Hi Rhian,

"It’s not just conservative politicians", I consider many within the Labor Party to be conservative. The general Labor leadership and most supporters are not radical politically, what differentiates Labor from Liberal is more emphasis than direction. The political DNA of both parties is about 90% identical. The broad policy of the Labor Party from its inception has been to work within the established framework of government to effect progressive change over time, I am comfortable with that. The transitional change from one to the other after an electoral change runs smoothly because both support the status quo, when it comes to the functioning of government. On this topic of private consultants, the Labor Party is just as likely to embrace them in government as their opponents are, but maybe to a slightly lesser degree.

We were once the third wealthiest nation on the planet and a debt free creditor one to boot. And a post war time when consultancies were virtually unknown.

Times change but not economic fundamentals. This was a time when shares were bought for their dividend stream rather than capital gains. And bipartisan pragmatism was the order of the day.

Now it's beggar my country and winning office at virtually any cost. And opposition for opposition's sake!

We need tax reform the way a drowning man needs a lifeboat. But real tax reform would, I believe, end the gravy train for many conflicted politicians.

So, they tinker at the edges and take ideas off of table untried. Ditto energy policy, Labor won't do nuclear regardless of the fact that it's our best, cleanest, safest and cheapest carbon free, base load option!
Alan B.