Speaking for the People Representation in Australian Politics

Explores the concepts of representation that lie at the heart of a representative democracy. Contends that without the belief that others can represent their interests, citizens will withdraw their trust from parliamentary institutions. Explores the ways in which Australians have thought about and practised representation in both parliamentary and societal arenas. Includes notes, references and index. Sawer is Associate Professor of Politics at the University of Canberra. She has previously written 'Sisters in Suits: Women and Public Policy in Australia' and 'A Woman's Place: Women and Politics in Australia' (with Marian Simms). Zappala is Research co-ordinater at the Smith Family.

Marian Sawer AO is Head of the Political Science Program, Research School of Social Sciences, Australian National University. Her books include: Elections: Full, Free and Fair (2001), Sisters in Suits: Women and Public Policy in Australia (1990) and A Woman's Place: Women and Politics in Australia (with Marian Simms, 1984; 1993). Gianni Zappalà is Research Co-ordinator at the Smith Family, and was a Visiting Fellow in the Political Science Program, Research School of Social Sciences, ANU. He is author of Four Weddings, a Funeral and a Family Reunion: Ethnicity and Representation in Australian Federal Politics (1997).