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Prime Minister Andrew Fisher was one of Australia′s great nation-builders, yet his story is largely unknown. Leaving school early to work in the coalmines of Scotland, he educated himself at night, and in 1885, at the age of 22, he immigrated to Queensland. A staunch Presbyterian and fervent unionist, Fisher committed himself to politics and was soon elected to the Queensland parliament, then to the first federal parliament.
In 1908 he became prime minister for the first of three stints in the job, serving Australia for longer than John Curtin, Ben Chifley, Gough Whitlam, or Paul Keating.
As prime minister, Fisher launched a massive nation-building program, which included the establishment of the national capital, the Commonwealth Bank, old age pensions, and a transcontinental railway line. His most pressing concern was to populate and defend the new nation. To this end he famously pledged to back Britain in the Great War ′to the last man and the last shilling′ - a commitment that came at the heavy cost of Gallipoli and the Western Front.
Andrew Fisher was a man who hated imperial honours, yet enjoyed the trappings of office, a leader who believed in world socialism, yet took Australians into the First World War. In this authoritative and immensely readable biography, David Day reveals the man, his politics and his remarkable legacy.
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Collins Complete DIY Manual
For novices, DIY enthusiasts or professionals, this essential book continues to be the most in-depth, up-to-date and user-friendly DIY book on the market, covering everything from decorating and repairs to electricity, plumbing and much more. This fully updated...
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Collins Complete DIY Manual New Edition
For novices, DIY enthusiasts or professionals, this essential book continues to be the most in-depth, up-to-date and user-friendly DIY book on the market, covering everything from decorating and repairs to electricity, plumbing and much more. This fully updated...
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Collins Complete Woodworkers Manual
A completely revised, redesigned and updated edition of the definitive woodworker′s bible. Authoritative, superbly crafted and easy to use, Collins Complete Woodworker′s Manual is the one book every woodworker needs. This revised edition has been extensively rewritten and...
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Then Again
By Diane Keaton
From the woman know to millions as Annie Hall, THEN AGAIN is the fascinating story of an actress′s rise to fame, of her relationships with brilliant talents such as Woody Allen and Al Pacino, and her struggle with bulimia. But it is also an account of her family, a lively...
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Dare To Dream: Life As One Direction (100% Official)
By One Direction
"In 2010 they were just five normal boys, who didn′t even know each other, dreaming of being up on stage, with fans screaming their names... so much has happened for One Direction since then! Following their huge success on The X Factor, and the hysteria they caused...
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Brutal: The Heartbreaking True Story of a Little Girl's Stolen Innocence
By Nabila Sharma
At six years old, Nabila Sharma began her lessons at the Mosque as every good Muslim girl does. But from the minute she looked up at her Imam, the man who held her spiritual future in his hands, she knew something was wrong. Over the next five years Nabila′s life became...
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