I was proud to announce today our policy to introduce a national curriculum for maths, English, science and history.
The curriculum will bring consistency and sense to eight separate systems that produce varying degrees of success. A key component will be our close engagement with the states to ensure appropriate regional requirements are met. This will be a system that is not shackled by ideology but is developed via consensus and agreement.
The nationwide curriculum is the third plank in our education revolution, together with maths and science students having their HECS bill slashed under our $111 million proposal and $450 million a year being provided for four-year-olds to have 15 hours per week of pre-school learning.
Wednesday 28 February 2007
Goodbye Billy Thorpe
I was very saddened to learn this morning of the death of Billy Thorpe.
Billy was at the forefront of Australian rock music and he led the way for other great acts such as ACDC, Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel and many others.
I had the privilege of seeing him on stage at a festival a couple of years ago. It was a hair raising experience being up on the side of the stage watching him perform. He was tight, loud, funny and hugely entertaining.
As Billy used to say, "Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday."
No more tomorrows for Bill. Vale The King!
Billy was at the forefront of Australian rock music and he led the way for other great acts such as ACDC, Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel and many others.
I had the privilege of seeing him on stage at a festival a couple of years ago. It was a hair raising experience being up on the side of the stage watching him perform. He was tight, loud, funny and hugely entertaining.
As Billy used to say, "Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday."
No more tomorrows for Bill. Vale The King!
Focus and discipline
It's time to take half a step back and examine where we are.
All this news of poll leads, preferred Prime Minister, "star" candidates and policy leadership is all well and good, but we're a long way from from where we need to be come election time.
We have 16 seats to pick up nationally. That, historically, is a very tough ask. People have responded extremely well to our team, seeing us now as a credible alternative government. However, we cannot expect John Howard and the government to stand idly by while we march into office.
The increasingly personal attacks on us are only the precursor to a wave of negative campaigning. Howard will seek to divide and conquer, both within our team, but also with the voting public.
As I told caucus yesterday, we must hold firm, keep our discipline, focus on policy leadership and credibility, and keep away from engaging at the personal level. Whilst we would all love to shout down the crass and feral attacks from the conservatives, only by showing great dignity and resolve will we give ourselves the chance to pick up those 16 seats needed to form the next Federal Labor Government.
All this news of poll leads, preferred Prime Minister, "star" candidates and policy leadership is all well and good, but we're a long way from from where we need to be come election time.
We have 16 seats to pick up nationally. That, historically, is a very tough ask. People have responded extremely well to our team, seeing us now as a credible alternative government. However, we cannot expect John Howard and the government to stand idly by while we march into office.
The increasingly personal attacks on us are only the precursor to a wave of negative campaigning. Howard will seek to divide and conquer, both within our team, but also with the voting public.
As I told caucus yesterday, we must hold firm, keep our discipline, focus on policy leadership and credibility, and keep away from engaging at the personal level. Whilst we would all love to shout down the crass and feral attacks from the conservatives, only by showing great dignity and resolve will we give ourselves the chance to pick up those 16 seats needed to form the next Federal Labor Government.
Tuesday 27 February 2007
Nobody talked nuclear to anyone
This story about Ron Walker, Hugh Morgan and Robert Champion de Crespigny not talking to John Howard or Ian Macfarlane about nuclear power plants is starting to smell.
Sure John Howard talks to his friend Ron Walker. But he didn't talk to him. Not really.
Why the great expanding defence? Why the inscrutable clucking about integrity? Why the defensiveness?
My challenge to Mr Howard is this: tell the people when you started formulating a nuclear power plant policy. Tell the people when you started talking to your mates about your plan. Tell the people why you commissioned a report on nuclear power when you already knew the answer.
Tell us John Howard.
Sure John Howard talks to his friend Ron Walker. But he didn't talk to him. Not really.
Why the great expanding defence? Why the inscrutable clucking about integrity? Why the defensiveness?
My challenge to Mr Howard is this: tell the people when you started formulating a nuclear power plant policy. Tell the people when you started talking to your mates about your plan. Tell the people why you commissioned a report on nuclear power when you already knew the answer.
Tell us John Howard.
