The Peter Nixon Story by Peter Nixon

The Peter Nixon Story by Peter Nixon

Foreword by Geoffrey Blainey

Published in June 2012
Hardcover, 341 pages
ISBN 9781921421600

In his autobiography Peter Nixon traces the story of his life from early childhood to the present day. He begins by recounting his upbringing on a farm in East Gippsland and school years in Melbourne where suffered a life changing hip injury. Peter then reflects on the beginnings of his career in federal politics where he first made his name as a public figure. Readers will learn that Peter was initially reluctant to run for parliament, but quickly warmed to representing his constituency and embraced the challenges of federal politics. He gives readers an insider's account of federal politics where he was first elected during the Menzies' years and served as Minister for the Interior, Transport and Primary Industry in the Holt, McEwen, Gorton, McMahon and Fraser governments. He also recounts the disastrous years of the Whitlam government and its eventual dismissal in 1975. Peter addresses the big political issues during his time as a Minister and now. He clearly and unwaveringly argues that changes made by the Whitlam government to aboriginal policy were misguided and have turned out to be self-destructive, that Sir John Kerr's dismissal of Gough Whitlam was constitutionally and morally correct, and that Australia is best served by its existing system of government rather than becoming a republic. While politics was an important part of his life, Peter's diverse career in the private sector career is equally interesting. As a commissioner of the VFL and AFL, Peter was part of important decisions that transformed the game of Australian Rules Football from struggling state competitions in Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia into a highly successful national code. He also served the public by giving expert advice to state and federal governments, organising the statue commemorating Weary Dunlop and leading Australians for Constitutional Monarchy. Peter Nixon writes clearly and engagingly, and his autobiography will be of interest to anyone seeking to learn more about a fascinating period of Australian history. "Sir Earle Page and Sir Arthur Fadden each wrote their autobiography, but it is probably more than fifty years since a leading National Party politician has chewed the cud. Even those readers who do not share his political views will agree that it adds much to the record."

- Geoffrey Blainey