I actually think the author makes a good point. I remember hearing that something like 40% of unionists voted conservative in the last election. Not only is this an abomination given the current government's assault on collective bargaining, and its determination to destroy by any means necessary Labor's industrial base: it is also indicative of the cost of abandoning 'class politics'.

For too long any talk of inequality and social injustice has been instantly derided as 'the politics of envy'. But, as one of the contributers to our discussion, here, has noted: the vast majority of Australian workers are on under $50,000 a year - and a goodly portion of these on under $40,000/year. Why, then, the talk of 'middle Australia' comprising those on $60,000/year and higher? (and, consequently, the need for further tax cuts to fuel the fires of inflation and conspicuous consumption even further)

Rather than falling into this trap, Labor needs to commit to the kind of 'class politics' that it is best at: a 'fair go' for collective bargaining and industrial regulation, a commitment to high quality health and aged care for all regardless of income, and a commitment to high quality public secondary and tertiary education which is affordable, and which commits to research in the public interest: not merely in search of the corporate dollar.

While the blue collar working class is in decline: and with it the kind of old class politics which used to be the hallmark of the ALP, new faultlines are appearing in Australian society, and differences in access to education, health, aged care, banking, public transport, communications etc: are making class - and postcode - as relevant as ever.

Rather than eating into the surplus with tax cuts for those who can do without, Labor ought commit, now, to providing services and infrastruture for the needy, while at the same time proving its economic credentials by supporting education, training and innovation.

Steve, you can always tell when there is a war on - everything gets robbed to pay for rich mens wars (let's be honest, they are the only ones who benefit - even though the ordinary man pays for it in blood, sweat and tears - and of course cash!

Have you ever seen a rich man come out of a war broke? If you look back in history, they always come out richer. When will the ordinary men in the street finally stand up and say no to the true problem causers in society. Will we always be so cheaply bought for the price of a few extra tinnies?

Sorry to burst your bubble their K£vin but look at americas war on terror now most definately a rich man's war but when the U.S was hit by "Hurricane Katrina" they werent prepared let me ask you where is their money goin?

I love it. Intrest rates up for a third time, petrol prices soaring and no Job security.
Exactly what everybody with a less than $100K annual income, who voted for Howard deserves.

Hedgehog, I can appreciate why you and many others would think along these lines, but I beg to differ. Many people voted for Howard because they perceived him as being the lesser of two evils. Labor has to wear a lot of the blame – for not setting themselves apart from the Libs as a realistic alternative.

So only a few of those who voted for him are getting what they deserve.

Ludwig thats crap and you know it. If people are to apathetic to follow Politicians intentions they deserve what they get. Whats the point of low intrest when you can lose your job for no reason. Not that intrest rates are all that low. Average morgage now $250K at 7% compared to $50K at 17% with a 9% real wage increase in the corresponding period. I rejoice, give us another intrest rise for the me me me crowd. Labor was never going to gut the fair go in Industrial Relations,so dont pedal that crap.