The Celebrity of Politics
Today's Herald Sun has a light puff piece about the "Politics of Celebrity" in relation to Maxine McKew's run against John Howard in Bennelong and other "celebrities" in parliament.
I would suggest a "celebrity of politics" exists in that every politician from every party becomes a celebrity of sorts when they join the parliament. Some take on more celebrity than others - just look at Pauline Hanson or Natasha Stott Despoja for instance. Others lack the charisma, good looks, intelligence or startling comments to generate "celebrity" status. Some prefer to remain anonymous, known only to their constituents. But even they are a minor celebrity, whether its officially opening a building or having a cup of tea with the punters in a country hall.
The point is, we shouldn't get hung up on the celebrity of any politician. Yes there are high profile politicians and candidates. There always will be. It's what they say and do that counts.
I would suggest a "celebrity of politics" exists in that every politician from every party becomes a celebrity of sorts when they join the parliament. Some take on more celebrity than others - just look at Pauline Hanson or Natasha Stott Despoja for instance. Others lack the charisma, good looks, intelligence or startling comments to generate "celebrity" status. Some prefer to remain anonymous, known only to their constituents. But even they are a minor celebrity, whether its officially opening a building or having a cup of tea with the punters in a country hall.
The point is, we shouldn't get hung up on the celebrity of any politician. Yes there are high profile politicians and candidates. There always will be. It's what they say and do that counts.
Monday 26 February 2007
No damage to the US alliance
I'd like to note my comments on this site last Monday:
"Our alliance is not threatened by a clear, independent position on Iraq."
And Mr Cheney's comments on the alliance during his visit when asked about the withdrawal of approximately 500 Australian combat troops?
"I don't see any prospect of damage to the alliance."
Exactly.
"Our alliance is not threatened by a clear, independent position on Iraq."
And Mr Cheney's comments on the alliance during his visit when asked about the withdrawal of approximately 500 Australian combat troops?
"I don't see any prospect of damage to the alliance."
Exactly.
Clean Coal
The message from Labor is clean and clear.
When it comes to the coal industry, we need to invest in reducing emissions. We need to invest in protecting our export industry. We need to invest in protecting jobs and ensuring the future wellbeing of all people associated with the industry.
Our $500m clean coal policy will transform the industry, protecting and generating jobs, opening up opportunities for the export of successful clean coal technologies. Consider the scope of these technologies and the major impact they could have on emmissions:
* Coal gasification, whereby power plants gasify the coal with the resultant synthesis gas used to run a turbine that produces electricity.
* Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), whereby the CO2 from the synthesis gas is separated, and then redirected and stored. The redirection of CO2 into geological formations is called geosequestriation.
* Oxy firing, whereby pulverised coal is combusted in a mixture of oxygen and recirculated flue gas in order to reduce the net volume of flue gases from the process and to substantially increase the concentration of CO2 in the flue gases.
* Post Combustion Capture (PCC), whereby CO2 is removed from the flue gas from conventional coal fired power stations and then stored.
We cannot realistically think the coal industry can be closed down in Australia. The effect on how way of life would be catastrophic. It is only the research and development of appropriate solutions for the removal of CO2 emissions that will contribute to a 60% reduction in greenhouse pollution by 2050.
Long term solutions such as this are only achieved by having a vision, together with the courage to take the "baby steps" needed right now.
When it comes to the coal industry, we need to invest in reducing emissions. We need to invest in protecting our export industry. We need to invest in protecting jobs and ensuring the future wellbeing of all people associated with the industry.
Our $500m clean coal policy will transform the industry, protecting and generating jobs, opening up opportunities for the export of successful clean coal technologies. Consider the scope of these technologies and the major impact they could have on emmissions:
* Coal gasification, whereby power plants gasify the coal with the resultant synthesis gas used to run a turbine that produces electricity.
* Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), whereby the CO2 from the synthesis gas is separated, and then redirected and stored. The redirection of CO2 into geological formations is called geosequestriation.
* Oxy firing, whereby pulverised coal is combusted in a mixture of oxygen and recirculated flue gas in order to reduce the net volume of flue gases from the process and to substantially increase the concentration of CO2 in the flue gases.
