Wal Fife was the quintessential politician. From an early age he was driven by political ambition. On his third attempt, at the age of twenty-seven, he won the seat of Wagga and remained in state and federal politics for thirty-six years, sixteen of which he served as Minister. In this autobiography, Wal Fife recounts his story in his own inimitable style. It will not only prove fascinating for students of politics but it will capture the interest of ordinary readers who enjoy biographies. It is an important historical work in regard to State politics, recording the achievements of the Askin coalition government, and in regard to Federal politics, as Wal Fife was elected in December 1975 following the Dismissal and remained . Wal Fife held eight ministries including Education, Business and Community Affairs and Aviation. running his departments efficiently and imaginatively. In his story, Wal gives insights into Sir John Kerr, the instability of the Liberal Party following the defeat of the Fraser government and the influence of Jeanette Howard over her husband. Wal Fife was a man who was wise and experienced in the way of politics, whose courage and energy were known to all and a man who was loyal to the party that chose him, though, sadly when the chips were down, he found that his loyalty was not returned. pp. 286 illusts #0918

• viii, 286 p. : ill., ports, facsims ; 25 cm.

• Fife, Wal, 1929-
• Liberal Party of Australia.
• Liberal Party of Australia. N.S.W. Division.
• Liberal Party of Australia. New South Wales Division.
• Politicians — New South Wales — Biography.
• Politicians — Australia — Biography.
• Politicians — Australia — New South Wales — Biography.
• Australia — Politics and government — 1965-
• New South Wales — Politics and government — 1945-
• Fife, Wal
• Liberal Party of Australia
• Former Ministers
• Political conditions
• State parliaments
• New South Wales
• History, 1946-1999
• Autobiography