num_pages: 198
description: Australian Son: Inside Mark Latham is based on interviews with Mark Latham, former leader of The Australian labour Party, over seven years including in-depth sessions when he became Labor leader. The author, award winning writer and journalist Craig McGregor is remarkable for his insight into how Latham's personal life inspired his political ideas. The book traces Mark Latham's transformation from backbench `bovver boy' to his startling ascent to the leadership of the ALP - and the prospect of a roller-coaster ride in future which led his Labor mates to quote the bumper sticker : "Get in, Sit Down, Put on your seatbelt and hang on!" This book is much more than a biography; it also provides an analysis of Latham's political philosophy, his ambition to transform the Australian Labor Party and Australian politics, and the concepts which have made him the ideas factory for the progressive side of politics. There are surprises and new information. Latham the `soft' family man who had cancer and is deeply involved in the parenting of his two young sons. Latham the `westie' who was angry and became merely aggro. Latham the larrikin. Above all else, Latham the man of passion - whose driving ambition is to make Australia `fairer and more generous'. Like it used to be.
title: Australian Son: Inside Mark Latham
titlecomplete: Australian Son: Inside Mark Latham
ratings_count: 1
publisher: Pluto Press Australia