* Post Combustion Capture (PCC), whereby CO2 is removed from the flue gas from conventional coal fired power stations and then stored.
We cannot realistically think the coal industry can be closed down in Australia. The effect on how way of life would be catastrophic. It is only the research and development of appropriate solutions for the removal of CO2 emissions that will contribute to a 60% reduction in greenhouse pollution by 2050.
Long term solutions such as this are only achieved by having a vision, together with the courage to take the "baby steps" needed right now.
The Business of Business
I'm delighted to see such a strong commitment from business to sign up for the Business Observer Program at the party's national conference in April.
Frankly, it surprised me when Tim Gartrell said: "This is by far the best response we have had from the business community to a Labor leader." I am honoured to be in such esteemed company.
The key issue is one of engagement. Business is seeing the Labor leadership as approachable. Business can put a case to us, whether it be about skills shortages, industrial relations, economic management; we will listen and engage. The outcome is an improved set of results for Australia, and not just for interest groups or lobbyists.
The business of business is built on trust, and I welcome the opportunity to demonstrate my integrity to the Australian business community.
Frankly, it surprised me when Tim Gartrell said: "This is by far the best response we have had from the business community to a Labor leader." I am honoured to be in such esteemed company.
The key issue is one of engagement. Business is seeing the Labor leadership as approachable. Business can put a case to us, whether it be about skills shortages, industrial relations, economic management; we will listen and engage. The outcome is an improved set of results for Australia, and not just for interest groups or lobbyists.
The business of business is built on trust, and I welcome the opportunity to demonstrate my integrity to the Australian business community.
Maxine takes on Howard
Good morning, my apologies, but I haven't had a lot of time to post in the past week. The pace has picked up another notch which suits me right down to the ground.
I'd like to congratulate Maxine McKew for putting up her hand and nominating for preselection for Bennelong. As psephologist Malcolm Mackerras has said, it's a marginal seat now, with a strong migrant vote. Maxine will be an excellent candidate to campaign against John Howard. No longer can Howard be "relaxed and comfortable" about winning his seat. The pressure this introduces can only defocus him from the national election and the contest for other marginals - he cannot physically be in two places at once.
And I'd also like to challenge what some commentators are saying. Take Richard Farmer in today's Crikey, Maxine is not running in Bennelong to be "blooded". She is running to win. To defeat John Howard. To return a Labor government to Canberra.
I'd like to congratulate Maxine McKew for putting up her hand and nominating for preselection for Bennelong. As psephologist Malcolm Mackerras has said, it's a marginal seat now, with a strong migrant vote. Maxine will be an excellent candidate to campaign against John Howard. No longer can Howard be "relaxed and comfortable" about winning his seat. The pressure this introduces can only defocus him from the national election and the contest for other marginals - he cannot physically be in two places at once.
And I'd also like to challenge what some commentators are saying. Take Richard Farmer in today's Crikey, Maxine is not running in Bennelong to be "blooded". She is running to win. To defeat John Howard. To return a Labor government to Canberra.
Tuesday 20 February 2007
Howard working the angles...
In my view, Geoff Pryor is the finest cartoonist in Australia. I couldn't resist sharing this with you from this morning's Canberra Times.
Comes a Time
Picture: Colin Murty
As Neil Young says:
"comes a light feelin's liftin'
lift that baby right up off the ground.
oh, this old world keeps spinning round
it's a wonder tall trees ain't layin' down
there comes a time."
Today's Newspoll is tremendous news. We have a strong lead over the Coalition, more people are now dissatisfied with Howard's performance than those who are satisfied, 68% are satisfied with my performance, I now have a big lead in the preferred Prime Minister poll and importantly, 83% of people either want the government to set an exit date or bring the troops home now.
John Howard is awash in bad numbers, bad press, and bad vibes.
(Oh, and by the way, 51% are against nuclear power stations in Australia, including 57% of women)
People of Australia, there comes a time.
Monday 19 February 2007
Water water everywhere
The question of the size of the plan to save the Murray-Darling system is at the heart of my shuttle diplomacy this week with the states.
