Offers a unique contribution to the study of Australian policy, politics and government institutions. It examines the position of Chief of Staff to the Australian Prime Minister from the perspective of key individuals who have held it. Exploring the support needs of Australian political leaders, it traces the forces that have shaped the growth and specialisation of the Prime Minister's Office since 1972.

R.A.W. Rhodes is Professor of Government (Research) at the University of Southampton (UK), Professor of Government at Griffith University (Brisbane, Australia) and Emeritus Professor of Politics at the University of Newcastle (UK).
Anne Tiernan is an associate professor in the School of Government and International Relations at Griffith University, Brisbane. She is a faculty member of the Australia and New Zealand School of Government and ANZSOG Director in Queensland.