As the year draws to a close, the Grattan Institute has released its annual summer reading list for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, featuring six books on public policy and current affairs. The list aims to provide thought-provoking reads for the PM and all Australians interested in shaping the nation's future.
Among the recommendations is 'Exile Economics' by Ben Chu, which critiques the trend towards protectionism and argues for the benefits of global trade and migration. The book highlights how interconnected economies defy isolationist policies, urging a pragmatic approach to shared challenges.
On climate change, 'Clearing the Air' offers a concise reference guide to solving the crisis, debunking myths with data and analysis. It covers key questions such as the cost of renewables, making it a useful tool for policymakers facing opposition.
Gender equality features prominently with Cordelia Fine's 'Patriarchy Inc.', which examines the persistence of gendered divisions in work and education. Fine argues these are cultural, not biological, and proposes a vision of freedom from systemic biases.
Robert Macfarlane's 'Is a River Alive?' takes a poetic look at humanity's relationship with nature, blending travelogue with reflections on deep time and environmental law. The book encourages readers to reconsider what it means to be alive in an age of technological change.
Finally, Jess Hill's 'Losing It' tackles gender-based violence, warning that current prevention strategies are failing despite Australia's ambitious goals. Hill remains hopeful that evidence-based approaches could make Australia the first country to end such violence, while 'I Want Everything' by an unnamed author offers a captivating summer read through conversations between two compelling characters.
