I do not see that the 'Left' holds up development in the Third World. Instead I see institutions like the IMF and World Bank that enforce a single neo-liberal template and thus effectively shipwreck the democratic process. And I haven't noticed figures in the ALP Right talking any more about poverty than those in its Left. This is mere rhetoric. (Although I would agree that the 'Left' is deeply implicated in a process of self-liquidation - and if we keep heading in the current direction, we will not know what we stand for)

If you're serious about ending poverty, yes, you have to deal with unemployment. But when last in power Labor dealt with a global recession that the Conservatives this time around have been lucky enough to avoid. By contrast they have benefited from a booming Chinese economy. If we did had another global recession now, though, how would the Conservatives respond? At least Working Nation was willing to make some real counter-cyclical expenditure - and there were results. But today we would just have spending cuts leading into a recessionary spiral - whichever party was in power.

Eliminating poverty requires welfare reform - especially in light of rising power and water costs; it requires assistance and tax breaks for the low paid and those moving from welfare to work; and it requires a regulated labour market with higher minimum wages. And it requires a strong social wage that the Conservatives aren't interested in providing. The democratic socialist and social democratic Left are still interested in all these things, even if the post-materialists sometimes relegate such pressing concerns to 'the dustbin of history'. None of this means there is no validity in post-materialist theses - it does mean, however, that their obituaries of the social democratic left are premature.

As US society shows, deregulating and letting the labour market clear does not provide all the answers. The neo-liberal path is one of many ways of addressing unemployment: but rather than eliminating poverty, it only magnifies the problem.

Tristan

Good to hear a spokesperson for a right wing think tank discuss notions of poverty and unemployment. That's a first. I'm amazed The Age published this as Hawke's claim was silly then and silly now but his heart was in the right place.

There's a large gap between conservatives (that is conserving freedom of expression, liberty and social welfare for the poor) and the totally market orientated policies advocated by this think tank.

One arrow hit the mark though - the bemoaning of inner suburban intellectuals about mental health and urban poverty - and then writing peer refereed articles about it, thinking 'job done'.

Cheryl aka Malcolm King

These discussions remind of Michael Apple's paper espoused years ago as elements of 'how the left makes the right - that is, he refers to as the "hegemonic alliance of the New Right." These four movements include: neoliberals, neoconservatives, authoritarian populists, and the new middle class. Apple suggests that although each movement has different and oftentimes conflicting political and ideological interests, they form a "hegemonic alliance" when it comes to opposing progressive and democratic forces on the Left.

This alliance has clearly arisen here in Australia against the most vulnerable, the disadvantaged or simply those who are not disadvantaged but who take a progressive view about the need to alleviate poverty.

They don't believe greed is good so much as refute that wealth should be shared equally. Yes it’s a fine line I know but this hegemony is the one we see both Rudd and Howard trying to lure.

The new middle classes are perhaps the most easily persuaded in by economic carrots.

The whole idea of having zero poverty is complete anathema to them all simply because they believe rich and poor are how modern economies should operate.

I for one don't believe this for a minute.

And just remember Hawke was an authoritarian populist and the Left is more about values than political fidelity to any specific party. (although some of them think they have the franchise on leftist values

Cooktown and Cape York has between 25-28% unemployed.

The cost shifting is on those who have the least.

There are "invisables" everywhere in the Costello Budget. We will now have to pay.

My respect would have been higher if we didn't have to yell louder (and fight so hard) for the truth!

Poor service infrastructure - no idea of Civic Engagement at ground levels. No idea of the value of ALL (social capitals)... Education, "Sharing Service Provisions" ... Trust - Alma Ata - or a consumers health cry.

This is not about left vs right as much as HUMANITY.

What is good about the current climate in AUSTRALIA is that we are learning just as (intensely as) it was when Hawk made his poverty speech. I respect Fraser for what he has done since he was PM too.

I remember the issues then, and no one could have known what we have come to know now, as a nation and as a globe. We became badly distracted.... manufacturing... IT sciences... e-economy - fear of on-going recessions and WAR - we ALL lost our way.

To 'problem solve' we need the right information. (ALL of IT)

We need to keep the real HUMAN FOCUS (on HOW we do things) completely in the FRAME

I have faith that what ever happens, this learning curve we are experiencing now will impact us ALL for many years to come.

I hope we learn from eachother, know we are all connected, and that those who need support, get it without the spin - lies - villification.. (bullying) and politcal concerns that are chiefly based on oneself, LONG-TERM!

Given the national world view... the wider and tougher challenge is now here. We are a cultural mirror of ourselves.

We as a nation are being tested. It is timely and hopefuly PRODUCTIVE in ALL areas of our "everyday life".

I believe what we need to do is pro-activate beyond party politics, if Sustainablity is a true citizens call.

http://www.miacat.com
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