Inside the Greens

A revelatory examination of the history and future of the Australian Greens

After a decade of leadership changes and volatility in Canberra, the Australian electorate is disillusioned with the two major parties. But what about the Greens, the supposed ‘third force’ in Australian politics?

Inside the Greens exposes the workings of a divided, defensive organisation reckoning with structural and strategic challenges. Reeling from a series of shocking seat losses, the dual-citizenship crisis, dramatic factional showdowns and suggestions of internal sabotage, can the party hang together? Has it strayed too far from its origins in grassroots activism? Can the Greens do politics differently and still succeed at the polls?

Respected journalist Paddy Manning examines the personalities, policies and turning points that have led the party to where it is today. Drawing on archival material, conferences and interviews with party friends and foes, and with Greens past and present – including Bob Brown, Christine Milne, Lee Rhiannon and Richard Di Natale – Manning weaves a compulsively readable account of where the Greens are heading, and what that means for Australia.

About the Author

Paddy Manning has been a professional journalist for more than 15 years, working for Crikey, the Sydney Morning Herald/the Age, Australian Financial Review and the Australian. In 2000 he founded the magazine Ethical Investor. He has reported or researched/co-produced documentaries for ABC Radio National's 'Background Briefing' program and ABC TV's Four Corners. His previous books include Born To Rule- The Unauthorised Biography of Malcolm Turnbull, Boganaire- The Rise and Fall of Nathan Tinkler and What the Frack- Everything You Need to Know About Coal Seam Gas. In January 2018, he commenced as editor for The Monthly Today, the daily newsletter produced by The Monthly.