Thank you for that very interesting analysis. Professor Don Aitkin also posted an excellent short article this morning in part on on Latham's Quadrant article "Climate change and the Labor vote"
http://donaitkin.com/climate-change-and-the-labor-vote/

I have yet to read a more incisive and in depth analysis of labour's problems, and how they might correct them?
However, they need some time in the political wilderness to rid themselves of the self serving conservative combative element, that has so fouled their ranks, as to be unable to, in any way reconnect with traditional, progressive, reforming and egalitarian Labour?
They also need time to thoroughly divest themselves of the filth now clinging to their once proud brand!
I agree, they also need to stop taking credit for multimillionaire Keating's new labour, conservative reforms and the lurch to the right that accompanied it.
In fact, it may be fair to say, new Labour, with its economic drys like Crean, and fiscal conservatives like Rudd, now stands further to the right, than Menzie's liberals?
They also need time to divest themselves of the filth that has created a stinking cesspool, where once stood a proud and progressive party.
One can understand ultra conservative Latham's fantasies?
This is what seems to happen to elitist, we know best dreamers, who build dream castles in the clouds, and then move in as permanent residents or Rulers?
One can understand why he and other patently driven, extremely autocratic creatures, who see Labour as nothing more than a vehicle for their personal ambitions, hate Julia so much, given she represents a return to something ever so slightly resembling, old egalitarian Labour.
Jason, why aren't you running the country, or at the very least, heading up and reforming a, back to the future, Labour?
Rhrosty.

A most scholarly and comprehensive post, well written and identifying clearly a number of crucial elements in the Labour Party travails. I agree with Rhorosty that, for these understandings to be accepted and incorporated into Labour thinking, a considerable time in the electoral 'wilderness' will be necessary. Peter Lang. Thanks, a relevant link.

and how proud the independants must be to be in bed with such a morally bereft Government. The Government will be remembered for being more incompetent than Gough and full of self interest like no other in Australia's history. It's main legacy will be debt. Thankfully September is not far off.

I rarely link personalities with political issues, but in Latham's case his own tendency to self-destruct and blame everyone else for it ties up so well with his support for the global warming meme that I can't resist.

Really it doesn't matter.

The only kind thing is euthanasia; put the poor thing out of its misery, before it causes us any more misery