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Tales from the Political Trenches
Tales from the Political Trenches is an intimate account of one of the most tumultuous periods in Australian politics, as well as a tale of personal change.
After winning a spectacular victory against Prime Minister John Howard in 2007, McKew was one of the many casualties of the disastrous 2010 election campaign, when Labor was left clinging to the wreckage and forced into minority government. Still dealing with her own disappointments in a political career cut short by the machinations of her own party, McKew has spent the past year talking to her colleagues in an effort to understand what went wrong.
Maxine McKew counters the view that in 2010 Julia Gillard was a reluctant conscript who was forced to move against a chaotic and dysfunctional Kevin Rudd—and offers a different version of events. Says McKew "Rudd was removed by an impatient deputy backed by a group of individuals who see themselves as the 'owners' of the Labor party".
Why is Labor now operating through the uncertainty of minority government and from a position of diminished trust? And why is our political culture so debauched? Tales from the Political Trenches is a must-read for those who have followed the events of the past few years and are still asking, 'What the hell happened?'
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Author Archives: erin
Speech to the MCA Bella Dinner 2010
Good evening everyone. My name is Maxine McKew and I’m a recovering ex politician. It’s been two months since my last division. Tonight is part of my therapy. Isn’t modern politics wonderful? We scream banalities at each other for six … Continue reading
Bennelong Business and Research Briefing with Senator Carr
Today I hosted a Bennelong Business and Research Briefing with Senator the Hon Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research at Eden Gardens, North Ryde. Senator Kim Carr discussed how the Gillard Labor Government is right behind the … Continue reading
St Charles BER Sod Turning
This morning I was thrilled to turn the first sod at St Charles Catholic Primary School in Ryde with a little help from School Captains Lachie and Sally and Kindy representatives, Arianna and Cooper. This BER project will result in … Continue reading
Eastwood Chinese Senior Citizens – Music, Games and Cooking
This morning I visited Eastwood Chinese Senior citizens at St Phillips Church Hall in Eastwood. As usual, they had a fun filled morning planned with a performance from the local Tai Chi group and music performed on the Chinese piano … Continue reading
Visit from Bob Hawke and Blanche d’Alpuget
On Saturday I was pleased to once again host a visit from Bob Hawke and Blanche d’Alpuget. This time it was to meet with members from my local Chinese and Korean communities. We enjoyed a fabulous evening over light refreshments at … Continue reading
Another Step Forward on Air Warfare Destroyers
The Gillard Labor Government today announced that Rohde and Schwarz Australia has been selected as the preferred supplier for the suite of radio equipment to equip Australia’s Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers (AWD). The $8 billion AWD project is … Continue reading
Truscott Street received generous Fighting Chance Fund donation
On a very chilly morning recently hundreds of warm hearts gathered at Truscott Street Public School for a very special assembly. On Monday 2 August the Fighting Chance Fund presented Truscott Street Principal Joanne Govorcin and Support Teacher Frances Paterson … Continue reading
Visit to Nocturnal Designs to Promote Breast Prosthesis Program
Last Friday 13th August I visited Josephine Maniscalo’s Nocturnal Designs lingerie shop at Gladesville to meet with her and her wonderful clients to help promote the Gillard Government’s National External Breast Prostheses Reimbursement Program. This national Program aims to improve … Continue reading
Improving Translation Services in Aged Care
Maxine McKew, Member for Bennelong, today welcomed the announcement that a re-elected Gillard Labor Government will improve translation services for older Australian residents in aged care who are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. “Often older Australians from … Continue reading
Visit to Ryde Family Support Service
On Tuesday 10 August I visited Ryde Family Support Service at Eastwood and pledged my support for equal pay for community sector workers. Last year Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Australian Services Union signed a Heads of Agreement to … Continue reading