How Australian Democracy Works

The real story of how power works in this country ...

In recent years, the trust in Australian politics and politicians has been at an all-time low. From political polarisation and the spread of disinformation to the lack of trust in the public institutions that underpin our government, the truth can often be hard to find.

How Australian Democracy Works is a pulse check of our country's political health and a helpful guide to understanding our nation's political history and our place in the world, from government, parliament, the Constitution and pressing policy issues.

Discover the best, most current analysis from people with valuable experience and expertise to better understand who we are, how we got here and where we might go next. From The Conversation's top academic writers comes an honest and informed call to examine, rethink and safeguard Australia's unique democracy.


'This is the book I wish I had when I enrolled to vote for the first time! Accessible and essential reading for all Australians.' ­- Bridget Hustwaite, presenter and bestselling author of How to Endo


'A comprehensive look at Australian democracy, past and present. How Australian Democracy Works covers absolutely everything you need to know to ensure you go into vote as informed as possible.' - Leo Puglisi, 6 News


'Thoughtfully conceived and artfully curated, How Australian Democracy Works provides a compelling argument for why the humanities, their scholars and their disciplines, are not only relevant in today's town square, but also vitally necessary. Rigorous, insightful and critically engaged without a hint of jargon or affect, these essays collectively and cumulatively demonstrate the value of polyvocal discourse: a hallmark of democracy itself. How Australian Democracy Works deserves a place in every school library, and on a few politicians' and journalists' bookshelves too. Superb.' - Professor Clare Wright, Professor of History and Professor of Public Engagement, La Trobe University and author of the Democracy Trilogy


'It's more important than ever that Aussies are equipped with the tools they need to feel empowered to engage with the world around them. How Australian Democracy Works does just that - it takes the meatiest topics that underpin our democracy and package it up in a way we can all understand and learn from. We all need to play a role in moving this country forward, and this book gives you the toolkit to be part of that solution.' - Zara Seidler, The Daily Aus

'How Australian Democracy Works pools some of our country's most prized journalists into a thorough and engaging account of Australia's political system. This is a fascinating and hugely vital book, one that simultaneously recounts our country's political history and current structure, while proving how pivotal it is to safeguard democracy. Complex concepts are broken down into layman's terms, and reading this left me feeling smarter and more encouraged to be an engaged political citizen. I wish I had this book earlier!' - Maggie Zhou, writer, editor and podcaster