A Bigger Picture

In A Bigger Picture, the bestselling political memoir of 2020, Malcolm Turnbull, Australia’s 29th prime minister, tells the remarkable story of his life. Now in paperback, this edition is updated with an all-new foreword by the author that sheds light on the huge political and cultural changes happening today.

When Malcolm Turnbull took over the nation’s top job there was a sense of excitement in Australia. Sky-high opinion polls followed as the political outsider with a successful business, legal and media career took charge. The infighting that had dogged politics for the best part of a decade looked to be over. But a right-wing insurgency brutally cut down Turnbull’s time in office after three years, leaving many Australians asking, ‘Why?’

Exceptionally candid and compelling, A Bigger Picture is the definitive narrative of Malcolm Turnbull’s prime ministership. He describes how he legalised same-sex marriage, established Snowy Hydro 2.0, stood up to Donald Trump, and many more achievements – remarkable in their pace and significance, and delivered in the teeth of so much opposition. But it’s far more than just politics. Turnbull’s life has been filled with colourful characters and controversies, success and failure. From his early years in Sydney, growing up with a single father, to defending 'Spycatcher' Peter Wright against the UK government; the years representing Kerry Packer, leading the Republican Movement and making millions in business; and finally toppling Tony Abbott to become prime minister of Australia. For the first time he tells it all – in his own words.

With revelatory insights on the workings of Canberra and the contentious events of Turnbull’s life, A Bigger Picture explores the strengths and vulnerabilities of one of Australia’s best-known and most dynamic business and political leaders. Lyrically written in highly readable and entertaining prose, this is a genuine page-turner that’s not just for political junkies.

About the Author

Malcolm Turnbull was educated at Vaucluse Public School and Sydney Grammar School, before graduating from Sydney University with a BA LLB. He won a Rhodes Scholarship and completed a further law degree at Oxford. During and after his studies at Sydney University, Malcolm worked as a journalist with The Bulletin, 2SM, TCN 9 and the London Sunday Times. After a successful career in journalism Malcolm began practising law in 1980. He quickly established a reputation as an effective advocate, most notably when he successfully defended former MI5 agent Peter Wright against the British Government, in the 'Spycatcher' trial. Malcolm left law for business in 1987 where he has since been responsible for the establishment and success of many Australian businesses. In 1997 Malcolm was elected to attend the Australian Constitutional Convention. He led the republican case in that convention and in the subsequent referendum.

At the Federal election on 9 October 2004, Malcolm was elected as the Member for Wentworth. Following a leadership ballot in September 2008, he was elected by his colleagues to lead the Liberal Party as Leader of the Opposition, a position held until 1 December 2009. Malcolm was the Minister for Communications from September 2013 to September 2015. He was elected the leader of the Liberal Party and Prime Minister on 14 September 2015 and was re-elected as Prime Minister of Australia at the Federal Election on 2 July 2016, leaving Parliament in 2018. Malcolm and his wife Lucy live in the eastern suburbs of Sydney and have two children and four grandchildren.