As I said this morning, I'm not confident of reaching agreement with each of the states during my discussions this week.
"My job is to be the alternative prime minister of the country, that means having some disagreements with my good friend Mike (Rann) here or Peter Beattie in my own state of Queensland, I'm prepared to do that."
"But what I'm trying to do this week is to be as positive and constructive as possible in narrowing the gap which currently exists between the states and Canberra."
"At this stage of the process I'm not that confident that I'm going to get there because there are significant differences, particularly in Victoria but elsewhere as well, on what can be best achieved with the Prime Minister's proposal."
If John Howard wants to spend up to $1 billion in annual funding without cabinet approval, then such a "massive undertaking" raises questions about the "adequacy of funding on offer".
Read My Lips: No More Troops
Our policy position on the troops in Iraq is clear cut. Let's get them out of there and let's not commit any more troops.
So, no Mr Howard. No more trainers.
No more combat troops.
No more support troops.
Mr Cheney can come cap in hand and talk as much as he wants about our alliance. Our alliance is not threatened by a clear, independent position on Iraq.
So, no Mr Howard. No more trainers.
No more combat troops.
No more support troops.
Mr Cheney can come cap in hand and talk as much as he wants about our alliance. Our alliance is not threatened by a clear, independent position on Iraq.
Saturday 17 February 2007
Thom Yorke on Nuclear Power
Thom Yorke from Radiohead is straight forward when it comes to the insanity of nuclear power.
Thom refers to a number of compelling reasons why nuclear power is not acceptable in Australia.
John Howard sees it as a panacea for our country's energy ills. I see it as an extreme technology that has no place in Australia. Let's learn from Europe's sadness (and I include Chernobyl in that argument).
"When will this enigma resolve itself?"
I love Tony Abbott. He kicks heads. He boxes. He scrunches ears. He dives around in his bin of cliches, pulling out fears and woes.
The latest conservative attack, "he's trying to be all things to all people", is once again seriously misguided.
They say, "how can you want to do something about global warming, yet support the coal miners? How can you support the American alliance yet want to pull troops out of Iraq?"
Simple my friends. Have intelligent, pragmatic policy positions that take into account our place in the world and the needs of the Australian people. The Australian voting public don't want one dimensional politicians, squeezing out populist policies that ignore the realities of any given situation.
So, if we are to move to more sustainable energy industry, reducing emissions and meeting Kyoto targets, we must consider the impact on people like the coal workers and introduce support programs.
It is important that we support the American alliance, but at the same time have a strong independent voice in the world.
Australians want that kind of consideration.
To call me an enigma is benign. If I am an enigma to the conservatives, I know exactly when I will resolve myself. That will be the night of the next election, when I stand up and accept victory on behalf of the Australian people.
The latest conservative attack, "he's trying to be all things to all people", is once again seriously misguided.
They say, "how can you want to do something about global warming, yet support the coal miners? How can you support the American alliance yet want to pull troops out of Iraq?"
Simple my friends. Have intelligent, pragmatic policy positions that take into account our place in the world and the needs of the Australian people. The Australian voting public don't want one dimensional politicians, squeezing out populist policies that ignore the realities of any given situation.
So, if we are to move to more sustainable energy industry, reducing emissions and meeting Kyoto targets, we must consider the impact on people like the coal workers and introduce support programs.
It is important that we support the American alliance, but at the same time have a strong independent voice in the world.
Australians want that kind of consideration.
To call me an enigma is benign. If I am an enigma to the conservatives, I know exactly when I will resolve myself. That will be the night of the next election, when I stand up and accept victory on behalf of the Australian people.
Friday 16 February 2007
These people are putting bases in our country...
...and at this time we agree with the principle but really...
Frog in the Pond
When my daughter was young, she used to love a dessert called "Frog in the Pond", a simple concoction of a Freddo Frog in lime jelly.
Yesterday in parliament, there were whispers about a mysterious frog joke that didn't quite make its way into our pond. I'm wondering what the joke could be?
Perhaps one against my nerdy friends?
