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The Forum > Article Comments > Revitalising brand 'Labor' > Comments

Revitalising brand 'Labor' : Comments

By Corin McCarthy, published 26/7/2005

Corin McCarthy argues the Australian Labor Party needs a broad choice of candidates from the centre and left of centre.

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Trinity,

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
Posted by Corin McCarthy, Tuesday, 2 August 2005 7:41:50 PM
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Corin

Thank you for your article. It was interesting reading and has certainly generated some interesting responses.

Do you think the Federal Labor Party will head anything that has been suggested on this thread? There are some highly intelligent people in this forum who are from diverse backgrounds. All posters have provided very thoughtful feedback. If the Labor Party does not listen to this group, they will definitely be out for a duck!

Xena - I loved the notion that Labor requires a transfusion.

Rainier - I agree. So many state resignations in NSW and Q. Something smells. Something is about to happen me thinks. But what? is the penetrating question.

Corin - yes the Labor Party needs an infusion of charisma. This is hardly likely, given that the Labor Party no longer has an identity. All of the talk about preferences, seats, middle, right, left etc seems of little value to me unless the Labor Party can clearly define its: philosophy, value system, conceptual framework, paradigm or meta-paradigm, underpinning principles, pragmatic/realistic/achieveable strategies.

The State Labor Party in Q is in a mess. Yet charismatic Peter Beattie continues to ride a fairly good wave. He has no opposition.

The Howard Government continues to ride a very good wave because it has no opposition.

Cheers
Kay
Posted by kalweb, Sunday, 7 August 2005 3:17:09 PM
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