Quentin Beresford Boeken

Award-winning author Quentin Beresford delves into the history of the Murray- Darling Basin since European settlement and reveals Australia's destructive relationship with the environment, and the willingness of politicians to ignore expert advice.

The book examines Australia's deep-rooted relationship with coal, highlighting its significance in political, economic, and cultural discussions surrounding climate change. It critiques how this longstanding affection for coal has entrenched the nation in fossil fuel dependency, influencing political decisions and hindering progress toward sustainable energy solutions. Through this lens, the author explores the implications of such a love affair on Australia's future in the context of global climate challenges.

The biography explores the life of Brian Burke, a once-prominent Australian politician whose career was marked by both influence and scandal. As the former premier of Western Australia, he played a crucial role in the state's mineral boom during the 1980s, leading to the controversial WA Inc. Despite serving prison time for corruption, Burke remained a powerful figure, manipulating political dynamics and leveraging his extensive connections to maintain control over the Labor Party and WA's political landscape, earning him the title of a political godfather.

Focusing on the pervasive issues within Australia's corporate landscape, the author delves into the rise and fall of major companies, including Gunns and the proposed Adani mine. The narrative highlights a crisis of corporate culture marked by scandals, bankruptcies, and ethical misconduct. Beresford scrutinizes high-profile scandals, the emergence of celebrity CEOs, regulatory roles, and the complex relationships between big business, government, and media. This investigation reveals the significant impact of these corporations on society and their reputations.