John Hawkins, Michelle Grattan and John Halligan will be in conversation with Frank Bongiorno on their new edited book The First Albanese Government. Governing in an age of disruption and division, 2022–2025.

With a preface by Bill Shorten, and contributions from 37 leading experts, including Frank Bongiorno, Rae Cooper, Liz Allen, Daniel Flitton, Geoffrey Watson, Helen Dickinson and Stephen Duckett this book captures the major issues of the Albanese Government’s first term and looks towards their future years in government

From the narrow election victory in 1922 to the commanding majority secured in 2025, Albanese Government’s first term is examined as it navigated economic turbulence and a shifting international landscape. What were the policy hits and misses? Chapters cover First Nations policy, the Voice Referendum, gender equity, the housing crisis, AUKUS, immigration policy, industrial relations, climate change and energy transition, childcare, education and much more.

The First Albanese Government is the latest volume in the highly respected Australian Commonwealth Administration Series, which was established in 1984 and has covered every Australian government since the Hawke Government. It provides accessible accounts of the policies of the governments, and the political context in which they operated.

John Hawkins is Head of the Canberra School of Government at the University of Canberra.

Michelle Grattan AO is a professorial fellow at the University of Canberra and chief political correspondent for The Conversation.

John Halligan is Emeritus Professor of Public Administration and Governance at the University of Canberra, Australia.

Frank Bongiorno AM is Donald Horne Professor of History and Public Ideas at the University of Canberra.

Books will be available for signing from 5.30pm and again after the event.

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A podcast will be made available after the event.

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