Ever wondered who really pulls the strings in Australian politics? While ministers and MPs grab the headlines, there's an invisible army of operators working behind the scenes - and they're finally telling their stories.
The Unseen Architects of Power
In her compelling new book 'The Right Hand: The Invisible Operators of Politics', journalist Phoebe Saintilan pulls back the curtain on the world of political staffers - the chiefs of staff, media advisers, and policy experts who form the backbone of Australia's democratic machine.
These are the people who work 18-hour days, manage crisis communications, draft legislation, and essentially keep the wheels of government turning. As one former staffer revealed, "We're the ones who whisper in ministers' ears, draft their speeches, and sometimes save them from themselves."
Inside the Canberra Bubble
The book provides unprecedented access to the corridors of power, revealing:
- The intense pressure-cooker environment of ministerial offices
- How young staffers fresh out of university end up wielding significant influence
- The personal sacrifices required to work at the heart of Australian politics
- What really happens during political crises and leadership spills
Saintilan spent months interviewing current and former staffers across the political spectrum, from Liberal to Labor and everything in between. The result is a fascinating portrait of a profession that's both glamorised and misunderstood.
More Than Just Advisers
These political operators aren't just paper-pushers - they're strategists, crisis managers, and often the true architects of policy. As Saintilan explains, "When a minister stands up in Parliament to announce a new initiative, chances are it was their chief of staff who oversaw every detail from conception to delivery."
The book also tackles the burnout culture that sees many talented Australians leave politics disillusioned after just a few years. The relentless pace, constant scrutiny, and personal toll create what one subject called "the most exhilarating and exhausting job you'll ever love to hate."
For anyone interested in understanding how Australian politics really works, 'The Right Hand' offers essential reading. It's a story about power, influence, and the dedicated individuals who operate in the shadows of democracy.