A boy was crossing a road one day when a frog called out to him and said, "If you kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess". He bent over, picked up the frog and put it in his pocket. The frog spoke up again and said, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a beautiful princess, I will stay with you for one week." The boy took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it and returned it to the pocket. The frog then cried out, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a princess, 'll stay with you and do ANYTHING you want." Again the boy took the frog out, smiled at it and put it back into his pocket.
Finally, the frog asked, "What is the matter? I've told you I'm a beautiful princess, that I'll stay with you for a week and do anything you want. Why won't you kiss me?"
The boy said, "Look, I'm a software engineer, I don't have time for a girlfriend, but a talking frog is cool."
Yesterday in parliament, there were whispers about a mysterious frog joke that didn't quite make its way into our pond. I'm wondering what the joke could be?
Perhaps one against my nerdy friends?
A boy was crossing a road one day when a frog called out to him and said, "If you kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess". He bent over, picked up the frog and put it in his pocket. The frog spoke up again and said, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a beautiful princess, I will stay with you for one week." The boy took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it and returned it to the pocket. The frog then cried out, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a princess, 'll stay with you and do ANYTHING you want." Again the boy took the frog out, smiled at it and put it back into his pocket.
Finally, the frog asked, "What is the matter? I've told you I'm a beautiful princess, that I'll stay with you for a week and do anything you want. Why won't you kiss me?"
The boy said, "Look, I'm a software engineer, I don't have time for a girlfriend, but a talking frog is cool."
Wednesday 14 February 2007
John Howard's Courage
"My courage is greater than your courage". So says John Howard in 2007.
Yes folks. John Howard is trying to out-muscle the Labor Party with his indestructible righteousness. And it has gone something like this:
Howard: Obama and the Democrats are wrong for America.
Me: You are wrong to attack the Democrats.
Howard: I'm defending Australia.
Me: Debate the policy with me.
Howard: No, you lack the courage to explain your policy.
Me: What's your exit strategy? Do you have the courage to tell the Australian people how you're going to win the war in Iraq?
The great tragedy for Australia is that when John Howard is under pressure, he resorts to the "you don't, I do" defence. Hence, his "My courage is greater than your courage" righteousness.
The reality is that Mr Howard has a fear. A deep, pervading fear that he has extended himself too far. That he should have resigned when he had the chance to go out on top, his historical reputation secure.
Now, he is down in the mud, flinging away. Hoping beyond hope that somehow the Australian people will cling to his tired, stale leadership and not see his "courage" for what it really is.
Yes folks. John Howard is trying to out-muscle the Labor Party with his indestructible righteousness. And it has gone something like this:
Howard: Obama and the Democrats are wrong for America.
Me: You are wrong to attack the Democrats.
Howard: I'm defending Australia.
Me: Debate the policy with me.
Howard: No, you lack the courage to explain your policy.
Me: What's your exit strategy? Do you have the courage to tell the Australian people how you're going to win the war in Iraq?
The great tragedy for Australia is that when John Howard is under pressure, he resorts to the "you don't, I do" defence. Hence, his "My courage is greater than your courage" righteousness.
The reality is that Mr Howard has a fear. A deep, pervading fear that he has extended himself too far. That he should have resigned when he had the chance to go out on top, his historical reputation secure.
Now, he is down in the mud, flinging away. Hoping beyond hope that somehow the Australian people will cling to his tired, stale leadership and not see his "courage" for what it really is.
Monday 12 February 2007
The Christian Cafeteria
I'm bemused by Christopher Pearson's article in The Australian on Saturday attacking me for being a "cafeteria Christian".
The term is not an original idea from Mr Pearson. It has been used many times to describe someone who picks and chooses elements of their faith, or someone who doesn't practice what they preach.
So why am I a "cafeteria Christian"? Is it because I see my faith from a social justice perspective? Is it because I am content with the interrelation of my birth-Catholicism with my wife's Anglicism? Is it because I believe faith is not just for the indoctrinated?
Christianity, faith and spirituality in general is a form of cafeteria. All people choose elements that suit their own beliefs. The fact that we as a society have moved away from dogma to acceptance shows our growing shared emotional intelligence.
It is a society that I wish to lead, one that accepts that opportunity and support are not just for the indoctrinated, nor the "religious right" nor those who only believe in what I believe.
