Tony Windsor

Tony Windsor's childhood was disrupted by the tragic death of his father, but the fortitude of his widowed mother, Ruth, as she battled to maintain the family farm while bringing up three sons, was to remain an inspiration to him throughout his life.

As an adult, Windsor's understanding of the issues facing his rural constituency motivated him to become a political voice for those who love the land, from farmers to environmentalists, from rich to poor.

After failing to gain preselection as a National Party candidate, Windsor decided to run as an independent, whereupon he won the state seat of Tamworth in dramatic style. He went on to gain the balance of power in a hung New South Wales parliament, a position he used to reap huge benefits for his electorate.

When history repeated itself in the form of a hung Australian parliament nine years after Windsor moved into federal politics, he was ready for it. And though his decision to support Julia Gillard's Labor Government created a firestorm of abuse, Windsor kept his focus on the big picture. As Don Watson wrote of him, 'Your constituents looked at a hung parliament with a Labor prime minister and could see only misery. But you, sir, saw opportunity.'

This must-read authorised biography of Tony Windsor lays bare the personal story behind the man who was a highly influential kingmaker twice in his political career. It reveals how his personal values and empathy, as well as his mother, his wife, Lyn, and three children, were central to his ability to give a voice to both his constituents and to rural and regional people throughout Australia.

About the Author

Dr. Ruth Rae is a historian and author who has written about Australian nurses during the First World War. She lives in Tamworth and Tony Windsor has anointed her as his authorised biographer.