Former minister Macklin signs book deal

Former federal minister Jenny Macklin is the latest Labor figure to sign a book deal.

Ms Macklin, one of the party's most experienced MPs, has signed with Melbourne University Publishing to write about the social policy achievements of the Rudd and Gillard governments.

The book will also provide a talking point as the ALP devises a new social policy platform ahead of its national conference in 2015 and the federal election due in 2016.

A wealth of Labor-related books are due for publication this year including former prime minister Julia Gillard's memoir, retired senator Bob Carr's Diary of a Foreign Minister and former minister Greg Combet's political reflections.