The Reformer

“The Costello Memoirs”
by Peter Costello

Costello offers a frank account from his life in politics. It covers a lot of ground. It goes through his education, law degree, entry into politics, role as treasurer ending with events surrounding the 207 federal election.

He was a great treasurer, some would suggest the best this country has ever seen. He blows his own trumpet a bit and rightly so. He brought this country from a horrible financial situation to the stronghold of the Asian region. Not enough credit was given to him for Australia’s position during the global financial crisis. He weathered many storms with his knowledge and wisdom on financial matters. He was a true reformer.

The detail about treasury matters can be a bit dry. He avoided the minutiae to a large degree. But without the background you don’t get a full grasp of how much he cared for the portfolio.

I wasn’t politically aware for much of his tenure so it was great to become acquainted with early years in politics and re acquainted with the latter years. So many events happened in the background of my life during the 1990’s yet were important on a national level.

Costello offers a fantastic overview to his political life and the events that took place in that time. A fascinating education in politics and economics.