This book provides a comparative and up-to-date account of the recent Labour governments in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Focussing on the cases of the Albanese government in Australia, the Starmer government in the UK and the Ardern government in New Zealand, it offers an important and concise account of how the centre-left is finding new political pathways in the twenty-first century. The book focuses on a three key policy areas – including political economy, welfare policy, and industrial relations, with a critical review of the relationship with the trade unions. It concludes by exploring the ideological trajectory of these centre-left parties, and considers how the politics of ‘labourism’ is transforming. It will appeal to all those interested in public policy and party politics.

Rob Manwaring is Associate Professor at Flinders University, Australia. He is a former President of the Australian Political Studies Association.