The term is not an original idea from Mr Pearson. It has been used many times to describe someone who picks and chooses elements of their faith, or someone who doesn't practice what they preach.
So why am I a "cafeteria Christian"? Is it because I see my faith from a social justice perspective? Is it because I am content with the interrelation of my birth-Catholicism with my wife's Anglicism? Is it because I believe faith is not just for the indoctrinated?
Christianity, faith and spirituality in general is a form of cafeteria. All people choose elements that suit their own beliefs. The fact that we as a society have moved away from dogma to acceptance shows our growing shared emotional intelligence.
It is a society that I wish to lead, one that accepts that opportunity and support are not just for the indoctrinated, nor the "religious right" nor those who only believe in what I believe.
O Obama!
Walt Whitman's great ode to Abraham Lincoln, O Captain! My Captain!, delivers a passionate address on Lincoln's passing:
"O captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up! For you the flag is flung, for you the bugle trills:
For you bouquets and ribboned wreaths, for you the shores a-crowding:
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning."
Similarly, at the start of his presidential campaign, it is for Barack Obama they call.
But not all of them...
John Howard's cat-call across the Pacific yesterday achieved outcomes that you couldn't wish for in a month of Sundays:
Firstly, name recognition. The Australian people have been told loudly by the Prime Minister that Barack Obama is a serious danger to Mr Howard's republican mates in the next Presidential election. That Obama has numerous hurdles to cross before ever getting the opportunity is irrelevant. By calling him to task on his Iraq strategy, Howard has delivered eager Australian eyes to Obama's campaign of hope.
Secondly, John Howard has again demonstrated to the world his inability to have an independent voice. His blind acceptance of President Bush's Iraq doctrine plays right into our hands. His additional attack on my Iraq position only makes his position more tenuous.
Footnote: I see Barack Obama has rejected Mr Howard's criticism with a strong point on Mr Howard's action versus rhetoric:
"I would also note that we have close to 140,000 troops in Iraq and my understanding is Mr Howard has deployed 1,400.
"So if he is...to fight the good fight in Iraq, I would suggest that he calls up another 20,000 Australians and sends them to Iraq, otherwise it's just a bunch of empty rhetoric."
Saturday 10 February 2007
The Brutopian Brouhaha
This week has seen a successful return to parliament. Our focus on leadership and the global warming debate has put the government on the back foot. This was particularly evident in Howard's flustered arrogance, denying the link between greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, only later to say he was referring to a connection between greenhouse gas emissions and drought. Arrogance because he thought he knew what we were asking without thinking about it, fluster because his gaffe surely exposes his age and ability against our younger, more dynamic team.
And our team has performed strongly this week - there's nothing a sniff of blood can't do in lifting effort and performance. I particularly enjoyed Peter Garrett going head to head with a wobbly Malcolm Turnbull on The 7.30 Report.
Could I touch briefly on Costello's brouhaha about "Brutopia", the mythical country parodying the USSR, borrowed by Michael Oakeshott from Carl Banks' imaginative Disney world and to which I referred in November's issue of "The Monthly".
Costello's schoolboy humour misses the point I was making in The Monthly article:
An unfettered market capitalism, that is, "the unforgiving forces of neo-liberalism, materialism and consumerism" without the effective checks and balances of social responsibility will give rise to an ugly society of fear and prejudice. Convervative philosopher Michael Oakeshott's Brutopia is a representation of just such an outcome.
Howard's consistent projection of fear and it's associated unbalanced and unachievable panacea of "certainty", underpins his cynical, "political" approach to Australia. The counter balance of a government's moral responsibility to protect those without power or access to market capitalism is non-existent.
Our social democratic belief that individual reward can be balanced with social responsibility is at the heart of our policy formulation. It is the rejection of a market-driven "Brutopia" that makes Costello's shallow humour so disturbing. This is the ground on which the election will be fought.
What future do Australians want? One of fear, or one of reward and responsibility?
And our team has performed strongly this week - there's nothing a sniff of blood can't do in lifting effort and performance. I particularly enjoyed Peter Garrett going head to head with a wobbly Malcolm Turnbull on The 7.30 Report.
