I hope the book is kept in university libraries and school libraries as well.

Clinton Maynard
Radio Host | Broadcaster | Podcaster
Radio 2GB 

Collier for Miranda: The 1999 Labor Campaign is the definitive text on grassroots political campaigning in New South Wales.

The 1999 Miranda campaign set the standard for Labor campaigning in the twenty-first century and its influence continues to be felt in the community today.

This work’s conversational retelling of one of the most thrilling upsets in modern Australian political history is a must-read for anyone interested in the democratic process.

David Moncrieff MP
Member for Hughes
House of Representatives | Parliament of Australia
July 2025

An important bit of New South Wales political history that deserved to be written up … it belongs on reading lists of university schools of politics.

Hon Bob Carr 
Former Premier
Legislative Assembly | Parliament of New South Wales

A manual for campaigning.

Hon Carl Scully 
Former Minister
Legislative Assembly | Parliament of New South Wales

Campaigners reading this book will not only be entertained but will learn from Collier’s experiences at the front door of electors and railway stations and table set-ups at shopping centres. Take note. If you are a candidate in the coming elections, a student of political science or working on a campaign this year, get hold of a copy of this book. So, if you hear someone describe a hopeful candidate as that “Bloody fool who thinks he can win the seat!” After reading this book, you can respond. “Oh, what about Barry Collier in Miranda!”

Hon Richard Amery 
Former Minister
Legislative Assembly | Parliament of New South Wales

Collier for Miranda is much more than its title suggests. The book provides a captivating account of how the seemingly impossible happened — with a ‘shoestring’ budget, an unknown, politically naïve novice and ‘underdog’ candidate, achieved a 7.6% against the high-profile deputy leader of the Liberal Party who had held the seat for 15 years. The implications are relevant to politics at all levels today. Barry’s conversational style, candor and humour convey his aspiration and determination to navigate a route ‘down the Miranda Road to Macquarie Street,’ and encourage the reader to keep turning the pages despite knowing how it all ends.

Liz Adams
Author, Biographer and Professional Historian
Sutherland Shire Historical Society Bulletin