Australia's First University Press

Battleground

Why the Liberal Party Shirtfronted Tony Abbott

Add To Bag $15.99

Battleground chronicles the paradox of the Abbott prime ministership: the virtues of loyalty when pragmatism was required; strong social values at odds with community attitudes; and honesty when tactics and strategy were essential. All would bring him undone.


Tony Abbott came to office lauded as the most effective leader of the opposition since Whitlam, but the signs of an imperfect transition to the prime ministership would soon emerge. Why did Abbott fail to grow into the job to which he had aspired for decades? Backbenchers complained about the leader's office, the lack of access, front benchers leaked about cabinet processes to the media. His long apprenticeship in religion, journalism and political life prepared him for neither the mundane business of people management nor the commanding heights of national leadership. Public goodwill evaporated after a tough first budget the government failed to explain. Inside the Liberal party individual ambitions and a succession of poor polls produced increasing concern that the next election was lost. As a result, the horse named self-interest won yet again.

Wayne Errington

About The Author

Wayne Errington is Associate Professor in Politics and Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching) in the Faculty of Arts at Adelaide University. Togetherwith Peter van Olsen they wrote the bestsellers John Winston Howard: The Definitive Biography and Battleground: Why the Liberal Party Shirtfronted Tony Abbott.

Read More

Peter van Onselen

About The Author

Peter van Onselen is Contributing Editor at The Australian and a presenter at Sky News. He is a professor in politics at the University of Western Australia. Together with Wayne Errington they wrote the bestsellers John Winston Howard: The Definitive Biography and Battleground: Why the Liberal Party Shirtfronted Tony Abbott.

Read More

More Great Books