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Quarterly Essay #88
Lone Wolf: Albanese And The New Politics
A prime minister in the making, and a nation on the move. In Lone Wolf, Katharine Murphy offers a new portrait of Anthony Albanese. She reveals a leader who has always had to think three steps ahead, who was an insurgent for much of his professional life, but had to learn to listen and devise ‘strategies of inclusivity’ to win the 2022 election.
Following that victory, Greens leader Adam Bandt voiced hopes for ‘a great era of progressive reform,’ but it is Albanese and Labor who will ultimately decide whether that potential is reached or not.
Drawing on interviews with Albanese, Bandt, Penny Wong, Jim Chalmers, Mark Butler, Katy Gallagher, Simon Holmes à Court, Zoe Daniel and more, Murphy’s brilliant essay draws out the meaning of an eventful political year. She offers a telling character study of the prime minister, investigates the success of the teals and the Greens, and looks to the challenges of the future.
‘Taking the party leadership was both a beginning and an ending. Insurgency was done. New skills were required … Albanese knew how to recruit people to a cause and to get them to a similar place. He’d been doing that since his teens. But to win, he had to learn to listen, to trust his team and to lead, understanding that sometimes leadership involves holding back rather than imagining it’s all on you.’ Katharine Murphy, Lone Wolf
Following that victory, Greens leader Adam Bandt voiced hopes for ‘a great era of progressive reform,’ but it is Albanese and Labor who will ultimately decide whether that potential is reached or not.
Drawing on interviews with Albanese, Bandt, Penny Wong, Jim Chalmers, Mark Butler, Katy Gallagher, Simon Holmes à Court, Zoe Daniel and more, Murphy’s brilliant essay draws out the meaning of an eventful political year. She offers a telling character study of the prime minister, investigates the success of the teals and the Greens, and looks to the challenges of the future.
‘Taking the party leadership was both a beginning and an ending. Insurgency was done. New skills were required … Albanese knew how to recruit people to a cause and to get them to a similar place. He’d been doing that since his teens. But to win, he had to learn to listen, to trust his team and to lead, understanding that sometimes leadership involves holding back rather than imagining it’s all on you.’ Katharine Murphy, Lone Wolf
154 pages, Paperback
Published November 28, 2022
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About the author
Katharine Murphy
8 books9 followersKatharine Murphy has worked in Canberra’s parliamentary press gallery since 1996 for the Australian Financial Review, The Australian and The Age, before joining Guardian Australia, where she is the political editor. She won the Paul Lyneham Award for Excellence in Press Gallery Journalism in 2008 and has been a Walkley Award finalist twice. She was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Canberra in 2019. She is a director of the National Press Club and the author of On Disruption and Quarterly Essay The End of Certainty.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 22, 2022
Quarterly Essays should be mandatory reading for all those interested in political, economic and social issues in Australia. I anticipate their publication every three months. I have read them since 2001 and Robert Manne’s “Stolen Generation.”
While reading this essay I was also listening to numerous interviews with Nikki Savva speaking about her new book, Bulldoze. Also, Labor’s federal election campaign review was released and reported on.
I admire Murphy both as a print journalist and a media commentator. Her most brilliant observation was of Morrison when she said “ ….. he speaks to blokes who might vote Labor.”
Although this essay is focussed on Albanese, Morrison is often mentioned in the early pages. Bob Hawke once said that the electorate usually got it right when a federal election was held. I firmly believe that in 2019 they got it wrong. Bill Shorten was not liked, the ALPs multitude of policies, some of which would raise taxes and Morrison’s brilliant portrayal as the “daggy suburban dad” all contributed to the Liberal’s miracle win.
Albanese would have been Labor leader at the 2019 election if the Labor parliamentarians had followed the membership’s vote, but party faction deals gave the leadership to Shorten.
Albanese played a masterful game of well-placed pragmatism and inciteful criticisms and attacks on Morrison.
