Pictured: John Juriansz (Whitlam Institute Director), John Faulkner (former Senator), Steven Fox (Parliamentary Librarian), David Headon (AuSI Foundation Fellow), Andrew Fisher (grandson of PM Andrew Fisher), Patricia Amphlett (aka Little Patti)
The ANU Australian Studies Institute (AuSI) was delighted to celebrate the second launch of Andrew Fisher—So much more than a Prime Minister, on 12 June 2026, at the elegant Whitlam Institute in Sydney.
Authored by AuSI Foundation Fellow, Prof David Headon AM, and published by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Library as part of The First Eight Project, the book explores the legacy of Australia's fifth Prime Minister, championing his political achievements, bold social reforms and significant nation-building contributions.
The Sydney event had a particularly engaged audience, resulting in lively discussion about Andrew Fisher's extraordinary journey from the coal mines of Scotland to becoming prime minister three times between 1908 and 1915. His second (full-term) government enjoyed a majority in both houses of Parliament, one of a cluster of 'firsts' we associate with Fisher's stellar career.
"Andrew Fisher deserves to be recognised as one of Australia's most significant prime ministers. He was a courageous leader whose independent vision for his country surpassed that of any of his contemporaries." - Prof David Headon AM, AuSI Foundation Fellow
"It was an honour to share this special occasion with you, and we wish the book every success. I hope to do it all again for the remaining Prime Ministers in this series." - Prof John Juriansz, Whitlam Institute Director
The book is available for purchase at the Parliamentary Shop.
About the book
Andrew Fisher deserves a prominent place among Australia’s greatest Prime Ministers. In the coal mines of Scotland as a child, he went on to lead the nation three times between 1908 and 1915. He embodied integrity and fairness, and maintained a clear vision for Australia’s future throughout his political life.
It was Fisher who delivered the foundations of the early Australian settlement. His 1910–13, full-term government transformed the country through bold social reforms, major nation building projects, independent defence planning, a strong cultural vision and support for the national capital.
Despite this legacy, Fisher’s contributions have long been underrated.
About the author
Prof David Headon AM is a cultural consultant and historian. Formerly Director of the Centre for Australian Cultural Studies, Cultural Adviser to the National Capital Authority and History and Heritage Adviser for the Centenary of Canberra, he is now a Foundation Fellow at the ANU Australian Studies Institute, a Parliamentary Library Associate and the Canberra Raiders club historian.
The event had a large and engaged audience and featured several special guests, including Andrew Fisher’s grandson—also named Andrew Fisher—along with Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Member for Fenner; Hon Andrew Wallace MP, Member for Fisher; and Hon Patrick Gorman MP, Member for Perth. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Milton Dick MP, officially launched the book, and Parliamentary Librarian, Stephen Fox, discussed Fisher's unique contribution to Australian political life.
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