An idealist as well as a pragmatist, and someone who believes passionately in equality, democracy and empowerment, Race Mathews has inspired and mentored many.
Race was principal private secretary to Gough Whitlam in the lead-up to Whitlam’s election as prime minister, then an MP in the Whitlam government, and later served as Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Arts, and Minister for Community Services.
Race Mathews: A Life in Politics is the biography of a politician, academic, author and reformer, tracing the life of Race from childhood and his political awakenings to working for fellow Fabian and great mentor, Gough Whitlam, in ‘the most tumultuous, and by far the most rewarding’ time of his career. His key successes include helping to develop Medibank (later Medicare) policies, conducting a major review of the police force, gun control, improving disaster management after the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires, opening the Arts Centre on Southbank and establishing the Melbourne Writers’ Festival.
Drawing on a memoir Race began, but did not finish, and interviews, articles, speeches, books and her own diaries, Iola Mathews, journalist, author and Race’s partner for over fifty years, provides personal insight into the life and work of one of our most highly respected politicians.
‘Unerring optimism, infectious enthusiasm, boundless energy, and a belief in the power of people, ideas, and community as the heartbeat of progressive politics, Race Mathews shines through in this gem of a biography. Here is a rare politician of ideas – from Fabianism, the Australian Labor party, to progressive co-operative movements – Mathews’ life reads like a roll-call of Australian politics of the late twentieth century. From private secretary to fellow Fabian and great mentor, Gough Whitlam, to his years in the Victorian parliament and the best Minister for the Arts Victoria ever had, as academic and writer, Race Mathews reminds us of the very best in a politician and the possibilities of progressive politics. This marvellous biography will renew your faith in both.’ – Jenny Hocking