The essay starts with an account of Albanese on election night then travels back to his election as Labor leader. It touches on the struggle he faced as a youth with a pensioned mother who had debilitating illnesses. Albanese has told this story on numerous occasions and so he should. One of the highlights of our political system is that someone with Albanese’ childhood and background can still become prime minister. In America you virtually have to be a millionaire, in England a graduate of Eton and Oxbridge, in North Korea the son of the previous leader.
Murphy spends many pages discussing Albanese’s personality, his trustworthiness and how he has learnt from his and Labor’s previous mistakes.
It is now nearly six months since his election and opinion polls are showing Labor has increased its support in the electorate and Albanese’s lead over Opposition Leader is the proverbial country mile. However, we live in turbulent times and Albanese and Labor should always remember this.
A dispassionate, informative read.
While reading this essay I was also listening to numerous interviews with Nikki Savva speaking about her new book, Bulldoze. Also, Labor’s federal election campaign review was released and reported on.
I admire Murphy both as a print journalist and a media commentator. Her most brilliant observation was of Morrison when she said “ ….. he speaks to blokes who might vote Labor.”
Although this essay is focussed on Albanese, Morrison is often mentioned in the early pages. Bob Hawke once said that the electorate usually got it right when a federal election was held. I firmly believe that in 2019 they got it wrong. Bill Shorten was not liked, the ALPs multitude of policies, some of which would raise taxes and Morrison’s brilliant portrayal as the “daggy suburban dad” all contributed to the Liberal’s miracle win.
Albanese would have been Labor leader at the 2019 election if the Labor parliamentarians had followed the membership’s vote, but party faction deals gave the leadership to Shorten.
Albanese played a masterful game of well-placed pragmatism and inciteful criticisms and attacks on Morrison.
The essay starts with an account of Albanese on election night then travels back to his election as Labor leader. It touches on the struggle he faced as a youth with a pensioned mother who had debilitating illnesses. Albanese has told this story on numerous occasions and so he should. One of the highlights of our political system is that someone with Albanese’ childhood and background can still become prime minister. In America you virtually have to be a millionaire, in England a graduate of Eton and Oxbridge, in North Korea the son of the previous leader.
Murphy spends many pages discussing Albanese’s personality, his trustworthiness and how he has learnt from his and Labor’s previous mistakes.
It is now nearly six months since his election and opinion polls are showing Labor has increased its support in the electorate and Albanese’s lead over Opposition Leader is the proverbial country mile. However, we live in turbulent times and Albanese and Labor should always remember this.
A dispassionate, informative read.
January 3, 2023
First issue of my 2022 Christmas gift - a two-year subscription to the Quarterly. Definitely one for Labor voters (and I’m from a family of them) but I really enjoyed the breadth and depth of this. Murphy looks to Labor’s past, its future, and the role the Greens and independents play in maintaining the functionality of Australia’s democracy
February 3, 2023
A quick read and some useful insights into the character of Australia’s new Labor Prime Minister beyond the well-worn foundation story.
Murphy does have a tendency to self-consciously toss out 10-dollar words (she loves ‘febrile’ for instance) in such a way that gets in the way of her story, but she reigns it in for the most part here and sticks to the narrative.
‘The Lone Wolf’ of the title refers to the younger Albanese’s habit of running his own race, so used had he become growing up in a council flat with a disabled mother to taking charge without reference to anyone else. It was a habit that stood him in good stead for the most part.
But Murphy adroitly shows how in the more favour-oriented political world he had to learn to work with other people, notably his notional ALP factional enemy Mark Butler, to achieve results. In doing so, he united the left of the party and started to effect change.
The ruin of the Rudd-Gillard years appears to have been the making of him, particularly in the post-2010 hung parliament in which Labor depended on a group of independents to govern. As leader of the House, he expertly built alliances and sought practical compromises in a way that many journalists have since said is the model of how a parliament should operate.
