Keywords in Australian Politics

Dr Rodney Smith is a senior lecturer in the Discipline of Government and International Relations and the Graduate School of Government at the University of Sydney. He is the author of Australian Political Culture (2001) and The New South Wales State Election 1999 (2000), as well as a number of articles and chapters on Australian politics. He edited three editions of the popular textbook Politics in Australia between 1989 and 1997.

Keywords in Australian Politics is much more than a dictionary. It outlines the main meanings of over one hundred words essential to understanding contemporary Australian politics. Political language is often used without explanation in the media, public debate, textbooks and lectures. Here at last is a book that provides Australians with the necessary information to use these terms with confidence in public discussion and debate, from the dinner party to the end-of-semester essay. This book defines each keyword, highlights links between different keywords, outlines the main debates concerning each keyword and indicates how they came to be part of Australian political language. Although the book is arranged alphabetically, systematic cross-referencing allows readers to follow their own trails of enquiry. This book is essential reading for everyone who wants to understand Australian political culture and ideas.

1. Introduction: why and how you should use this book; 2. Alphabetical list of keywords (and their variants) in this book; 3. 101 Keywords in Australian politics; 4. Index.