‘This is a tight, detailed look at what that Victorian Labor government achieved … Deane is wonderfully insightful about Australian politics.’
Weekend Australian
‘An enlightening guide to a government's inner workings.’
The Saturday Paper
‘With substantial, insightful, quotes from the key figures, Deane sets out a close study of political craft, organisation and execution.’ Saturday Age
‘A must-read for the politically engaged, those who wouldn’t ordinarily go near a political biography will relish its insights into human nature. Deane has created an incisive, well-rounded portrait of powerbrokers, their arts and their craft, which shows us precisely how those who would govern us govern themselves.’ Inside Story
It is a good read; Deane can tell a story, and he brings personalities and issues to life. … Deane captures the mood and motives of their regime with skill and flair, to give us a politically shrewd and lively account of one of the better governments of recent times.’ Australian Book Review