Tragedy without Triumph : The Coalition in Office 2013-2022 edited by Scott Prasser

Tragedy without Triumph : The Coalition in Office 2013-2022

edited by Scott Prasser

Paperback, 245 pages, $39.95

ISBN 9781923224087

Mid-May 2023 release

The sixth volume of Sir Winston’s Churchill’s Nobel Prize-winning series, The Second World War was entitled Triumph and Tragedy. It was a triumph because of the “overwhelming victory of the grand Alliance”, but a tragedy because it had “failed so far to bring general peace to our anxious world”. 

This volume argues that the Federal Coalition, despite nine years in office and three election wins, was a tragedy with little triumph. 

The Coalition failed at all levels – in policy to implement needed reforms and to reflect its core values; in politics to change the narrative and to win the wider debates; and in governance in managing the institutions of state. 

It failed to leave a lasting distinguishable mark on our nation’s direction and how we are governed.

Contributors to this volume were specifically asked to view their topics from what was expected of a Liberal government in terms of its values, history, and stated promises and so it is different from the usual academic evaluations of governments.

Key policy areas covered include the economy, social welfare, energy, religious freedom, indigenous issues, along with the management of key institutions like the cabinet, public service, parliament, executive government and public inquiries.

This volume explores why the Liberal Party, Australia’s most successful political party, in partnership with the Nationals, failed so dismally between 2013-2022 and what they might do to make amends.   

Contents

Introduction: Tragedy without Triumph:  The Coalition in Office 2013-22 - Scott Prasser 

1 Abbott, Turnbull and Morrison and Australian Voters - Malcolm Mackerras

2 The Coalition Government 2013-2022 and the end of Menzian Liberalism - Greg Melleuish

3 The Forgotten Menzies Speech – and what would Menzies think of the Liberal Party and the Coalition 2013-2022 - Graeme Starr 

4 The Coalition and the Institutions of Government (2013-2022) - John Halligan

5 The Coalition and Public Inquiries 2013-2022 - Scott Prasser and Andrea Wallace  

6 Economic Policy - Robert Carling

7 Climate and Energy Policy - Aynsley Kellow

8 Managing COVID - David Lee

9 Religious Freedom was left at the Altar - Mark Spencer

10 Welfare Reform: Lost Opportunity - Patrick McClure

11 Aboriginal Affairs - not even holding the line - Gary Johns  

12 The Disestablishment of the Liberal Party - Michael Sexton

13 What was it all for? - Scott Prasser

About the Contributors