It was just before Christmas when Geraldine Brooks sat down for the first in a series of conversations with Anthony Albanese – and his popularity was plummeting.

The prime minister's net approval rating had dropped to minus 17, while Peter Dutton’s had ticked up to zero. Since then, the polls haven’t improved for Albanese.

His critics have painted him as weak and ineffective – a narrative reinforced by the failure of the Voice referendum and a perception of inaction on climate change.

This portrayal is in stark contrast to his background as a passionate activist, who was once arrested at an anti-logging protest.

Today, author and contributor to The Monthly Geraldine Brooks on the public’s perception of Anthony Albanese – and, win or lose, what will be his legacy.

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Guest: Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and contributor to The Monthly, Geraldine Brooks.

Background reading: Safe as houses? 

Photo: Ben Clement

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