The Costello Memoirs

The fiscally conservative and socially progressive Peter Costello is Australia's longest-serving treasurer—from 1994 to 2007—and in his political memoirs he reflects on the role of his political party, his more than 30 years of service to the Liberal cause, and his possible future role in politics. Costello was the architect of the goods-and-service tax that helped eliminate public-sector debt and a supporter the referendum suggesting that Australia become a republic. As deputy leader of the Liberal Party for more than a decade, he worked with significant Liberal leaders including John Howard, Alexander Downer, John Hewson, and Andrew Peacock. This invaluable narrative that combines a first-person memoir with a third-person perspective offers insight into a successful partnership with John Howard, which led to four election victories and the longest period of economic prosperity in Australian history.