I came to Australia in the 1950's as it seemed to offer opportunities that were unavailable in the Europe of that time. Democracy or the power of the people to determine their own fate socially and economically seemed to me to exist in a stronger way in Australia than anywhere else in the world. Unhappily during the last few years the influence and unaccountability of 'big business' and other pressure groups has become increasingly prevalent in Australian politics, due to the attitudes of both major parties towards campaign funding.

Your book has at long last disclosed the way in which our democratic rights have been subverted by a band of extremist politicians who have forgotten that they owe a responsibility to the people for their actions and not just their paymasters. It's up to the voters to show their displeasure at Howard's actions - I only hope that it's not too late...