First Among Equals

Since Federation in 1901, 28 men and one woman have served in the position of Australian prime minister. From Barton to Turnbull, they are the leaders who have helped forge Australia’s national identity. Some have had the position thrust upon them. Some have plotted and schemed their way to the top. Four have served more than once. Three have died in office. Seven have been unceremoniously dumped by their own party. This small-format reference book tells the story of each of these prime ministers, setting their actions in the context of their time. In today’s world of quick-fire politics, it also looks to the future, and to how the public’s perception of politics and its leaders is changing in this era of instant communication and social media scrutiny.


Kim Wildman is a journalist and photographer.

Derry Hogue is the former foreign editor for the Australian Financial Review.