The Longest Decade

The Longest Decade examines Australia's economic and social transformation during the Keating and Howard years, from 1991 to 2001. Through interviews with key political figures and analysis of policy decisions, George Megalogenis traces how Australia evolved from a protected economy to an open market system. The book documents the parallel journeys of Paul Keating and John Howard as they implemented significant reforms that reshaped the nation. Their competing visions for Australia's future played out against a backdrop of technological change, shifting global power dynamics, and evolving social values. Megalogenis draws on his experience as a political journalist to provide context for watershed moments including the recession of the early 1990s, native title reforms, and the introduction of the GST. His access to major political players yields insights into the personal and policy battles that defined this pivotal period. The narrative reveals how decisions made during this transformative decade continue to influence contemporary Australian society and its position in the global economy. The book raises questions about leadership, reform, and the relationship between economic and social progress.

Readers value the book's detailed analysis of Australian politics and economic reforms during the Keating-Howard years. The combination of political history and economic context draws praise from policy-focused readers. Likes: - Clear explanation of complex economic policies - Behind-the-scenes political insights - Balanced treatment of both Labor and Liberal perspectives - Use of data and statistics to support arguments Dislikes: - Dense economic detail can be overwhelming for casual readers - Some note the narrative becomes fragmented in later chapters - Limited coverage of social/cultural impacts of reforms One reader commented "Brings the economic debates of the 90s to life without taking sides." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (47 ratings) Amazon AU: 4.2/5 (12 ratings) Notable review quote: "Essential for understanding modern Australia's economic foundations, though requires patience with technical details" - Goodreads reviewer

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🔹 George Megalogenis worked as a journalist for The Australian newspaper for 11 years, giving him unique insider access to the political and economic transformations he describes in the book. 🔹 The book covers the period from 1990-2000, during which Australia experienced its longest period of economic growth without a recession - a streak that continued until 2020. 🔹 Paul Keating and John Howard, the two Prime Ministers featured prominently in the book, had remarkably different backgrounds but shared a commitment to economic reform that shaped modern Australia. 🔹 The economic reforms discussed in the book, including floating the dollar and reducing tariffs, helped Australia weather the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis better than many of its neighbors. 🔹 The author's Greek heritage and experience as a second-generation Australian provides a unique perspective on the cultural changes that accompanied Australia's economic transformation during this period.