The ‘modern’ Labor Party does not lack power, but it lacks the will to use it. Andrew Brown on Labor’s retreat from reform and what it means for Australia. Part 2 of 6.
Labor’s unwillingness to embark on major reform is not a failure of intelligence, competence, or goodwill. It is a governing disposition.
Power is treated as something to survive rather than wield. Risk is managed. Conflict is avoided. Moral judgment is filtered through polling before it is tested against justice. What remains is a government fluent in process and cautious to the point of paralysis.
Structural reform is ruled out early.
Not because it is wrong, but because it is uncomfortable.