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Victory
The inside story of Labor's return to power.Anthony Albanese's 2022 election victory was the most consequential in decades. As well as ending a 'lost decade' of conservative rule and bringing Labor into Federal power for the first time since 2013, it ushered in a new force in politics. The victory of the teal independents has changed both the face of the parliament and decimated the Liberal Party. Women candidates and voters had their voices heard across the political spectrum.Victory for Labor has been resounding and sweet, but it comes with caveats. Both major parties now have to look over their shoulders at the minor parties and independent challengers. Yet the next three years are full of possibility.Victory goes inside the campaigns of all the players in the 2022 election to reveal how Labor orchestrated its remarkable win. Will Albanese govern as the careful reformer of the campaign or will this socially progressive leader recapture Australia's lost egalitarianism?' Victory is a compelling read which should appeal to a wide audience as well as political scholars' Bernard Whimpress, Newtown Review of Books
- GenresNonfiction
320 pages, Paperback
Published October 5, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 20, 2022
A very readable book about Labor's hard won fight to win victory at the 2022
federal election by two authors whose respect and admiration for "Albo" shines
through on every page. I can recall during the election campaign stressing and
wondering if voters would take off their blinkers long enough to see the Coalition
for what it was - just an empty shell with Morrison using it to peddle his own
brand of populist politics.
Even though I knew the outcome this was a real page turner, as different incidents
that I remembered at the time were explained in more detail. And as if the post
election findings of Morrison made him even more despicable, there is more to despise
in him after reading the book. Unlike P.M.'s in recent years, Albanese never thought
he had a destiny to be Prime Minister, his highest aspiration was to be leader of the
Labor party, so he doesn't have a born to rule at all costs mentality.
The last chapters ponder the future of the Liberal Party - where to from here?
It sounds as though, to the authors, Dutton is not the answer - not unless the party
does some deep soul searching on the woman question, the integrity commission,
climate change and why they lost important seats to the "teal independents" - and with the sniping and blaming going on since the election, they will be in opposition a long time.
federal election by two authors whose respect and admiration for "Albo" shines
through on every page. I can recall during the election campaign stressing and
wondering if voters would take off their blinkers long enough to see the Coalition
for what it was - just an empty shell with Morrison using it to peddle his own
brand of populist politics.
Even though I knew the outcome this was a real page turner, as different incidents
that I remembered at the time were explained in more detail. And as if the post
election findings of Morrison made him even more despicable, there is more to despise
in him after reading the book. Unlike P.M.'s in recent years, Albanese never thought
he had a destiny to be Prime Minister, his highest aspiration was to be leader of the
Labor party, so he doesn't have a born to rule at all costs mentality.
The last chapters ponder the future of the Liberal Party - where to from here?
It sounds as though, to the authors, Dutton is not the answer - not unless the party
does some deep soul searching on the woman question, the integrity commission,
climate change and why they lost important seats to the "teal independents" - and with the sniping and blaming going on since the election, they will be in opposition a long time.
January 20, 2023
‘The prime minister who almost never was.’
It’s history now: the return of the Australian Labor Party to the Government benches in May 2022. But this is a return to power with a difference as the teal independents have changed the face of the Australian Parliament.
In this book, Peter Van Onselen and Wayne Errington examine Labor’s rebuilding process after the loss in 2019, the six weeks of the election campaign and identify some of the challenges ahead. The book opens with the challenges faced by Anthony Albanese in 2019: the breakup of his marriage and the need to rebuild the Labor Party after the election. Anthony Albanese adopted a different leadership style from his predecessor (Bill Shorten). He was able to capitalise on some of the Morrison Government’s flaws during the bushfire crisis in 2019, but the outbreak of COVID-19 slowed Labor’s momentum federally. Until … Labor won the Eden-Monaro by-election of 2020 thanks to NSW Deputy Premier and Nationals leader John Barilaro. Barilaro, no fan of the Liberal candidate advocated a preference flow to Labor for anyone voting National. The irony.
The campaign is the heart of this book. The chapters
Week 1: Gotcha!
Week 2: Finding momentum
Week 3: No Albo, no worries
Week 4: Ready to launch
Week 5: The bulldozer versus the builder
Week 6: The future caught up with him
take us through the campaign. From Mr Albanese stumbling over a question on the unemployment rate in Launceston, through Mr Morrison bowling over a child playing soccer in Devonport, the campaign is full of memorable moments.
So far, almost eight months after the election, the Labor Government has been busy. Legislation for the new federal anti-corruption commission has passed through the Australian Parliament, and a referendum on an Indigenous voice to Parliament is expected next year. The Labor Government has the numbers to pass legislation through the House of Representatives but needs to negotiate
legislation through the Senate. We live in interesting times.
I’d recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Australian politics.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
It’s history now: the return of the Australian Labor Party to the Government benches in May 2022. But this is a return to power with a difference as the teal independents have changed the face of the Australian Parliament.
In this book, Peter Van Onselen and Wayne Errington examine Labor’s rebuilding process after the loss in 2019, the six weeks of the election campaign and identify some of the challenges ahead. The book opens with the challenges faced by Anthony Albanese in 2019: the breakup of his marriage and the need to rebuild the Labor Party after the election. Anthony Albanese adopted a different leadership style from his predecessor (Bill Shorten). He was able to capitalise on some of the Morrison Government’s flaws during the bushfire crisis in 2019, but the outbreak of COVID-19 slowed Labor’s momentum federally. Until … Labor won the Eden-Monaro by-election of 2020 thanks to NSW Deputy Premier and Nationals leader John Barilaro. Barilaro, no fan of the Liberal candidate advocated a preference flow to Labor for anyone voting National. The irony.
The campaign is the heart of this book. The chapters
Week 1: Gotcha!