So it’s no surprise to see Albanese hit the ground running after the widely detested Morrison and his corrupt LNP government were defeated last May. In the new parliament - the most progressive in years - Albanese is shown to be consultative and constructive with the expanded cross-bench and able to build a good working relationship with the Greens on his left.
This is a good insider view of what has changed politically in 2022, but I think the more interesting stories are coming from those outside the gallery - like Tim Dunlop and Margot Saville in their accounts of the Teal phenomenon.
Murphy does have a tendency to self-consciously toss out 10-dollar words (she loves ‘febrile’ for instance) in such a way that gets in the way of her story, but she reigns it in for the most part here and sticks to the narrative.
‘The Lone Wolf’ of the title refers to the younger Albanese’s habit of running his own race, so used had he become growing up in a council flat with a disabled mother to taking charge without reference to anyone else. It was a habit that stood him in good stead for the most part.
But Murphy adroitly shows how in the more favour-oriented political world he had to learn to work with other people, notably his notional ALP factional enemy Mark Butler, to achieve results. In doing so, he united the left of the party and started to effect change.
The ruin of the Rudd-Gillard years appears to have been the making of him, particularly in the post-2010 hung parliament in which Labor depended on a group of independents to govern. As leader of the House, he expertly built alliances and sought practical compromises in a way that many journalists have since said is the model of how a parliament should operate.
So it’s no surprise to see Albanese hit the ground running after the widely detested Morrison and his corrupt LNP government were defeated last May. In the new parliament - the most progressive in years - Albanese is shown to be consultative and constructive with the expanded cross-bench and able to build a good working relationship with the Greens on his left.
This is a good insider view of what has changed politically in 2022, but I think the more interesting stories are coming from those outside the gallery - like Tim Dunlop and Margot Saville in their accounts of the Teal phenomenon.
April 12, 2023
Love Katherine Murphy (although should be a “take a shot every time she says “king maker”” game). Beautifully written and narrated. Murphy speaks to lots of current and historical players and has a very positive lens, which, along with copious direct quotes from interviews for the essay with the man himself, leads to this essay coming off as quite partisan.
First half is the making of albo essentially, which, to me read like propaganda. The second half, was much more interesting, with interviews from a wide range of players about how Albanese has positioned himself through different battles. A look under the hood re: how the party decides it’s policies was a treat. for eg. Re: Climate change - which can be summarised as “we know our goals are much below evidence backed targets but the electorate won’t buy it, so let’s go for this mid level target that we don’t really want” left me scratching my head as to what the point of gaining leadership really is for the Labor party.
First half is the making of albo essentially, which, to me read like propaganda. The second half, was much more interesting, with interviews from a wide range of players about how Albanese has positioned himself through different battles. A look under the hood re: how the party decides it’s policies was a treat. for eg. Re: Climate change - which can be summarised as “we know our goals are much below evidence backed targets but the electorate won’t buy it, so let’s go for this mid level target that we don’t really want” left me scratching my head as to what the point of gaining leadership really is for the Labor party.
March 1, 2023
I already liked and respected Albo but this made me like him even more. A great edition looking at one of the few politicians in Aus that I feel like I can actually relate to.
December 9, 2022
Provides fascinating insights into what drives Albanese - not only where he came from, but what he’s learned along the way. A man entirely capable of rebuilding trust in government… via cooperation, stability and respect for the parliamentary institutions that got Australia to this point in time. It’s difficult to avoid a sense of optimism about this nation’s future after years of turmoil and despondency. I wait with bated breath for what transpires in 2025.
April 25, 2023
It's been too long since my last quarterly essay. Really enjoyed reading this, traces Albo's journey to top dog as well as all the red, green and teal wave in our last federal election.
The infighting in the last decade or so has been sickening to watch so I hope this govt doesn't go that way. Also hope they continue to deliver and find ways to keep working constructively with the cross bench.
The infighting in the last decade or so has been sickening to watch so I hope this govt doesn't go that way. Also hope they continue to deliver and find ways to keep working constructively with the cross bench.
