It’s not your typical ex-politician’s book. Nor is it something you’d expect from the ex-Chairman of huge company. You won’t find it in the self-motivation-be-a-better-person section at Angus & Robertson.

In his first book – published by CQU Press -- Former Queensland Treasurer Keith De Lacy writes about sex, unions, passions and principles in perhaps one of the most intriguing reads about Australia’s dark past, a black-as-coal past.

{The book will be launched across Queensland (and Sydney) this month. Please see schedule below.}.

"Blood Stains the Wattle" is a novel that recreates the environment and culture of one of the most memorable and important events of Australian history – the Mt Isa Land Dispute of 1964.

“[It] captures the spirit of the Australian working class,” says Tom Burns, Former Federal President of the ALP and Deputy-Premier of Queensland.

The story, which revolves around a footballer from the town of Mt Isa and a love triangle that shapes his destiny, gives the inside political story on the Mount Isa strike. 4000 workers were locked out of Mt Isa Mines for eight months when workers and the company could not agree on conditions and wages. Things got so bad in the Queensland town, about 1800 kilometres north of Brisbane, that the government implemented martial law and a declared a state of emergency. It was a dispute that galvanised the nation.

It took De Lacy, who worked in the underground mines of far North Queensland, five years to write the novel although he admits it had been in his head for 30 years. "Blood Stains the Wattle" is like a postcard of the Australian outback in the 60s that any Australian – union supporter or not – can identify with it.

“It immerses you in the lifestyle, loves and language of the mines,” according to David Myers, Publisher, Central Queensland University Press.

“De Lacy has a wonderful grasp of the complexity of the human condition,” adds Barry Jones, former ALP President. “The politics, religion, sexuality, unionism, popular culture and the impact of a harsh environment.”.

Keith De Lacy, who retired as chairman of Ergon Energy earlier this year, grew up on a tobacco farm and worked in the tobacco industry. He entered politics in the mid 70s for the Labor Party and served until 1998, including a term as Treasurer in 1996.

The book is available from its publisher, Central Queensland University Press, for $25.95. Please call 07 4923 2520 or go to www.outbackbooks.com.

De Lacy will be on tour, releasing his book in: Brisbane, 22nd October - 5.30pm at Parliament House, George St.

Sydney, 23rd October - 5.15pm at Central Queensland University, Sydney Campus, 333 Kent St.

Cairns, 28th October - 5.30pm at Cairns Council Chambers.

Townsville, 29th October - 5.30pm at Townsville Council Chambers.

Mt Isa, 30th October - 5.30pm at The Foyer, Mt Isa Entertainment Centre.

Rockhampton, 1st November - 5.30pm at The Old Supreme Court