“Bramston argues for boldness, reinvention. He…identifies policy timidity and the laziness of Labor’s lost decade in the Opposition…a comprehensive effort: strong on Labor’s history, reverential towards the modern greats—Whitlam, Hayden, Hawke and Keating—and, in the end, more idealistic than fatalistic.”
Maxine McKew, The Monthly
“[Looking for the Light on the Hill] is stuffed full of quotes, references and stray facts that distil over 100 years of party history. It will stimulate readers to pursue some of these tendrils and track other books and build their knowledge of party history. More importantly it presents an agenda for party reform.”
Bob Carr, Thoughtlines
“I think this is the best of the current crop of books charting new Labor…Bramston will make a difference.”
—Canberra Times
“Troy Bramston’s book is a stand-out. His elegant prose and bold criticisms make it hard to put down, and its blend of history, current affairs and ideas for the future make it impossible to ignore.”
—Courier Mail
“Bramston’s views should be taken seriously…he is a commentator in the best traditions of the NSW Labor Party, which has long seemed to take its history and traditions more seriously…Looking for the Light on the Hill is crammed with references to the party and leaders of yesteryear; in comparison, the modern party is often found to be wanting. This gives the book a slightly nostalgic quality, but one mitigated by Bramston’s conviction that party renewal means taking inspiration from the past rather than reliving it…an astute diagnosis of the ills afflicting the modern Labor Party, as well as some ways in which the party might set about trying to resolve its problems.”
—Frank Bongiorno, Inside Story
“Bramston argues for boldness, reinvention. He…identifies policy timidity and the laziness of Labor’s lost decade in the Opposition…a comprehensive effort: strong on Labor’s history, reverential towards the modern greats—Whitlam, Hayden, Hawke and Keating—and, in the end, more idealistic than fatalistic.”
—Maxine McKew, The Monthly
“Troy Bramston proffers a spirited analysis of Labor's problems and specific suggestions on how to address them…This is thought-provoking stuff from a passionate true believer.”
—Roy Williams, The Weekend Australian
“[Looking for the Light on the Hill] is stuffed full of quotes, references and stray facts that distil over 100 years of party history. It will stimulate readers to pursue some of these tendrils and track other books and build their knowledge of party history. More importantly it presents an agenda for party reform.”
—Bob Carr, Thoughtlines
