Glyn Davis: Leader of The Gang: How Political Parties Choose Numero Uno

Speculation about a change in political leadership seems almost perpetual in Australia—it is a tenuous bargain, with more similarities to street gangs than business enterprises. Glyn Davis, professor of political science and vice-chancellor of Melbourne University, expands on his recent essay for Griffith Review, arguing that Australian political leadership is unlike that required or expected in any other public endeavour. He reviews the history of the leadership turbulence that besets both sides of Australian politics and reaches some worrying conclusions.