Alison Rogers has shone the spotlight on a shadowy aspect of politics: the role and experiences of the media adviser. As her story is also an insider’s account of Senator Natasha Stott-Despoja’s period as leader of the Australian Democrats, its value is enhanced, both for what it tells us about Stott-Despoja, as well as its less than flattering treatment of the Democrats’ party machine.

The Natasha Factor: Politics, Media and Betrayal begins with a caveat: what follows is not intended to be an academic analysis, nor a biography. It is a snapshot of a period in time, as seen through one person’s eyes. That person openly declares herself to be close and loyal to her subject, who is also a friend. In her epilogue, Rogers returns to this theme: ‘Yes, it could be argued that I am attempting to rewrite history. But I am not pretending that these are the facts. It is up to you to decide where the truth lies.’