Credlin & Co

Credlin & Co examines the rise and influence of Peta Credlin during her time as chief of staff to Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott. The book tracks her path from provincial Victoria to becoming one of the most powerful figures in Australian politics. Patrick draws on extensive insider accounts and interviews to document the internal workings of Abbott's office and Credlin's central role in policy decisions and media management. The narrative covers key events and turning points during Abbott's prime ministership from 2013-2015. The relationships between political staffers, elected officials, and the media form the core focus of this political analysis. Credlin's management style and its impact on government operations receive particular attention. The book serves as both a character study and a broader examination of modern political power structures, raising questions about accountability and the role of unelected advisors in democratic systems.

Readers found this political exposé provided insider details about Peta Credlin's role in Tony Abbott's government, though several noted it offered limited new revelations beyond what was already reported in the media. Positive reviews highlighted: - Well-researched with extensive interviews - Clear writing style and pacing - Balanced perspective on Credlin's influence - Strong context around power dynamics in Australian politics Common criticisms: - Too much focus on personal relationships/gossip - Relied heavily on anonymous sources - Lacked deeper policy analysis - Some readers felt it was rushed to publication One reviewer noted: "More like extended political journalism than a comprehensive biography" Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (8 ratings) Amazon AU: 3.0/5 (3 reviews) Many readers commented the book was an interesting snapshot of a specific political period but not a definitive account of the Abbott government.

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📚 Peta Credlin, Tony Abbott's former chief of staff and the book's central figure, started her political career as a Liberal Party volunteer at age 16. 🏛️ Author Aaron Patrick is a senior correspondent at the Australian Financial Review and has covered federal politics for over 15 years. ⚡ The book reveals that Abbott's office received approximately 500 media inquiries per day during his time as Prime Minister. 🔍 Credlin & Co explores how Peta Credlin became one of the most powerful unelected officials in Australian history, wielding more influence than many cabinet ministers. 🗣️ The book's publication in 2016 sparked significant controversy in Canberra, with several political figures disputing some of its revelations about the inner workings of the Abbott government.