AustLit
Latest Issues
AbstractHistoryArchive Description
'It was a comedy of manners, it was a comedy of errors, it was a tragedy, it was a bunch of stuff that happened; it was a calvary and a triumph. This is what I most want to tell you: it was worth it.
'Michael Cooney was Julia Gillard's speechwriter for most of her time in office. He came to the job a true believer in every sense, with years of Labor experience behind him. But this was the prime minister's office. The stakes were high and the game had changed.
'From mining to the economy to Afghanistan, Cooney wrote the speeches that helped to define the Gillard project: the prime minister's program and vision for the country. He was there at the coalface of decisions on the carbon 'tax' and the budget surplus; in the lead-up to the 'misogyny' speech and the 'we are us' Labor conference speech. He worked to crazy deadlines with perpetually conflicting advice, watching from behind the scenes while the government stumbled and the polls began to tell a grim tale. He cried and laughed and swore as Australia's first female prime minister got through a record number of pieces of legislation in the time she had. This is his story, and hers.
'Passionate. Argumentative. Funny and honest. The Gillard Project is a fascinating and unique perspective on Australian political culture and its ramifications for us all.' (Publication summary)
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Works about this Work
-
Review : The Gillard Project
2015
single work
review
— Appears in: The Saturday Paper , 9 May 2015;
— Review of The Gillard Project 2014 single work autobiography -
Heartfelt Defence of Life in the Gillard Bunker
Insight into Life in the Bunker
2015
single work
review
— Appears in: The Sydney Morning Herald , 2-3 May 2015; (p. 29) The Canberra Times , 2 May 2015; (p. 15) The Age , 2-3 May 2015; (p. 29)
— Review of The Gillard Project 2014 single work autobiography
-
Heartfelt Defence of Life in the Gillard Bunker
Insight into Life in the Bunker
2015
single work
review
— Appears in: The Sydney Morning Herald , 2-3 May 2015; (p. 29) The Canberra Times , 2 May 2015; (p. 15) The Age , 2-3 May 2015; (p. 29)
— Review of The Gillard Project 2014 single work autobiography -
Review : The Gillard Project
2015
single work
review
— Appears in: The Saturday Paper , 9 May 2015;
— Review of The Gillard Project 2014 single work autobiography