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A RECENT HISTORY OF LABOR REFORM
During the 1970s, under Gough Whitlam, we saw the end of the colonial and racist ‘White Australia Policy’. Whitlam also oversaw the introduction of universal healthcare, free tertiary education, legislated equal pay for women, and the laying of groundwork for the historic Land Rights Act. Later, under the Hawke Government, Medicare was launched (which successive Liberal Prime Ministers have systematically weakened to push Australians into for-profit health insurance). The Sex Discrimination Act was also passed along with major economic reforms, which saw Australia avoid the Asian Financial Crash of ‘97 nearly two decades later. Keating would continue this legacy by introducing the National SuperAnnuation Scheme, allowing millions of Australians to retire comfortably without working into old age.
It was under Labor that Julia Gillard became the first female Prime Minister, a historic moment for gender representation within politics, which the ALP has consistently fought for. They achieved 47% of Federal ALP seats being held by women, in contrast to only 23% of Liberal seats. 6 With Gilliard at the helm, we saw the first inklings of progressive climate policy in 2012. The Gillard Government’s Carbon Tax saw immediate results with the decrease of carbon emissions, a policy that would have placed Australia at a strategic economic advantage if allowed to continue. Instead, we currently face sanctions for our inactions - ranking among the highest carbon polluters globally and ranked last in the developed world on climate change action. 7
POLITICS
To gain insight into what Australia could look like, we must first look at what previous Labor governments have done for working Australians. Despite only leading 30% of federal governments since Federation, there have been several significant forms introduced by the Australian Labor Party throughout its history.
(and the world) faces looming recessions and depressions heading into our third year of the pandemic, the Liberals have no plan of action. At least none that inspire hope.
The cumulative effects of these progressive policies are still felt today, despite the gutting of our healthcare and welfare systems by the Liberal Party.
While the global economy crashed in 2008, leaving millions destitute, evicted, and without jobs, Australia came out unscathed thanks to Treasurer Wayne Swan and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s stimulus package. Now, as the country
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