Working with PM Fraser - the business view - Part 2
John Menadue stayed on as the most senior public servant in the land, after the trauma of the Dismissal. In this 5-part series he details what life was like working with PM Fraser. Given his closeness to Whitlam, some of his conclusions are surprising.
Recent articles in Politics
20 November 2025
Nurturing the next generation of voices
One of the things that sets P&I apart is the seniority and deep experience of many of our authors. And that will not change, facts and historical understanding of issues are essential if we are to tackle the huge issues confronting us all. But the other essential element is fresh thinking and the kind of sparkling hope and action that young Australians bring to the table.
20 November 2025
Five reasons Trump’s economy stinks and 10 things the Dems should do about It
The Trump economy is truly awful for most Americans. Democrats need to show America that they can be better trusted to bring prices down and real wages up.
20 November 2025
Fatal free lunch
Indonesia's free meals for kids program has left thousands of youngsters with food poisoning, and returned the country to the bad old days of military influence.
20 November 2025
Investigative journalists are the heroes of our time
Investigative journalists and whistleblowers must be cherished and protected if there is to be any chance of maintaining our fragile democratic system.
20 November 2025
UN approval of Gaza ‘Stabilisation Force’ slammed as ‘Denial of Palestinian self-determination’
CodePink said the plan “will leave Palestine in the hands of a puppet administration, assigning the United States, which shares complicity in the genocide, as the new manager of the open-air prison.”
20 November 2025
Overworked, overburdened, and burning out: Australian teachers' workloads among the worst in OECD
Australian teachers have unsustainable workloads, and government responses have done little to ease their burden.
20 November 2025
A search for purpose, vision and identity in Australian universities
The Australian university sector has become disconnected from the national imagination and needs a compelling new vision for the future.
20 November 2025
Australians are markedly more worried about the US, but still wary about China
Australians' concerns and mistrust of China are easing, while doubts about the US are increasing.
20 November 2025
From Whitlam to AUKUS: Sovereignty silenced
When governor-general Sir John Kerr dismissed Gough Whitlam on 11 November 1975, Australia lost more than a government. It lost a measure of its independence a loss that still shadows our politics half a century later.
19 November 2025
Working with PM Fraser - the changeover - Part 1
John Menadue stayed on as the most senior public servant in the land, after the trauma of the Dismissal. In this 5-part series he details what life was like working with PM Fraser. Given his closeness to Whitlam, some of his conclusions are surprising.
19 November 2025
Coalition politicians who can't accept the threat of climate change should resign
Politicians who cannot accept climate change is humanity's greatest threat should have no place in the Australian parliament.
19 November 2025
Book review: Turbulence - Australian foreign policy in the Trump era
For anyone concerned about where Australia’s foreign policy including AUKUS, is taking us, Clinton Fernandes' book is essential reading.