Could I touch briefly on Costello's brouhaha about "Brutopia", the mythical country parodying the USSR, borrowed by Michael Oakeshott from Carl Banks' imaginative Disney world and to which I referred in November's issue of "The Monthly".
Costello's schoolboy humour misses the point I was making in The Monthly article:
An unfettered market capitalism, that is, "the unforgiving forces of neo-liberalism, materialism and consumerism" without the effective checks and balances of social responsibility will give rise to an ugly society of fear and prejudice. Convervative philosopher Michael Oakeshott's Brutopia is a representation of just such an outcome.
Howard's consistent projection of fear and it's associated unbalanced and unachievable panacea of "certainty", underpins his cynical, "political" approach to Australia. The counter balance of a government's moral responsibility to protect those without power or access to market capitalism is non-existent.
Our social democratic belief that individual reward can be balanced with social responsibility is at the heart of our policy formulation. It is the rejection of a market-driven "Brutopia" that makes Costello's shallow humour so disturbing. This is the ground on which the election will be fought.
What future do Australians want? One of fear, or one of reward and responsibility?
Wednesday 7 February 2007
Howard's depth of cynicism
Good people, I enjoyed yesterday's first day of parliament for the year. We kept our questions short and tight and managed to rile a few conservatives into some strange rants. For instance, Turnbull's tirade in Question Time:
"What the opposition is doing now is giving us some kind of cramped political theology. Nobody is allowed to doubt. Anybody with an open mind is to be banned"
Is this meant to be some kind of neo-smash-the-socialist-menace message?
We have a very open mind to climate change, sustainable energy, the reduction of greenhouse emissions, the signing of the Kyoto treaty. I don't see the Howard government portraying an open mind to Kyoto!
And then yesterday we have Howard's cynical flip flops. After nearly 11 years, he's suddenly changed his view on carbon trading and David Hicks. How has Mr Howard suddenly become "very uncomfortable" with the slow progress of court action against David Hicks?
Shame on you Mr Howard. Do you really think the the Australian people will believe you have shifted your opinions on the weight of evidence and not on our decisive policy statements on both issues or the heat you are receiving from your backbench???
"What the opposition is doing now is giving us some kind of cramped political theology. Nobody is allowed to doubt. Anybody with an open mind is to be banned"
Is this meant to be some kind of neo-smash-the-socialist-menace message?
We have a very open mind to climate change, sustainable energy, the reduction of greenhouse emissions, the signing of the Kyoto treaty. I don't see the Howard government portraying an open mind to Kyoto!
And then yesterday we have Howard's cynical flip flops. After nearly 11 years, he's suddenly changed his view on carbon trading and David Hicks. How has Mr Howard suddenly become "very uncomfortable" with the slow progress of court action against David Hicks?
Shame on you Mr Howard. Do you really think the the Australian people will believe you have shifted your opinions on the weight of evidence and not on our decisive policy statements on both issues or the heat you are receiving from your backbench???
Tuesday 6 February 2007
Strong Polls, new challenges
Good morning and welcome to the start of a new political year. And what a year it will be. The latest Newspoll figures are strong and we commence the parliamentary sittings with a solid base of support, positioned for a big tilt at government later in the year. We're even receiving some backhanded support from, of all people, Gerard Henderson.
Mind you, I do take to task his statement that: "The Coalition will contest the election with the significant advantage of incumbency. This is of particular value in a compulsory voting electoral system where outcomes are decided by voters in the marginal seats, in suburban and regional Australia, who are not particularly interested in politics." What a put down of those good people! I would assert that someone who is in a marginal seat will be taking a very active interest in the political process given their ability to affect the outcome.
Can I just say this: the polls are excellent at this point in the electoral cycle, but it is a long hard road from here to the Lodge. Some sections of the media continue to grump about fractious feelings in our team, and this is indicative of the style of negative press we will continue to receive by those not aligned to our progressive thinking about the future.
The antidotes to this type of press are simple: teamwork, focus, clear policy convictions and differentiation, and well-oiled message making.
