James Walter is Emeritus Professor of Politics at Monash University where he was previously Professor and Head of Politics, and Head of the School of Social Sciences. He has also held professorial appointments in politics and history at Griffith University, Brisbane, and the University of London (UK). He has published widely in the fields of political history, political ideas, policy and leadership -- especially in relation to the performance of prime ministers and the history of the prime ministerial office. James is also active in community sector leadership, currently as President of the University of the Third Age, Port Phillip. His latest book was The Pivot of Power: Australian Prime Ministers and Political Leadership, 1949-2016 (with Paul Strangio and Paul 't Hart).