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Whatever It Takes
Graham Richardson does not pull any punches as he tells of his life in the Australian Labor Party. In a direct conversational style filled with enthusiasm, he brings politics to life. There is tension, drama and humour as he relates his own successes and mistakes, and reveals the real people behind the political masks.
From his early days in the party and the 'Whitlam rollercoaster' to the Keating-Hawke challenge Whatever It Takes is an insider's story, filled with political strategies, the ruthless application of decisions, witty character descriptions and a memorable collection of political wisdom.
Born into a political household, Graham Richardson learned three lessons from his parents that formed his political foundations: Loyalty is all; If they rat on you once they'll rat on you twice; and, that when dealing with the Left… be very, very careful.
At seventeen he joined the Labor Party and it quickly became the focus and passion of his life. He soon discovered the powerbrokers in the NSW Right and apprenticed himself to learn from these men, some of the toughest in the Labor Party. With hard work he started to 'bring in numbers' and so began an extremely successful, pragmatic and colourful career that took him from branch member to the Cabinet and ultimately on to become one of the Labor Party's key figures during a record term in government.
Whatever It Takes is a personal story of public drama, of loyalty and friendships and government lost and won—it is, above all, the story of the accumulation and exercise of power.
From his early days in the party and the 'Whitlam rollercoaster' to the Keating-Hawke challenge Whatever It Takes is an insider's story, filled with political strategies, the ruthless application of decisions, witty character descriptions and a memorable collection of political wisdom.
Born into a political household, Graham Richardson learned three lessons from his parents that formed his political foundations: Loyalty is all; If they rat on you once they'll rat on you twice; and, that when dealing with the Left… be very, very careful.
At seventeen he joined the Labor Party and it quickly became the focus and passion of his life. He soon discovered the powerbrokers in the NSW Right and apprenticed himself to learn from these men, some of the toughest in the Labor Party. With hard work he started to 'bring in numbers' and so began an extremely successful, pragmatic and colourful career that took him from branch member to the Cabinet and ultimately on to become one of the Labor Party's key figures during a record term in government.
Whatever It Takes is a personal story of public drama, of loyalty and friendships and government lost and won—it is, above all, the story of the accumulation and exercise of power.
382 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 1994
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About the author
Graham Richardson
1 bookGraham Richardson is a former Australian Labor Party politician. He was a major figure in the New South Wales Right. He was a senator in the Federal Parliament from 1983 to 1994, and was made a cabinet minister in 1988.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 11, 2016
A typical book by a politician in an attempt to justify and explain their career in public life. Whether you agree or disagree with where he stands in politics it is always good to read the words written from a man who occupied a position of influence over any period in history. Very self indulgent, but that is to be expected and drips with 'if not for me.' In any case it is worth a read if you wish to expand you knowledge on Australian politics.
35 %
35 %
February 4, 2013
Loved this book for it's hard and dirty explanation of the political machine. No avoiding it sorry. A good "grown-ups" book. Richo's one flaw is that he still has that tinge of ego thta makes out like nothing happened but for his efforts. He could be right of course but I doubt it.
March 13, 2018
Even for a political junkie, there was too much detail about the author's early political career. However I loved the honesty(about his dishonesty and the lies he "had" to tell) about his last few years in Parliament and especially the details of the Hawke Keating clashes.
May 29, 2008
A book on "getting the numbers" by a proven master. Not ashamed to show his nasty side, either.
February 28, 2025
This is - without a doubt - one of the best insider accounts of a politician’s life. It shows the accumulation and machinations of power during the heady days of the Hawke-Keating Government. It is brutally honest and provides the clear thinking behind shifts of loyalty and intent. In thoroughly loved this.
February 26, 2024
The ultimate book on faction politics, wow what a ride
January 2, 2024
"Whatever It Takes" by Graham Richardson presents itself as a memoir but falls short of delivering any genuine insights, instead offering a self-indulgent journey through the author's political career. Richardson, once a prominent figure in Australian politics, leaves readers questioning the sincerity of his narrative, as the book reads more like an exercise in self-aggrandizement than a reflective account of his experiences.
The author's propensity for self-serving narratives is evident throughout the book. Richardson appears to be more concerned with portraying himself in a favorable light than providing an honest and critical examination of his political career. The memoir lacks the introspection one would expect, with Richardson conveniently glossing over controversial decisions and portraying himself as a political chameleon adept at adapting to prevailing winds.
The title, "Whatever It Takes," embodies Richardson's approach to politics, but instead of showcasing resilience or commitment to public service, it underscores a willingness to embrace opportunism at the expense of principle. The author's unapologetic pursuit of power seems to be the primary theme, overshadowing any meaningful discussion of policy or the impact of political decisions on the Australian public.
Furthermore, Richardson's lack of remorse or critical self-reflection regarding his involvement in political scandals is striking. Rather than using the memoir as an opportunity to provide valuable insights into the political system, Richardson sidesteps accountability, leaving readers with a sense of frustration at the missed potential for an authentic and meaningful narrative.
In conclusion, "Whatever It Takes" disappoints as a memoir, failing to offer a nuanced or insightful perspective on Graham Richardson's political career. The book's self-indulgent tone and the author's apparent reluctance to engage in honest self-reflection make it difficult for readers to connect with or appreciate the content. Richardson's portrayal of himself as a self-serving political chameleon diminishes the credibility of the memoir, leaving it mired in the realm of opportunistic storytelling rather than a genuine contribution to political literature.
The author's propensity for self-serving narratives is evident throughout the book. Richardson appears to be more concerned with portraying himself in a favorable light than providing an honest and critical examination of his political career. The memoir lacks the introspection one would expect, with Richardson conveniently glossing over controversial decisions and portraying himself as a political chameleon adept at adapting to prevailing winds.
The title, "Whatever It Takes," embodies Richardson's approach to politics, but instead of showcasing resilience or commitment to public service, it underscores a willingness to embrace opportunism at the expense of principle. The author's unapologetic pursuit of power seems to be the primary theme, overshadowing any meaningful discussion of policy or the impact of political decisions on the Australian public.
Furthermore, Richardson's lack of remorse or critical self-reflection regarding his involvement in political scandals is striking. Rather than using the memoir as an opportunity to provide valuable insights into the political system, Richardson sidesteps accountability, leaving readers with a sense of frustration at the missed potential for an authentic and meaningful narrative.
In conclusion, "Whatever It Takes" disappoints as a memoir, failing to offer a nuanced or insightful perspective on Graham Richardson's political career. The book's self-indulgent tone and the author's apparent reluctance to engage in honest self-reflection make it difficult for readers to connect with or appreciate the content. Richardson's portrayal of himself as a self-serving political chameleon diminishes the credibility of the memoir, leaving it mired in the realm of opportunistic storytelling rather than a genuine contribution to political literature.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews