Whatever it takes - Graham Richardson USED

Whatever it takes - Graham Richardson (used)

Used softback: .1994 edition in excellent condition Soft cover book is in good condition -  clean book tight binding -  - no other marks tears - no loose or missing pages

In Whatever It Takes, Graham Richardson, a prominent figure in the Australian Labor Party (ALP), recounts his political rise from a working-class Sydney youth to one of the most powerful operatives in Australian federal politics. Born in 1949, Richardson entered the ALP at 17, quickly aligning with the right-wing faction of the NSW branch, learning the art of political strategy, loyalty, and power brokerage.

The book covers his time as General Secretary of the NSW ALP, his election to the Senate in 1983, and his ministerial roles in the governments of Bob Hawke and Paul Keating. Richardson offers behind-the-scenes accounts of factional battles, leadership challenges, and the accumulation of influence. He writes candidly about his role in leadership changes and his own philosophy of politics: “whatever it takes” to win and hold power.

Throughout the memoir, Richardson describes key political moments: the Hawke-Keating era, internal ALP conflict, ministerial portfolios (including environment, social security, health), and his resignation from politics in 1994. He reflects on loyalty, betrayal, ambition and the darker side of power—how political success often comes at personal cost.

The narrative is written in a frank, conversational style, peppered with anecdotes, character sketches of political figures, and Richardson’s own assessments of events. He does not shy away from admitting mistakes, but he largely frames his story as one of achievement: of survival and dominance in the political game.

🔍 Key Themes

• Power and pragmatism: Richardson’s mantra is about doing “whatever it takes” to achieve and maintain power. This includes strategic alliances, ruthless decision-making, and personal resilience.

• Factional politics and loyalty: A major theme is the significance of internal party dynamics, especially within the ALP’s right faction, and the importance of loyalty (and the danger of betrayal) in the political world.

• Public service vs political maneuvering: Richardson’s ministerial roles (environment, health, etc.) highlight how policy and governance intersect with politics. The book often shows how policy is influenced by electoral and factional considerations.

• Culture of Australian politics in the 1980s/90s: The memoir offers a window into a period of substantial change in Australian politics: reform, leadership turmoil, economic challenges and the rise of media-savvy politicians.

• Personal cost: Beyond the public success, Richardson reflects on the sacrifices, stress and moral ambiguities involved in his political career.