James Mahoney is Adjunct Professor in Professional Communication, News and Media Research Centre at the University of Canberra, Australia. His research interests are strategic communication planning and issues management.

This book presents a new approach to the analysis of Australian federal election campaigns, approaching them from a professional communication perspective. It stress-tests the campaigns of the major parties against the requirements of effective strategic communication planning and implementation parameters used in professional practice.

1. A short drive to Yarralumla 2. A strategic approach 3. Behind the swing to independents 4. The key players 5. Campaigning on issues 6. The pressure points: polls and marginal electorates 7. The news media, frames, and debates 8. The 2022 election result Case study: Defying maths in the ACT 9. Will they ever learn?