May 18, 2025
It’s clear the author is a big fan of Albanese, which is fine, but at times the complimentary tone felt a little over the top. That said, this is still an interesting and detailed profile of the Prime Minister. Albanese comes across as a highly strategic and competent operator in parliament; he knows the game, and he plays it well. I must say this essay definitely deepened my respect for him.
I had initially thought he could have been more ambitious in his first term, but it’s now clear that ambitious or reckless simply isn’t who he is — he’s cautious, calculated, pragmatic, and deeply shaped by his political upbringing. As the author notes, Albanese has had to evolve (and still is evolving): to unshackle the lone wolf mentality.
On the other hand, he didn't need to be overly ambitious, given Dutton was the competition.
Now he has won an incredible majority, it will be interesting to see what form Albanese takes on. Lone wolf or... Labor lion?
I had initially thought he could have been more ambitious in his first term, but it’s now clear that ambitious or reckless simply isn’t who he is — he’s cautious, calculated, pragmatic, and deeply shaped by his political upbringing. As the author notes, Albanese has had to evolve (and still is evolving): to unshackle the lone wolf mentality.
On the other hand, he didn't need to be overly ambitious, given Dutton was the competition.
Now he has won an incredible majority, it will be interesting to see what form Albanese takes on. Lone wolf or... Labor lion?
January 3, 2023
I don’t know much about our new Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, but I’m sure glad he’s now governing our country with an effective and honest team. Finding out a little about his background and character has whet my appetite to read more. Also great to have some insight into the rise of the Greens and the Teals, with Climate 200, at the May 2022 Federal Election.
January 5, 2023
Not a whole lot of new insights as an avid guardian reader/podcast fan (in particular Murph’s own podcast ‘Australian Politics’). But a good look into the history and future of Albo as a person, Labor as a party and the premise of majority government/two party system as an assumed political reality. Interesting times ahead.
As an aside, I also particularly enjoyed the correspondence section in this essay. Usually the correspondence are just slaps on the back of the prior essay, with only cursory disagreement. But this time I was encouraged by the rigorous, firm and thoughtful critique of Waleed & Stephens prior essay on cancel culture, which I found very middling.
As an aside, I also particularly enjoyed the correspondence section in this essay. Usually the correspondence are just slaps on the back of the prior essay, with only cursory disagreement. But this time I was encouraged by the rigorous, firm and thoughtful critique of Waleed & Stephens prior essay on cancel culture, which I found very middling.
July 25, 2023
A pretty decent, if quite uncritical and starry-eyed, analysis of Antony Albanese, the unassuming Labor hero who knocked out Morrison, who by contrast is currently one of the most despised of Australian leaders, though I think that isn't quite fair. Either way, Murphy turns in a decent but far from excellent work that looks at the brand of politics Albanese (whom I fairly like, despite not voting for) is now bringing to the table. After so long under the Liberal government, I think the spirited optimism of this essay is quite justified. Let's just hope it isn't premature, as largely turned out to be the case in the Rudd-Gillard-Rudd era.
January 2, 2023
I came to this QE with much scepticism. I had read Murphy's hagriography of Morrison in her previous QE, "The End of Uncertainty". I knew better to expect much more than an uncritical portrait of the PM, largely reflecting him as he wanted to be seen, attempting to maintain the political access that is the coin of the realm when it comes to political journalism, and for which all one has to sacrifice is any attempt at asking difficult questions.
And indeed, this is what I got. It is sort of like how a lifestyle magazine would write up Albo if their audience also cared about parliamentary processes. I think it's fair enough to relate to the reader "here is the narrative that Albo is crafting about himself", and then perhaps spend some part of the essay analysing and critiquing that narrative. But Murphy doesn't do that. Instead the entire essay is that narrative, and at no point does Murphy mention this, instead presenting Albo's merits (related to her by the man himself and colleagues) as if she dug them up through intrepid investigative snooping.
What really irked me then, is that she has the gall to criticise Scott Morrison — having previously spent a whole essay singing his praises! What are we meant to make of this? Do we accept that the whole purpose of the QE is to burnish her journalistic credentials, and that her treatment of Albanese performs the same role, that if we want any actual criticism or insight we need to wait until he is no longer PM? It's such a volte-face on Morrison done with not a trace of self-reflection or transparency.
Part of me is like - it's OK she treats Albanese so gently, he is pretty great after all! But that's the whole trick the essay is trying to pull off. There are plenty of chances to interrogate his approach more, but she refuses to take them. For me, the stage 3 tax cuts is the clearest example. Murphy digs into the politics of this a bit, but largely gives Labor a free pass. Meanwhile, they are nodding in an end to progressive taxation in Australia, while, in the essay, talking about how it is so important they remain true to their Labor tradition. It doesn't make any sense, yet Murphy isn't even willing to be explicit about the betrayals that Labor has enacted in order to achieve Albanese's strategy of longevity. Even if you agree with the strategy, you can be honest about the sacrifices and trade-offs it involves!
Murphy writes relatively well and I think that's how she gets away with a lot of it. It's such an insider perspective, and there's a whole class of writers who can get away with it because readers like to feel like they are on the inside. Hell, part of why I keep reading these damn essays is to feel like I'm also part of some intellectual club. But increasingly the only insight I gain is realising how I could be spending my time and money in better ways.
And indeed, this is what I got. It is sort of like how a lifestyle magazine would write up Albo if their audience also cared about parliamentary processes. I think it's fair enough to relate to the reader "here is the narrative that Albo is crafting about himself", and then perhaps spend some part of the essay analysing and critiquing that narrative. But Murphy doesn't do that. Instead the entire essay is that narrative, and at no point does Murphy mention this, instead presenting Albo's merits (related to her by the man himself and colleagues) as if she dug them up through intrepid investigative snooping.
What really irked me then, is that she has the gall to criticise Scott Morrison — having previously spent a whole essay singing his praises! What are we meant to make of this? Do we accept that the whole purpose of the QE is to burnish her journalistic credentials, and that her treatment of Albanese performs the same role, that if we want any actual criticism or insight we need to wait until he is no longer PM? It's such a volte-face on Morrison done with not a trace of self-reflection or transparency.
Part of me is like - it's OK she treats Albanese so gently, he is pretty great after all! But that's the whole trick the essay is trying to pull off. There are plenty of chances to interrogate his approach more, but she refuses to take them. For me, the stage 3 tax cuts is the clearest example. Murphy digs into the politics of this a bit, but largely gives Labor a free pass. Meanwhile, they are nodding in an end to progressive taxation in Australia, while, in the essay, talking about how it is so important they remain true to their Labor tradition. It doesn't make any sense, yet Murphy isn't even willing to be explicit about the betrayals that Labor has enacted in order to achieve Albanese's strategy of longevity. Even if you agree with the strategy, you can be honest about the sacrifices and trade-offs it involves!
Murphy writes relatively well and I think that's how she gets away with a lot of it. It's such an insider perspective, and there's a whole class of writers who can get away with it because readers like to feel like they are on the inside. Hell, part of why I keep reading these damn essays is to feel like I'm also part of some intellectual club. But increasingly the only insight I gain is realising how I could be spending my time and money in better ways.
March 14, 2026
People often talk about a “Bermuda Triangle of talent”, where the most talented, intelligent and diligent graduates disappear into management consulting, corporate law or finance instead of creating a tangible public impact.
If that is true, what does it say about Australian political journalism? At times it can feel like the refuge of people who want to psychoanalyse others but lack the rigour to become psychologists; people who aspire to write elegantly but fall back on tired clichés; and people whose intellectual ability is suited to analysing reality television, and who therefore end up covering politics as if it were reality TV.
Murphy is the representative of all these failings.
Firstly, Murphy opens with discussion about the lightness of Albanese. Perhaps this is pure projection. Murphy writing is light: there is no substance to it and you just dance form line to line. Floating over the syllables.
Secondly, Murphy writes extensively of Albanese's strategic nous. However, Murphy often falls over herself trying to stress the extent of Albanese's ability to wield power: “He’s had to count every advance, every vote, maintaining a meticulous ledger in his head. If you have numbers, you win; if you don’t, you lose. A number falling right out of his head on day two of the contest jolted him, and it jolted the campaign. Penny Wong says the early campaign stumbles were an existential crossroads." I am still unsure as to what this means.
Finally, Murphy, much like a reality TV star entering the villa, describes Albanese as an insurgent. For instance, “Burgmann says Albanese would distinguish their group from the Fergusons, by saying, “The Fergusons are in the left because they are in the Labor Party, and we are in the Labor Party because we are in the left. .. ”
The dearth of quality journalism has led us to our current political point: no substantive policy debate based on shared values, economics (and other social sciences) and evidence. This is most evident in the book. Murphy speaks about Albanese's effectiveness in dealing with two policy issues - childcare and climate. However, it really only reveals Albanese intense focus on politics and a lack of focus on good economic and social policy. For the climate policy, “Albanese’s calculation was that if he could find the sweet spot, Morrison would have significant difficulty responding because he was wedged between two constituencies – centre- right progressives in the cities sick to death of the Coalition weaponising climate action, and the voters in the regions that the Coalition had radicalised against climate action during the 2013 and 2019 contests.” (Page 48). For the childcare, he declared it as “good politics”.
If that is true, what does it say about Australian political journalism? At times it can feel like the refuge of people who want to psychoanalyse others but lack the rigour to become psychologists; people who aspire to write elegantly but fall back on tired clichés; and people whose intellectual ability is suited to analysing reality television, and who therefore end up covering politics as if it were reality TV.
Murphy is the representative of all these failings.
Firstly, Murphy opens with discussion about the lightness of Albanese. Perhaps this is pure projection. Murphy writing is light: there is no substance to it and you just dance form line to line. Floating over the syllables.
Secondly, Murphy writes extensively of Albanese's strategic nous. However, Murphy often falls over herself trying to stress the extent of Albanese's ability to wield power: “He’s had to count every advance, every vote, maintaining a meticulous ledger in his head. If you have numbers, you win; if you don’t, you lose. A number falling right out of his head on day two of the contest jolted him, and it jolted the campaign. Penny Wong says the early campaign stumbles were an existential crossroads." I am still unsure as to what this means.
Finally, Murphy, much like a reality TV star entering the villa, describes Albanese as an insurgent. For instance, “Burgmann says Albanese would distinguish their group from the Fergusons, by saying, “The Fergusons are in the left because they are in the Labor Party, and we are in the Labor Party because we are in the left. .. ”
The dearth of quality journalism has led us to our current political point: no substantive policy debate based on shared values, economics (and other social sciences) and evidence. This is most evident in the book. Murphy speaks about Albanese's effectiveness in dealing with two policy issues - childcare and climate. However, it really only reveals Albanese intense focus on politics and a lack of focus on good economic and social policy. For the climate policy, “Albanese’s calculation was that if he could find the sweet spot, Morrison would have significant difficulty responding because he was wedged between two constituencies – centre- right progressives in the cities sick to death of the Coalition weaponising climate action, and the voters in the regions that the Coalition had radicalised against climate action during the 2013 and 2019 contests.” (Page 48). For the childcare, he declared it as “good politics”.
October 2, 2025
Murphy covers a lot of ground in around 100 pages, painting a well-thought-out portrait of the political landscape during 2022. Furthermore, it is a relevant read post-2025 election, as most of her speculation about the future of Albanese’s leadership and the “new politics” holds up quite well.
It was certainly eye-opening absorbing the inner world of Albanese’s life. From his childhood struggle and how that shaped his leadership style, to student politics and the veritable weathervane that those around him possess. A definite product of his environment, Murphy contends that Albanese has had to transition to a more collaborative approach from his lone wolf style in recent times – something that offered boons during 2022, an important point of contrast to the Morrison-Frydenberg duopoly.
She “doggedly” lionises the pragmatic incrementalism that is the legacy that Albanese is forging, providing extensive justification for this, whilst lending some credence to the progressives who desire more. I’d have appreciated Murphy reaching beyond the Keating and Hawke days, as that was the limit of her historical comparison – where Whitlam is the natural counter to the Albanese orthodoxy (with some asterisks of course).
It'd do Sussan Ley or whoever leads the Opposition within the next couple of years some good to read this piece.
Overall this being my first Quarterly Essay reading, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Very excited to read the correspondence in the next issue.
It was certainly eye-opening absorbing the inner world of Albanese’s life. From his childhood struggle and how that shaped his leadership style, to student politics and the veritable weathervane that those around him possess. A definite product of his environment, Murphy contends that Albanese has had to transition to a more collaborative approach from his lone wolf style in recent times – something that offered boons during 2022, an important point of contrast to the Morrison-Frydenberg duopoly.
She “doggedly” lionises the pragmatic incrementalism that is the legacy that Albanese is forging, providing extensive justification for this, whilst lending some credence to the progressives who desire more. I’d have appreciated Murphy reaching beyond the Keating and Hawke days, as that was the limit of her historical comparison – where Whitlam is the natural counter to the Albanese orthodoxy (with some asterisks of course).
It'd do Sussan Ley or whoever leads the Opposition within the next couple of years some good to read this piece.
Overall this being my first Quarterly Essay reading, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Very excited to read the correspondence in the next issue.
February 17, 2023
In Lone Wolf, Murphy presents an insightful portrait of Anthony Albanese, offering a nuanced look at his political career and leadership style. Through interviews with Albanese and other key political figures, Murphy explores the challenges and successes of his journey from insurgent to Prime Minister. Following his recent victory in the 2022 election, there are hopes among progressives for a new era of reform. Still, it is Albanese and the Labor Party who will ultimately determine whether this potential is realised. Murphy also analyses the success of the Greens and other parties, providing a unique perspective on the political landscape of Australia. Albanese's journey from insurgent to leader offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in politics. Murphy's careful research and sharp analysis make this book essential for anyone looking to understand the future of Australian politics.
July 12, 2024
I generally quite like Murphy's writing, and comments on panel shows and so on - usually quite insightful and penetrating. But this really felt much more shallow than her usual standards - buying into the Albo myth more than interrogating it. The fact that she subsequently left the Guardian to work directly for Albo makes it hard not to view this as a bit of a hagiography.
The essay also examines the so-called 'new politics' of the crossbench, viewed largely through the lens of how (Albo and Labor more broadly) are approaching them. This aspect was fine, but being only part of the larger Albo-focused essay meant that there wasn't really the space to investigate the phenomenon in any real depth. It needs and deserves an essay of its own.
The essay also examines the so-called 'new politics' of the crossbench, viewed largely through the lens of how (Albo and Labor more broadly) are approaching them. This aspect was fine, but being only part of the larger Albo-focused essay meant that there wasn't really the space to investigate the phenomenon in any real depth. It needs and deserves an essay of its own.
February 8, 2023
Katharine Murphy provides a background to our new Prime Minister. She humanises Anthony Albanese and explores beyond the stories of his childhood with a single mother in a council residence. There is much more to tell about him. Albanese is not perfect, and did not get it all right in the election campaign, with the media and now opposition quick to point out flaws.....but he is learning, and quickly. Albanese has an agenda to get things done and having worked in the Gillard minority government is well aware and well practiced in forming alliances and building co-operation.
In the end I came out liking the man and hopeful for a more positive future for Australia.
In the end I came out liking the man and hopeful for a more positive future for Australia.
April 10, 2023
I found this a hard read, but ultimately educational on Albo's successful election campaign. The side stories around the teals and inside views from senior cabinet were great. Can't say I'm a huge fan of the author or opinion style of this piece.
Murphy plays the player as much as the game. She's more than qualified and entitled to do so, but I prefer to absorb discourse on politics as more factual, without as much interpretation and strategic and personality opining as Murphy does.
Glad I read it. Glad I finished it. Appreciate the effort that went into creating it. Cleansed myself afterwards with a more pleasant read.
Murphy plays the player as much as the game. She's more than qualified and entitled to do so, but I prefer to absorb discourse on politics as more factual, without as much interpretation and strategic and personality opining as Murphy does.
Glad I read it. Glad I finished it. Appreciate the effort that went into creating it. Cleansed myself afterwards with a more pleasant read.
March 3, 2023
This was published in November 22, about six months after the change of government and we were beginning to see a PM not evident when Murphy wrote her essay.
Of course, it's in the nature of politics to be disappointed by our expectations.
Eventually I read the essay, but truth be told I read it too late to be of any real interest. The letters in response to the previous QE (Civil Wars by Waleed Aly and Scott Stephens) was more interesting but some of the debate felt too academic for a general readership.
Of course, it's in the nature of politics to be disappointed by our expectations.
Eventually I read the essay, but truth be told I read it too late to be of any real interest. The letters in response to the previous QE (Civil Wars by Waleed Aly and Scott Stephens) was more interesting but some of the debate felt too academic for a general readership.
March 28, 2023
This is a decent effort by one of Australia's most prominent political journalists. Its major flaw to my mind is that it attempts to be part biography of our new Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, part analysis of the political dynamics of the 2022 election, and part exploration of the "new politics" this election may have presaged or inaugurated. Every single strand of this triple thread probably deserves an essay of its own, leaving this essay feeling slightly unfocused.
January 9, 2023
Started 2022 with Sean Kelly’s book The Game: A portrait of Scott Morrison, such a terrible liberal government led by a man with no idea/s. Thrilled to start 2023 reading Kathryn Murphy’s intelligent round up of Albo’s road to the Prime Ministership, I believe Australia is at last heading in the right direction after ten wasted years.
December 5, 2022
A timely essay reflecting what it too to get our newest Prime Minister into office and what it will take to keep him there. Worth reading to get the background info on all that happened and simply because you don’t get this deep dive in usual media contributions.
December 12, 2022
A good catch-up on the conversation in late '22 surrounding Albanese, election promises, and the Labor Party outlook for the future. If you've been tracking news there's probably nothing surprising in here, but it did provide some interesting insights into Albanese as a person.
January 7, 2023
Interesting. I learned a lot about a politician who seems more interested in getting things done than massaging his own ego. A pleasant change! Hopefully his ascension will herald in a new style of politics in Australia. We certainly need it!
January 29, 2023
Albo is playing a long game and is different from the bloke before him. Yep. However Murphy has crafted an incidental essay that brings the Albo approach to light and for this I thank her.
I just hope now that the logic and measure of the mature Albo are enough to get The Voice over the line.
I just hope now that the logic and measure of the mature Albo are enough to get The Voice over the line.
April 19, 2023
An enjoyable overview of Anthony Albanese's life, career and modus operandi. The writing style was slightly annoying in places (just trying too hard to be fresh and conversational) but apart from that it was well executed.
August 24, 2023
Interesting background reading. Seemed to go a little off topic into the rise of independents and the Greens, but if the major parties become less relevant the ability to create consensus across the cross benches will be an important attribute of future leaders.
April 3, 2025
The earlier sections relating to Albanese, his reflexivity, his history and his style of leadership were great. I was less engaged in the later sections about new politics. Murphy writes about Albanese with genuine affection.
December 18, 2022
Long live King Albo!
December 29, 2022
An insightful and nuanced critique of Albanese and the unusual state of politics in Australia.
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