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Revitalising brand 'Labor' : Comments
By Corin McCarthy, published 26/7/2005Corin McCarthy argues the Australian Labor Party needs a broad choice of candidates from the centre and left of centre.
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The reason Labor lost its' blue collar support was more to do with social issues (ie. Mabo and others in 96) than "liberal" economics - this is the biggest failing in the Leftist critique of Labor.
Labor was also unlucky to be in power when the recession happened and yet have delivered the policy foundations for Howard's dream run.
The voters that seem to matter at the moment are:
1. home owners (with mortgages in the belt of outer-suburbs)
2. young families (see above as well)
3. retiring people with pensions
4. regional voters who often think "city" dwellers don't understand them - a "regional face" in touch is important
5. often entrepreneurial (there are somewhere close to 1.8 million ABN's which is indicative of this trend )
6. scared people (ie. over job security (IR for Labor but if Howard's reform goes well ?) or the changing face of Australia and international uncertainty
7. people indebted to the hilt.
They must present a "liberal" programme of economics that confirms prudence at its core, and that is a growth and investment strategy. I grant that Labor has tried to move to this position (and certainly was this in the mid 1980's). In 98 Labor could have done a tax reform package that was economically prudent and able to deliver greater fairness: "Howard Better" as opposed to "Howard Lite".
To achieve this - reform of power in pre-selection is also required. Whether by massive centralisation or primaries. Primaries are a fresh coat of paint and reflect well!
But most important for Labor at any time of victory is "Charisma" - candidates make a massive difference and also indicate a party that is "alive" and "vibrant" and "in touch".
Labor needs to sell a longer term strategy - it needs to define 85, 90 or even 100 seats it can win and really banish the Libs for a generation: now that would take a real move to the Centre. Seats like Aston would be on the list - now who's an optimist!
Cheers again,
Corin