AustLit

'Neville Wran was arguably the most significant Premier of NSW in the 20th century. He rescued the Labor Party from the political wilderness with his victory in May 1976, then won three more elections, two by then unprecedented landslides. Wran pioneered the effective use of television in election campaigns. Key elements of the Wran model were gradualist politics, competent delivery of basic services, unity in the government, and not getting too far ahead of the voters. Moderate politics did not preclude reform, rather it was a platform for it. Wran left a significant legacy of environmental, social, human rights, constitutional and electoral reforms.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Run For Your Life is not an orthodox autobiography. It is, rather, a stir‐fry of memoir, apologia pro vita sua, personal observations and political insights. If the result is at times indigestible, there are some tasty morsels. Carr’s description of his childhood, for example, effectively evokes a vanished post‐war suburban Australia. There is an excellent account of his difficult years in Opposition. With the frankness and honesty that is a feature of the book, Carr gives an amusing description of a Chinese restaurant lunch in 1990 where ALP elders brutally attacked his performance: “The criticism flowed like the wine, the Leader’s standing was demolished with the shredded lamb and fried rice” (p.66).'  (Introduction)

'Ron Mulock was a Labor Member of the NSW Parliament from 1971 to 1988. He is the only Minister since Federation to have consecutively held the major portfolios of Education, Health and Transport. Mulock served as Deputy Premier under Neville Wran and Barrie Unsworth from 1984 to 1988. From an insider’s perspective, he gives previously unrevealed insights into Neville Wran and his Government. Mulock’s memoirs expose the underbelly of ALP politics in a rare way.

'Another theme of this book is Mulock’s indefatigable campaign for recognition and resources for booming but neglected western Sydney. His story is also that of a decent man in politics. It is a human story of a family coping with the demands of political life. Mulock’s reminiscences are candid, insightful and readable.' (Publication summary)