Federal election reviews

April 20, 2026

Three books about Labor since 2022 and the 2025 Federal Election have missed the point about voters wanting fighters – not managers. Landslide – the 2025 Australian Federal Election, Ed by Marian Sawer, Jill Sheppard and John Warhurst, ANU Press Promise and performance – Albanese’s First Term, Ed by Scott Prasser, Connor Court Publishing The First Albanese Government - Governing in an Age of Disruption and division 2022-2025, Ed John Hawkins, Michelle Grattan and John Halligan, UNSW Press The books agree on the Labor pursuit of stability, safety and competence and the Liberal incompetence and arrogance. Two other books, however, recognise the failure of the major parties to embrace and articulate convincing reform agendas. The Hollow State - Power Without urpose in Australian Politics - Peter Van Onselen,Wilkinson Publishing Ltd Dead Centre - How Political Pragmatism is Killing Us, Richard Denniss, Australian Institute Press But, then, is not the purpose of the major parties - obtain and retain political power i.e. that is their purpose.