Published Works

 

Longlisted for the 2023 Walkley Book Award.

Walkley Award-winning journalist Tracey Spicer exposes the next frontier of feminism. Man-Made aims to open readers’ eyes to a transformative technological shift in society and give them the tools to make positive change.

'Mum, I want a robot slave.'

Broadcaster Tracey Spicer had an epiphany when her young son uttered these six words. Suddenly, her life’s work fighting inequality seemed futile. What’s the point in agitating to change the present, if bigotry is being embedded into our futures?

And so began a quest to uncover who was responsible and hold them to account. Who is the ultimate villain? Big Tech, whose titans refuse to spend money to fix the problem? The world’s politicians, who lack the will to legislate? Or should we all be walking into a hall of mirrors and taking a good, hard look at ourselves…?

This is a deeply researched, illuminating and gripping ride into an uncertain future, culminating in a resounding call to action that will shake the tech sector to its foundations.

“Exhilarating … The book we need as we grapple with how AI will change our lives and our world.”
— Dame Quentin Bryce
“Brilliant, hilarious and terrifying. You’ll never see Alexa the same way again.”
— Juanita Phillips
“Tracey Spicer uses her unmistakably human voice to warn us all about the deeply sexist Frankenstein’s Monster that is modern AI.”
— Yumi Stynes

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From bogan to boned and beyond -- a full-frontal 'femoir' by one of Australia's best-loved journalists From bogan to boned and beyond – a full-frontal femoir

Tracey Spicer was always the good girl. Inspired by Jana Wendt, this bogan from the Brisbane backwaters waded through the 'cruel and shallow money trench' of television to land a dream role: national news anchor for a commercial network.

But the journalist found that, for women, TV was less about news and more about helmet hair, masses of makeup and fatuous fashion, in an era when bosses told you to 'stick your tits out', 'lose two inches off your arse', and 'quit before you're too long in the tooth'. Still, Tracey plastered on a smile and did what she was told. But when she was sacked by email after having a baby, this good girl turned 'bad', taking legal action against the network for pregnancy discrimination.

In this frank and funny 'femoir' - part memoir, part manifesto - Tracey 'sheconstructs' the structural barriers facing women in the workplace and encourages us all to shake off the shackles of the good girl.

“Glows with the wisdom of a woman who has learned essential truths about love, life and happiness”
— Caroline Overington
“Wickedly witty and wonderfully wise”
— Wendy Harmer
“Fiercely smart and ferociously funny”
— Benjamin Law

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Bewitched and Bedevilled: Women Write the Gillard Years is a provocative analysis of Australian attitudes towards the nation's first female Prime Minister. A selection of Australia's most influential, entertaining and controversial female voices examine the country's reaction to Julia Gillard and debate the successes and failures of her prime ministership. Bewitched and Bedevilled investigates Gillard's position at the receiving end of a barrage of sexism and misogyny; questions why she was so vehemently attacked; and discusses the role this played in her ultimate undoing. Bewitched and Bedevilled also uncovers the impacts (reinvigorating, divisive, disturbing) of the Gillard years on feminism, on the Australian community and on our image abroad. Packed with wit, ire and incisive comment, this is a compelling anthology for all those who were intrigued or outraged during Julia Gillard's tenure as Prime Minister.

Contributors include: Tanya Plibersek, Jane Caro, Eva Cox, Clementine Ford, Kathy Lette, Chloe Hooper, Helen Razer, Shakira Hussein, Emily Maguire, Tracey Spicer, Ruth Hessey, Catharine Lumby, Helen Pringle, Carol Johnson, Claire Harvey and speeches from Anne Summers and Julia Gillard.

About the Author
For the past thirty years, Samantha has worked as a journalist, author and editor in book and magazine publishing, online and also in radio. She has written or co-written five books and edited more than a dozen magazines. She has written for the Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, HQ and Rolling Stone, among others, and has worked at the ABC. Her books include Jenny Kee: A Big Life, The Future of God (interviews with prominent religious thinkers) and 1001 Australians (with Toby Creswell).


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Editor and comedian Luke Ryan has searched the nation for the best comedy writing - collecting gems that have been published far and wide, and mining new comedy gold from our funniest writers. Featuring memoir, satire, fiction, scripts, sketches, prose and much more from comedy legends and rising stars, this is Best Australian Comedy Writing.

Contributors include David Burton, John Clarke, Josh Earl, Greg Fleet, Anna Heyward, Ben Jenkins, Amanda Keller, Julie Koh, Benjamin Law, Michelle Law, Ben McLeay, Shaun Micallef, Ben Pobjie, Randy, Jordan Raskopoulos, Sarina Rowell, Em Rusciano, Robert Skinner, Tracey Spicer, Angela Thompson, David Thorne, Jack Vening, Lorelei Vashti, Chloe Walker, Rosie Waterland and Evan Williams.


25 of Australia’s Funniest Women on Life, Love and Comedy

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In She’s Having a Laugh, 25 of the funniest women in Australia write about life, love and laughter. Their stories are irreverent, intimate and – most of all – often hilarious. They reflect on why they became comedians, celebrate the funny women in their own lives, explore what’s different about the female funny bone, and take a look at the power of laughter for us all.

Contributors include George McEncroe, Yumi Stynes, Gretel Killeen, Jennifer Wong, Tracey Spicer, Candy Bowers, Annabel Crabb, Fiona Scott-Norman, Corinne Grant, Anita Heiss, Jodie Hill, Sarina Rowell and Caitlin Crowley.

Highlights

 
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Emceeing the Amnesty Media Awards, which recognise excellence in reporting human rights issues.

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With Sarah Murdoch, hosting the annual fundraiser for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

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Arriving at an event for a keynote address. Tracey is represented by ICMI, Saxton Speakers, Celebrity Speakers and Platinum Speakers + Entertainers.