showed incredible patience and forbearance not to out John Howard for reneging on the deal they made for Costello's succession. Eventually it was a witness who made the agreement public, though JH still welched on it anyway, losing the election and even his own seat in the process.
The GST, GDP, IMF and the rest of the financial hooha glazed me over a bit but I read it to get a sense of the man. On the good side he is certainly loyal, patient, steady and a self-confessed 'tax law addict', well I guess someone has to be. On the negative, if one judges a person by the company he keeps he is a bit of a worry. Thick with the parliamentary 'God squad' he cites Michael Kroger, Eric Abetz, Tony Abbott, Peter Reith et al as allies and friends so with those dubious characters as intimates you have to be wary of his perspective. I was willing to give good works their due, but I'm afraid I saw a classic conservative who can't see past the monetary aspects of society and with little human empathy, unlike his famous brother. His vigorous support of all of the American wars is in itself a damning summation of his inability to see outside the conservative package. Having said that he has a wry sense of humour and showed incredible patience and forbearance not to out John Howard for reneging on the deal they made for Costello's succession. Eventually it was a witness who made the agreement public, though JH still welched on it anyway, losing the election and even his own seat in the process.
December 28, 2017
I enjoyed the down to earth writing style, although it was a little disorganised in places. I’m afraid I am a fan, which slightly changes the perspective. It did not focus much on the working relationship between Costello and Howard so much, which must have been relatively agreeable up to a point and which may have added to the story. The photos, cartoons and media were also memorable. It was an easier read than many such bios.
September 5, 2019
Very readable and well documented slice of Australian political history
January 4, 2024
Peter Costello's "The Costello Memoirs" is an exercise in self-indulgence and a flagrant display of political grandiosity that disappoints on multiple fronts. From cover to cover, this memoir reeks of a self-aggrandizing attempt to rewrite history, leaving readers to question the value of such a misguided endeavor.
One glaring issue with this so-called memoir is Costello's inability to provide any real depth or introspection. Instead of offering genuine insights into his political career, we are treated to a tiresome parade of self-congratulatory anecdotes, showcasing Costello's apparent belief that every political maneuver he made was nothing short of genius. The lack of humility or acknowledgment of missteps makes for an utterly unconvincing and one-dimensional narrative.
The prose, far from being engaging or eloquent, comes off as dry and uninspired. Costello's writing style lacks the finesse required to breathe life into his political journey, resulting in a monotonous and tedious read. The narrative lacks the compelling storytelling that could have turned this memoir into a worthwhile exploration of Australian political history.
Additionally, the book's selective memory is a glaring flaw. Costello conveniently glosses over inconvenient truths and sidesteps any meaningful self-reflection. The absence of a genuine effort to grapple with the complexities of political decision-making undermines the credibility of the entire memoir, reducing it to a mere exercise in political image management.
Moreover, the lack of critical analysis or willingness to engage with opposing viewpoints makes "The Costello Memoirs" a missed opportunity for a truly enlightening exploration of the author's role in shaping Australian politics. Instead, readers are left with a myopic and self-serving perspective that fails to contribute meaningfully to the broader political discourse.
In conclusion, "The Costello Memoirs" is a self-absorbed and lackluster attempt at political memoir, offering little more than a distorted version of events aimed at glorifying the author. For those seeking a genuine and insightful reflection on political life, this book is a disappointing letdown.
One glaring issue with this so-called memoir is Costello's inability to provide any real depth or introspection. Instead of offering genuine insights into his political career, we are treated to a tiresome parade of self-congratulatory anecdotes, showcasing Costello's apparent belief that every political maneuver he made was nothing short of genius. The lack of humility or acknowledgment of missteps makes for an utterly unconvincing and one-dimensional narrative.
The prose, far from being engaging or eloquent, comes off as dry and uninspired. Costello's writing style lacks the finesse required to breathe life into his political journey, resulting in a monotonous and tedious read. The narrative lacks the compelling storytelling that could have turned this memoir into a worthwhile exploration of Australian political history.
Additionally, the book's selective memory is a glaring flaw. Costello conveniently glosses over inconvenient truths and sidesteps any meaningful self-reflection. The absence of a genuine effort to grapple with the complexities of political decision-making undermines the credibility of the entire memoir, reducing it to a mere exercise in political image management.
Moreover, the lack of critical analysis or willingness to engage with opposing viewpoints makes "The Costello Memoirs" a missed opportunity for a truly enlightening exploration of the author's role in shaping Australian politics. Instead, readers are left with a myopic and self-serving perspective that fails to contribute meaningfully to the broader political discourse.
In conclusion, "The Costello Memoirs" is a self-absorbed and lackluster attempt at political memoir, offering little more than a distorted version of events aimed at glorifying the author. For those seeking a genuine and insightful reflection on political life, this book is a disappointing letdown.
January 14, 2014
I am not normally attracted to political memoirs but was given this one possibly in the (forlorn) hope I might become a fan or at least “understand” Peter Costello better. The back cover contains the following statement: “How did it come to this? How did a Government that had created such an Age of Prosperity, such a proud and prosperous country, now find itself in the wilderness?”. I was hoping to see our former treasurer expand on the errors which resulted in his prime minister also losing his own seat, only the second time since federation. But I was disappointed.
Written in 2008 when the political careers of both parties was over, the author keeps the interesting bits to himself just as he waited patiently in the wings for several elections after he claims he was promised succession to the top job. Mr Costello was once hailed as the “world’s greatest treasurer” but the government of which he formed part is now seen as squandering the legacy of the mining boom and totally missing the opportunity to modernise the nation’s telecommunications.
The book was more interesting than I expected but does not make it to my recommended list.
Written in 2008 when the political careers of both parties was over, the author keeps the interesting bits to himself just as he waited patiently in the wings for several elections after he claims he was promised succession to the top job. Mr Costello was once hailed as the “world’s greatest treasurer” but the government of which he formed part is now seen as squandering the legacy of the mining boom and totally missing the opportunity to modernise the nation’s telecommunications.
The book was more interesting than I expected but does not make it to my recommended list.
September 1, 2016
An interesting recount of the Howard years, seen through the eyes of Peter Costello. I found the book to be an easy read however unfortunately the narrative jumped back and forth too much between dates and political events (especially in terms of leadership tensions). This was coupled with a lot of repetition. Not the best political autobiography I've read, but an interesting read nonetheless.
September 10, 2015
Dull and clunky and disappointing.
December 18, 2009
Novel as it is to read a conservative political memoir, that novelty wasn't enough for me.
March 24, 2012
Really enjoyed the insights this tome provided. A great read.
January 18, 2011
Unforgetable
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews