Julia Gillard

This book is divided into two sections. The first section of 7 chapters is called How I Did It - this is a fairly straightforward account of her time in government with very little analysis. The second section contains the remaining 16 chapters and is called Why I Did It - although it largely expands on the events surrounding her time in government.

This book tells the story of Julia Gillard's time in government and the achievements of those governments, which eclipsed many that went before. She pursued a reform agenda that is breathtaking, especially given the short term she had as PM. The manner of her departure is regrettable, but her legacy is strong.

The man that replaced her, Tony Abbott, has shown that he is not up to leadership let alone reform. His type of reform is to return to the bad policies that the conservatives pursued in the past. His replacement, Malcolm Turnbull, is beholden to and hamstrung by the conservatives. It will be a blessing to return to sensible government that seeks to improve the lot of all citizens and not just those that vote for them.

This book gives a rare and credible insight into the thinking of a major political player. I give it 3 stars out of 5.… (mehr)