FRANK Bongiorno’s “Dreamers and Schemers”, a compelling and comprehensive account of Australia’s political life, from pre-settlement indigenous systems to the present day, is the ACT Book of the Year 2023.

He will receive $10,000 as the author of the 2023 ACT Book of the Year. Bongiorno previously won the award in 2013.

The judges have also awarded two highly commended and three shortlisted novels from local authors for 2023.

The judging panel, of Kaaron Warren, Adam Broinowski and Dylan Van Den Berg, commented that through “Dreamers and Schemers” Frank Bongiorno has “skilfully combined multiple elements to deliver a captivating account of Australia’s political history.

“The book’s perceptive honesty and contemporary sensibility shine throughout the narrative, providing readers with a fresh perspective on the subject, the judges said.

“Bongiorno has achieved the difficult task of synthesising a large volume of material in a coherent, clear and accessible manner, and his fluent style allows deeper insight into the complex dynamics that have shaped politics in Australia.”

ACT Book of the Year 2023 finalists

• Winner: Dreamers and Schemers by Frank Bongiorno
• Highly Commended: Lohrey by Julianne Lamond
• Highly Commended: Words for Lucy by Marion Halligan
• Shortlisted: Bulldozed: Scott Morrison’s fall and Anthony Albanese’s rise by Niki Savva
• Shortlisted: Legitimate Sexpectations: the power of sex-ed by Katrina Marson
• Shortlisted: Tomorrow there will be Apricots by Robert Bowker