Brief
Josh Frydenberg launches memoir amid speculation of political return
The Melbourne launch drew senior Liberals, business figures and sport stars, while Frydenberg gave a guarded answer to questions about re‑entering politics.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg unveiled his memoir A Grateful Son at an invitation‑only event in Melbourne’s Malvern Town Hall on 14 October 2026, according to SMH. More than 600 guests, including senior Liberal figures and prominent business leaders, attended the launch.
What happened
The evening began with former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett joining Frydenberg onstage, followed by a roll call of Liberal notables such as Michael Kroger, David Southwick, Georgie Crozier, Brad Rowswell, Michael O’Brien and Rachel Westaway. Former federal ministers Michael Wooldridge and Alan Tudge, former senator Helen Kroger and a host of business personalities – including Ruslan Kogan, Hugh Morgan, Brian Cook and Bill Guest – were also present. Sports icons Gerard Healy, Grant Hackett, Mark Skaife and former Carlton player Ken Sheldon received shout‑outs from the MC.
What the reports add
SMH noted that Kroger, wearing a white puffer, had also attended the Sydney launch of the book the previous day. The outlet highlighted Healy’s jokes about former Kooyong MP Monique Ryan and her husband Peter Jordan, referencing a 2025 incident where Jordan was filmed removing a campaign sign. Former Business Council of Australia chief Jennifer Westacott spoke, and 3AW breakfast host Russell Howcroft conducted a live interview with Frydenberg.
What was said
During Howcroft’s interview, the journalist asked directly whether Frydenberg was planning a political comeback. Frydenberg replied, “No, it isn’t,” but later added a slight qualifier, saying he had “not made any decisions” about future political involvement. Healy, while introducing the event, described the launch as “bigger than a Brownlow Medal with a bit less alcohol, but a hell of a lot more clothing.”
How it came about
The memoir, titled A Grateful Son, is Frydenberg’s first major publication since leaving federal politics after his defeat in Kooyong in 2022. The launch follows a similar event in Sydney the day before, signalling a coordinated publicity push. Earlier Felo coverage of Liberal gatherings, such as the Balvindernath Chaganla book launch, provides context for the scale of political‑linked book events in Australia.
Key facts
- Josh Frydenberg launched his memoir A Grateful Son at Malvern Town Hall on 14 Oct 2026. (smh.com.au)
- More than 600 guests attended, including former premier Jeff Kennett and Liberal powerbroker Michael Kroger. (smh.com.au)
- When asked about a political comeback, Frydenberg said “No, it isn’t” but left room for future decisions. (smh.com.au)
- Former Business Council chief Jennifer Westacott spoke at the event. (smh.com.au)
- Sports figures Gerard Healy, Grant Hackett, Mark Skaife and Ken Sheldon were mentioned during the launch. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “A Grateful Son book launch: Josh Frydenberg addresses potential return to politics and shares views on Daniel Andrews”
