Glyn Davis, Vice-Chancellor of Melbourne University and formerly Queensland’s most senior public servant, understands the ruthless and unforgiving nature of a political system in which office is held by party room consent – but depends on an unpredictable set of factors, and means that sometimes the party prefers a daredevil, but at other times it is a desperado, puritain, muscles or brain who can do the job.

In an elegant and timely new essay he argues that there are more similarities between street gangs than business enterprises, with worrying consequences.

The essay provides useful insights for political insiders, politicians, journalists and public servants, but is important for every voter who cares about the health of Australian democracy.