The two key rules that now govern the practice of Australian politics are: (1) Look like you're doing something; and (2) Don't offend anyone who matters. These imperatives are a direct consequence of the interaction between media coverage and political activity.
'We cannot blame particular individuals for modern Labor's malaise, because it is part of a systemic global phenomenon. We are all under the sway of politics without purpose. And politics without purpose is pointless.' Lindsay Tanner's forthright attitude to politics and the public interest in Politics with Purpose.
The story follows Jack Van Duyn, a disillusioned and solitary cab driver in his fifties, who harbors deep-seated prejudices against various groups, particularly refugees. As he navigates his stagnant life and negative worldview, the novel explores themes of racism and the potential for personal growth and understanding. Through Jack's journey, it delves into the complexities of humanity and the possibility of overcoming entrenched biases.