The evolution of contemporary politics in Australia has created a new role for members of the intelligentsia: advisors. Neither "politicians" nor "bureaucrats," these non-elected political activists wield tremendous influence in policy making. Yet, because of their ambiguous institutional position, they have drawn relatively little attention. Ministers' Minders, the first detailed analysis of the role advisors play in contemporary Australian politics, traces their history and demonstrates their power to influence--and even make--policy. Walter suggests that the emergence of the advisor in Australian--and British and American--politics is a corollary of our increasingly complex, highly technological society.