Total Control

When a dispute escalates between China and the US over influence in the Pacific, the government is faced with an urgent demand to site new US bases on native-title land. Alex sets out to broker a deal between the Aboriginal communities and the government, and she manages to come through, promising generous royalties and self-determination to the communities whose land is in question.

Alex works around the clock trying to get the necessary amendments before the Senate and receives some surprising help from Laurie, the leader of the opposition. Meanwhile, the PM faces down opposition from the right wing of the party, who see this as pandering to special interests.

Alex is struck low by grief and the knowledge that the PM has betrayed her and the community. She struggles with the fact that she’s let down her family and her people, and her attempts to drink the pain away end in humiliation.

Alex and the PM embark on a game of political cat and mouse. Neither trusts the other now. The PM still needs Alex’s vote in the Senate, though, and she plays on their former friendship to try to keep her in line. JC is wanted by the police, and she panics and runs when a foot patrol approaches. The resulting chase ends in tragedy.

Alex declares war on her party in the wake of Jess Clarke’s death, with Cartwright fighting her every step of the way. But Alex has gone rogue now, and she manages to survive until she finds the evidence that will destroy him.