As the year draws to a close and the prospect of summer holidays looms, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be looking forward to some well-earned downtime. Following a demanding political year capped by a federal election, the PM's break will offer a chance to relax, perhaps with a good book in hand.
The Annual Grattan Institute Reading List
Each December, the influential Grattan Institute think tank compiles a curated list of recommended reads for the nation's leader. This tradition continues for 2025, offering a selection of six thought-provoking titles. The list is designed not just for the Prime Minister but for all Australians with an interest in the future of public policy.
Essential Reads on Global Economics and Climate
The first recommended book is Exile Economics by Ben Chu. This timely work critiques the rising trends of protectionism, reduced migration, and isolationism. Chu argues that the global economic system is deeply interconnected, making attempts at national isolation both economically damaging and often impractical. The book champions a pragmatic approach focused on a more secure, cooperative international community.
On the environmental front, Clearing the Air by Hannah Ritchie is put forward as a vital manual. Presented in an accessible question-and-answer format, it tackles common climate change debates with clear data and analysis. For a Prime Minister steering national climate action, this book is framed as an essential resource for crafting evidence-based arguments.
Exploring Society, Nature, and Violence Prevention
The list also addresses profound social issues. Patriarchy Inc. by Cordelia Fine examines the persistent gendered divisions in Australian work and education. Fine challenges biological determinism, arguing that these patterns are upheld by cultural norms and institutional systems that limit personal choice and equality.
In Losing It, journalist Jess Hill delivers a critical assessment of Australia's strategy to end gender-based violence. While acknowledging the nation's ambitious goal, Hill points to a rising domestic homicide rate as evidence that current prevention efforts are failing. She calls for a courageous shift towards evidence-based approaches targeting root causes like childhood maltreatment and substance abuse.
For a more philosophical summer read, Robert Macfarlane's Is a River Alive? is recommended. This lyrical exploration blends nature writing with legal history, urging a deeper connection with the natural world. It's presented as a mind-expanding choice for a holiday period.
A Literary Fiction Pick
Rounding out the list is a work of fiction: I Want Everything by Dominic Amerena. Described as a juicy and captivating summer read, it focuses on the tense conversations between a young writer and a reclusive literary icon. The novel is noted for its sharp dialogue and distinctly Australian setting, offering a lighter but compelling alternative to the policy-heavy titles.
This eclectic selection from the Grattan Institute provides the Prime Minister with a blend of rigorous policy analysis and reflective storytelling for his summer break.