Week 2: Finding momentum
Week 3: No Albo, no worries
Week 4: Ready to launch
Week 5: The bulldozer versus the builder
Week 6: The future caught up with him
take us through the campaign. From Mr Albanese stumbling over a question on the unemployment rate in Launceston, through Mr Morrison bowling over a child playing soccer in Devonport, the campaign is full of memorable moments.
So far, almost eight months after the election, the Labor Government has been busy. Legislation for the new federal anti-corruption commission has passed through the Australian Parliament, and a referendum on an Indigenous voice to Parliament is expected next year. The Labor Government has the numbers to pass legislation through the House of Representatives but needs to negotiate
legislation through the Senate. We live in interesting times.
I’d recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Australian politics.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
November 11, 2022
A well researched analysis by two insiders at the tactics and personalities involved in the run-up and immediate aftermath of the last Federal election.
April 9, 2023
This is a detailed analysis of how and why Anthony Albanese was able to lead Labor to victory in. While it might have been sympathetic to Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party (ALP), given all the negative media coverage they usually receive, especially from the Murdoch media, this isn’t a bad thing. This book is a thorough look at both Anthony Albanese the man and leader, and contrasting him to Scott Morrison. Then there was the election campaign, all long weeks of it. That the ALP was victorious was never a foregone conclusion and the close result was an indication that Anthony Albanese was an unknow. The Aston byelection (1st April 2023) is a further confirmation of the electorate’s acceptance of both Anthony Albanese and the goals of the ALP going forward.
Both authors are academics and a s a result the book is well written, well researched and easy to read. The only problem I had was remembering who was who on the campaign staff of both Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese and on Anthony Albanese’s general staff, as surnames only were used. Perhaps a list of who was who at the end of the book might have helped.
Regarding Tania Plibersek’s move from education to environment and water (which was discussed a few times in the book) while she may be disappointed, the country needs someone strong to deal with the Murry Darling Basin and all it’s issues. Living at the bottom of the Murray River, we are aware (and have been for many years) of how this system has been mismanaged for so long.
This was a good look at the man who is now our Prime Minister.
Both authors are academics and a s a result the book is well written, well researched and easy to read. The only problem I had was remembering who was who on the campaign staff of both Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese and on Anthony Albanese’s general staff, as surnames only were used. Perhaps a list of who was who at the end of the book might have helped.
Regarding Tania Plibersek’s move from education to environment and water (which was discussed a few times in the book) while she may be disappointed, the country needs someone strong to deal with the Murry Darling Basin and all it’s issues. Living at the bottom of the Murray River, we are aware (and have been for many years) of how this system has been mismanaged for so long.
This was a good look at the man who is now our Prime Minister.
December 6, 2022
Excellent analysis of the Labor victory at the 2022 general election. Very balanced and readable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2023
I miss Mungo McCallum!
January 22, 2024
"Victory" by Peter van Onselen provides a political narrative that, despite its potential, left me somewhat underwhelmed. While the book delves into the political landscape with a focus on a specific period, it falls short of delivering the depth and analysis one might expect from a political commentary.
One of the notable drawbacks is the uneven treatment of key events and personalities. The book covers a significant span of time, yet certain aspects are given disproportionate attention, leaving other critical moments feeling underexplored. This imbalance in coverage diminishes the book's ability to provide a comprehensive understanding of the political climate it seeks to portray.
Van Onselen's writing style, while clear, tends to veer towards a somewhat dry and academic tone. The lack of a more engaging narrative style makes it challenging for the reader to connect with the material on a personal or emotional level. The book often reads more like a chronological account of events, missing opportunities to inject a more human touch into the political stories it narrates.
Furthermore, the analysis presented in "Victory" may leave readers craving a deeper exploration of political ideologies and the motivations behind key decisions. While the book touches on important political shifts, it sometimes lacks the in-depth examination needed to make a lasting impact. The analysis remains surface-level, preventing a more profound exploration of the forces at play during the period under review.
Additionally, the book's title, "Victory," might set up certain expectations that the content struggles to fulfill. The narrative doesn't consistently convey a sense of triumph or achievement, and the overarching theme of victory may feel somewhat elusive throughout the reading experience.
In conclusion, "Victory" by Peter van Onselen may appeal to readers with a specific interest in Australian political history, but its uneven coverage, dry writing style, and limited depth of analysis might leave some seeking a more nuanced and engaging exploration of the political landscape it aims to depict.
One of the notable drawbacks is the uneven treatment of key events and personalities. The book covers a significant span of time, yet certain aspects are given disproportionate attention, leaving other critical moments feeling underexplored. This imbalance in coverage diminishes the book's ability to provide a comprehensive understanding of the political climate it seeks to portray.
Van Onselen's writing style, while clear, tends to veer towards a somewhat dry and academic tone. The lack of a more engaging narrative style makes it challenging for the reader to connect with the material on a personal or emotional level. The book often reads more like a chronological account of events, missing opportunities to inject a more human touch into the political stories it narrates.
Furthermore, the analysis presented in "Victory" may leave readers craving a deeper exploration of political ideologies and the motivations behind key decisions. While the book touches on important political shifts, it sometimes lacks the in-depth examination needed to make a lasting impact. The analysis remains surface-level, preventing a more profound exploration of the forces at play during the period under review.
Additionally, the book's title, "Victory," might set up certain expectations that the content struggles to fulfill. The narrative doesn't consistently convey a sense of triumph or achievement, and the overarching theme of victory may feel somewhat elusive throughout the reading experience.
In conclusion, "Victory" by Peter van Onselen may appeal to readers with a specific interest in Australian political history, but its uneven coverage, dry writing style, and limited depth of analysis might leave some seeking a more nuanced and engaging exploration of the political landscape it aims to depict.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews