Into this world comes Bill Shorten: once the hyperkinetic figure of youthful Labor, now as ancient and steeped in tradition as a moth-eaten banner for the Amalgamated Slurryists and Frittlers hanging in a Trades Hall glass case.
On Wednesday Guy Rundle wrote that days are numbered for leaders like Bill Shorten. Are “safe” and centrist figures on their way out? Here’s what Crikey readers had to say on what should change when it comes to Labor’s policies and priorities:
On Bill Shorten and what Labor should be doing differently
Sandie van Soelen writes: Labor should stop sitting on the fence.
- Raise Newstart by a preliminary amount leaving open to more following research
- Commit to stopping Adani
- Address tax bracket creep rather than reducing taxes — there is much infrastructure and service required to be funded and this would be more fair
- Agree with limits on negative gearing
- Decrease processing time for asylum seekers and refugees and do not hold in detention for more than a few months unless a known risk
- Invest in renewables and encourage research
Judy Hungerford writes: I don’t agree that Shorten should be doing things differently. Labor has had and does have courageous policies going into this election. Shorten is up against a shouty, aggressive table-thumper … But let’s not forget the example of the recent Indonesian elections where the more laid-back and considered candidate prevailed.
I also disagree that Shorten is “lucky”. On the contrary: with ill-economic winds blowing Labor, if elected, will end up in the force of the gale and will be blamed all through their first term for causing it. People forget facts as a term develops, they will forget that the bad economic forecasts started with this most dysfunctional and soulless of governments.
Edward Zakrzewski writes: For starters (not complete and in no particular order):
- Fully reinstate ALL cuts to the ABC and establish a funding model independent of ministerial interference
- Criminal charges to be brought against financial institution executives
- Exonerate Witness K and his barrister
- Cancel Adani and examine all other coal initiatives while going full steam ahead with renewables
- Re-establish an auto industry in Australia, electric or hydrogen
- Cancel the submarines and F35s and rethink defence policy completely
Michael Laurence Johnson writes: Labor needs to go bold on the environment and capture young engaged voters. Now! [It also needs a] federal EPA with a structure similar to the RBA tasked to halt habitat loss and species extinction.
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Bill Shorten would do himself, and the ALP, an enormous favour if he was to take acting lessons. He is tiring, badly, at the moment of pulling off his greatest coup. It doesn’t matter what he believes in. What he needs is an ‘acting’ mask to hide his true thoughts.
Unfortunately I can’t afford a couple of terms at NIDA, so I urge Labor members to cough up the necessary.
The armchair generals exhort Labor to be bolder in their policy pronouncements. This is fine if you want to spend the entire election campaign hosing down even more lies and half truths. You cannot legislate from opposition people.
To which I would add:
– A Federal corruption commission with powers to investigate ANY political matter, including ASIO & ASIS.
– Establish a nationally owned bank and insurance company to compete with private institutions.
Commonwealth-owned businesses tend to set standards and prices in under-competitive markets as exist in much of Australia – especially outside capital cities.
ABOLISH Robodebt should first followed by an increase in the dole.
Then go after the crooks exposed by the Haynes RC, big fines and gaol time.