The Light on the Hill is Ross McMullin’s acclaimed commissioned history of the ALP.  Hailed as a “classic”, it covers all states and the federal scene comprehensively and accurately while maximising liveliness and readability. The research is prodigious, the narrative is action-packed, and the scope and span of the coverage is sweeping. The “warts-and-all” story is told through the people who made it, and is full of illuminating pen-portraits and anecdotes. 

The vivid story-telling blends the achievements and tribulations of Labor’s governments with conflicts over organisation and policy, emotional highs and lows, and intrigue and intimidation behind the scenes. Prodigiously researched, captivating and powerful, The Light on the Hill — now right up to date including the 2025 election and beyond — is the most authoritative and monumental account of Labor’s rich history.

Ross is an accomplished and entertaining speaker, and his talk will feature some of the best stories in The Light on the Hill.

Ross is an award-winning historian, biographer and storyteller. His biography Pompey Elliott won multiple awards, and his lost generation multi-biographies were also acclaimed — Farewell Dear People won awards including the Prime Minister’s Prize for Australian History, and Life So Full of Promise won The Age Book of the Year Award.