Of interest to ages 15 years and up and especially appropriate for use in Australian secondary and undergraduate studies, this unique book does not try to define leadership, but instead encourages the reader to fulfil that task themselves through a series of short essays on the personal and professional life of some contemporary Australians recognised nationally as aspiring leaders in their fields. A brief overview on the concept of leadership, plus a short series of questions about leadership and coping, provides a framework for individual study or group discussion.The Australian Leadership Reader presents six engagingly written leadership profiles • Ann Sherry, a-stereotypical corporate CEO. • Peter Garrett, leading rock-star-cum-environmentalist. • Fiona Stanley, eminent, entrepreneurial scientist. • Michael Kirby, internationally respected Supreme Court Judge. • Larissa Behrendt, award-winning author and Indigenous leader. • Gordon Samuels, former Governor of NSW and statesman.Five of the leadership profiles were written by talented young Australians who are already well on their way to future leadership roles in their respective fields. The sixth profile was written by the subject herself. These essays provide readers with examples of non-fiction writing centred on contemporary Australian culture and recent history. Each essay uses an individual approach to the question of leadership thus demonstrating a range of writing skills and styles such as interviewing, informative narrative, personal reflection, descriptive prose, critical analysis, and humour. This book is suitable across a range of key learning areas including Personal Development, English, Pastoral Care, Modern History, and Studies of Society.