Josh Frydenberg, the former Australian treasurer and longtime member of parliament for Kooyong, has released his memoir, *A Grateful Son*, reflecting on his political career and contemporary national challenges. Co-written with Gideon Haigh, the book explores Frydenberg’s family history, including his ancestors’ survival of the Holocaust, as well as his rise in politics, tenure in government, and observations on Australia’s shifting political landscape.
The memoir charts Frydenberg’s early life, highlighting his childhood ambition to enter politics and his teenage encounters with antisemitism during his time at Monash University. His early career included advisory roles, notably with then-Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and Prime Minister John Howard. He recounts experiences managing delicate issues such as the Bali bombing victims’ repatriation and navigating internal party dynamics, including unsuccessful initial attempts at preselection before winning Kooyong in 2010.
Frydenberg portrays himself as a committed local member, engaging directly with constituents and attending community events despite the pressures of national politics. His narrative includes close observations of key moments and personalities, including loyalty during party leadership spills—backing Tony Abbott in 2015, Malcolm Turnbull in 2018, and serving as deputy to Scott Morrison during the tumultuous years of bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
He provides a candid assessment of his working relationship with Morrison, describing it as “strong and cooperative” initially but later strained. Frydenberg expresses disappointment over Morrison’s undisclosed swearing into multiple ministries, including treasurer, calling the decision “most unfortunate.” He rejects internal calls to replace Morrison as party leader, signaling no regret over declining such moves. In the wake of political defeats and personal challenges, including a bitter 2022 election campaign that led to the loss of Kooyong to teal independent Monique Ryan, Frydenberg departed politics to pursue a role in banking and spend more time with his family.
Frydenberg further addresses broader concerns about Australia’s future, citing the erosion of traditional political certainties and warning of the rise of antisemitism, the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, the complexities of balancing relations with China, and the growth of right-wing populism. He argues that Australia, once considered “the Lucky Country,” now urgently needs a “course correction” to safeguard the nation’s way of life, sovereignty, and security.
His memoir includes sharp character sketches of various political figures. He describes current Energy Minister Chris Bowen as a “political operator” and former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd as “highly intelligent but flawed.” He acknowledges Barnaby Joyce’s political acumen despite an “erratic” public style, expresses respect for Bill Shorten, and offers nuanced views on figures like Paul Keating and John Howard. Frydenberg reserves criticism for Victoria Premier Dan Andrews, particularly over his management of COVID-19 lockdowns, citing the emotional and economic toll on vulnerable communities.
Reflecting on contemporary politics, Frydenberg contends that the Liberal Party faces significant challenges, struggling to modernize and resonate with voters, especially women and suburban constituents. He warns that internal divisions and ideological conflicts position the party “on the brink of extinction.” The political centre, he suggests, has become obscured amid clashes between right-wing populism and left-wing identity politics, while the rise of parties like One Nation appears set to continue.
Although Frydenberg expresses some pessimism about Australia’s current trajectory, he maintains an optimistic temperament rooted in gratitude. He calls for more honest leadership characterized by frank discussion rather than reassurances, particularly on economic, social cohesion, and national security issues. He sees the nation’s future depending on confronting these challenges openly if Australia is to avoid further political and social upheaval.