A more important question is how many of our poly's have had a real job. Worked with the hands, cleaned a urinal or worked on a assemble line. These are the things that most Aussies do. When that's the question neither party does well.

Yes the ALP does need to cast its net far and wide. While on the drive for new blood why not look at the talent available in rock bands. What would it take to get screamin' Jimmy Barnes into the ALP? And perhaps Delta is ready to make a career change.

Those of us who have been entertained by buskers are keenly aware that some of them know how to pull a crowd. Surely a career in politics could be used as bait to get them off the street and into those plush leather seats in our federal parliament.

Ari

Thank you for an interesting article.

You took me down memory lane, vis a vis, when I was the administrative secretary for the Newcastle University Students' Union (1969). Yes, it was all Labor in the main, and faction against faction. Nothing much has changed (the kids have not grown up).

I used to take minutes of the student union meetings until around 3am! Basically it was all hot air, giving people a chance to learn public speaking. Mr Gary Brown was one of my favourite students. He was hilarious and his dedication was incredible.

What has happened to Labor? I was a Labor voter until 1996 - a great chunk of my life (now 58 years of age).

Labor has lost the plot. What has happened to the philosophy of representing the working class person?

As I see it, Labor holds similar philosophies to the coalition. The only difference is, it does not have a leader - and I cannot see any positive future leaders, apart from Kevin Rudd.

Cheers mate
Kay

Kay,
Agreed, the ALP lost the plot long before 1996, just ask Kenny's question, " how many working people make it to ALP preselection?", how many working Australians are given a "safe seat?" we both know the answer to those questions Kay.

In 1982 exiled Opposition Leader Benigno Akino, returned to his homeland of the Phillippines in a bullet proof vest. As he steped out of the aeroplane, a bullet found its way through his brain. This was the beginning of the end for dictator President Marcos. A "people power" revelotion sprang up, and overthrew Marcos.

We need working people in parliament representing us, on behalf of the ALP, if this is not forthcoming, the ALP will spend another 10 years in the political wilderness, as if they won't change themselves, they do not deserve to win.

We need inspiration to again vote Labor, Bomber won't do it, their right wing policies won't do it, they need centreist policies, and a new face, preferably a woman's face, they are up in the polls today, which means absolutely nothing when an election is called.

Ari,

Sounds like you support ALP pre-selection primaries for Federal seats. Please read: http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=159

If not - you should as it is what you are asking for.

With the current structure - you can have as many Evan Thornley's as you want - but even he has to join or side with a faction to exist in the current system. Otherwise he has no numbers and can be picked off at any moment should the powers that be turn.

It takes a power base outside the current process to bring renewal. Whether that be by primaries or perhaps affiliating civil society bodies and even moderate business groups: a real broad church at last!

That's the issue as much as any.

I think your analysis lacks teeth. It is the outsider analysis without being truly honest with the insider - the analysis that doesn't burn bridges. Burn some bridges Ari - be a man - be a leader.

Cheers,
Corin

Corin,
A good suggestion in theory, do you have one that would work in practise, to elect working people to parliaments, as we are currently, unrepresented.