The challenge for Labor is this: take it up to a tired Howard government in parliament today and throughout the year, and demonstrate to an increasingly willing electorate that the time is right for change.
Mind you, I do take to task his statement that: "The Coalition will contest the election with the significant advantage of incumbency. This is of particular value in a compulsory voting electoral system where outcomes are decided by voters in the marginal seats, in suburban and regional Australia, who are not particularly interested in politics." What a put down of those good people! I would assert that someone who is in a marginal seat will be taking a very active interest in the political process given their ability to affect the outcome.
Can I just say this: the polls are excellent at this point in the electoral cycle, but it is a long hard road from here to the Lodge. Some sections of the media continue to grump about fractious feelings in our team, and this is indicative of the style of negative press we will continue to receive by those not aligned to our progressive thinking about the future.
The antidotes to this type of press are simple: teamwork, focus, clear policy convictions and differentiation, and well-oiled message making.
The challenge for Labor is this: take it up to a tired Howard government in parliament today and throughout the year, and demonstrate to an increasingly willing electorate that the time is right for change.
Monday 5 February 2007
Who is D D O'Malley?
Look, I don't normally comment off topic, but there have been murmurings recently about the existence of my friend and collaborator, D D O'Malley.
Some have suggested this blog is satire while others have alluded to Mr O'Malley being an apparatchik.
Mr O'Malley is a Canberra consultant. That is, he consults on a wide range of policy and political matters. I suspect he would laugh all the way down Brisbane Avenue to be called an apparatchik.
According to Oxford Online, an apparatchik is:
1. (chiefly historical) a member of the administrative system of a communist party
2. (derogatory or humorous) an official in a large political organisation
Well, I'm afraid Mr O'Malley is neither a communist nor an official who can be derogated. He can be rather humorous at times, but it does depend on your style of humour. That is, are you a Dave Hughes or an Adam Hills fan?
Some have suggested this blog is satire while others have alluded to Mr O'Malley being an apparatchik.
Mr O'Malley is a Canberra consultant. That is, he consults on a wide range of policy and political matters. I suspect he would laugh all the way down Brisbane Avenue to be called an apparatchik.
According to Oxford Online, an apparatchik is:
1. (chiefly historical) a member of the administrative system of a communist party
2. (derogatory or humorous) an official in a large political organisation
Well, I'm afraid Mr O'Malley is neither a communist nor an official who can be derogated. He can be rather humorous at times, but it does depend on your style of humour. That is, are you a Dave Hughes or an Adam Hills fan?
Sunday 4 February 2007
Climate Change Summit
I was excited today to announce a National Climate Change Summit to be held in March or April. As I said a few posts ago, we need national leadership on climate change and given the Howard government has gone missing on the issue, I propose to bring together a diverse range of people from business, the scientific community and federal, state and local government to determine the best response to the challenge of climate change.
Rod Eddington and Professor Ian Lowe, chair of the Australian Conservation Foundation, will assist in encouraging participation and generating support for the Summit.
I hope to then implement recommendations from the Summit in the first months of the Rudd Labor Government.
Please join me in bringing consensus to such a difficult and emotive issue, an issue which affects the economic and social future of the country.
Rod Eddington and Professor Ian Lowe, chair of the Australian Conservation Foundation, will assist in encouraging participation and generating support for the Summit.
I hope to then implement recommendations from the Summit in the first months of the Rudd Labor Government.
Please join me in bringing consensus to such a difficult and emotive issue, an issue which affects the economic and social future of the country.
Friday 2 February 2007
Push for big business support
One of the critical requirements for our election to government will be the support of business, and in particular, the big end of town.
To be honest, Labor's relationship with business in the past has ebbed and flowed more on personal relationships rather than formal engagement.
We recognise this potential weakness and that is why we have asked Rod Eddington to head up a Council of Business Advisers to help bridge the gap between business and government.
For too long, the Howard government has relied on a "whisper and nod" approach linking business and policy. Rod will bring his vast experience with British Airlines, News Limited and Rio Tinto to drive a new dialogue between business and government.
We intend to engage business directly through this forum and with Rod's help, bring about a transformational approach to policy engagement and economic reform.
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