Book Reviews

The Fog on the Hill: How NSW Labor Lost its Way
by Frank Sartor, Melbourne University Press, Carlton, 201, pp x + 373, rrp $34.99

Reviewer: David Clune, Honorary Associate, Department of Government and International Relations, University of Sydney.

There are a number of facets to Frank Sartor. There is the public image created by his — shall we say? — vigorous personality. There is also behind the scenes the diligent, hard working Minister who inspired respect and admiration. Then there is the side most on display in this book: Sartor the man of ideas and passionate vision. This is not to say that there isn't dogmatism, self-justification and denigration of foes, but this aspect is not predominant. At first sight, Sartor's book is a rather indigestible mix of memoir, insider's account, analysis of the political process, essays on public policy — yet somehow it works. One reason is Sartor's writing style: racy, engaging, argumentative, expository, magisterial. Even the most intractable material is dealt with lucidly. Detailed analyses of complex policy issues are leavened with interesting personal examples and anecdotes from Sartor's long experience as Lord Mayor of Sydney (1991—2003) and State Minister responsible for a variety of areas: energy, cancer research, planning, environment (2003—2011).     Read more ...

THE HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS: PARLIAMENT IN IRELAND
by Muiris MacCarthaigh and Maurice Manning (eds), Institute of Public Administration 2010,
Reviewer: Kevin Rozzoli

The history and practice of other parliaments is essential reading for those who want to understand the challenges facing so many of our parliaments today. This study of the Irish Parliament, the Oireachtas, is timely. The struggles which have faced the Irish people to deliver good governance to its people are the same struggles facing so many national groups today.   Read more ...

ELECTORAL DEMOCRACY: AUSTRALIAN PROSPECTS
by Joo-Cheong Tham, Brian Costar and Graeme Orr (eds),
Melbourne University Press, Carlton, 2011,
PBK rrp $49.99, E-book rrp $39.99 http://web.mup.unimelb.edu.au/e-store/.
Reviewer: Jennifer Aldred

This is a fine collection of work which brings us up to date with the complex issue of determining how to detect and respond to the changing circumstances and new values which may distort fairness in our electoral process.   Read more ...

Books of Interest

Gavel to Gavel by Kevin Rozzoli AM

The first book of its kind explaining what parliament was about from a practical point of view written by someone who has been there and done it.   Read more ...

Australia The State of Democracy

Australia was an early pioneer of that form of democracy now prescribed as inseparable from good governance, as a recipe for accountability and as an antidote to corruption. Read more ...

Ernest Gowers - Plain Words and Forgotten Deeds by Ann Scott.
The book should be available in Australia by mid-November.  It will be published in England during the last week in September 2009. Read more ...