Power of Balance

Medicine, media, politics, advocacy and activism – Dr Kerryn Phelps AM has led a remarkable life. Power of Balance is a landmark memoir that explores the events and ideas that have inspired and provoked her in working to create change.

One of Australia's first 'TV doctors', Dr Kerryn Phelps served as president of the Australian Medical Association, Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney, and a key leader Australia's LGBTQIA+ community. Little did she know, as she celebrated the historic Marriage Equality win in Canberra in 2017, that a year later she would be back as Member of Parliament, having been elected as an independent by the people of Wentworth after a leadership coup ousted Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Kerryn and her fellow independents now held the balance of power. But Kerryn was more interested in the power of balance – bringing equilibrium to policies and debate, and learning as much from the positives as from the negatives.

In these pages, Kerryn candidly explores her biggest struggles and achievements, both within and outside the halls of Parliament – from her advocacy around Medevac and COVID-19 management, to the fallout of her public 'outing' in the Australian media, and her role in the Teal movement of the 2022 elections – as well as all the things that have motivated and sustained her, including her philosophies of leadership and equality, and her love of her family and of the water. Power of Balance is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will inspire others to become changemakers in their own ways.