Stewart Sweeney’s question of whether Farrellism is Labor’s solution or its problem, should more accurately be written as a statement: Farrellism is Labor’s problem.
The caution, or timidity of Labor policy-making that keeps it in power is actually contributing to its decline in support. Staunch Labor supporters are increasingly distressed that the willingness to compromise on strong measures, particularly by negotiating with the opposition rather than Greens and independents with real changes to offer, has disillusioned us.
The willingness to continue to support fossil fuel interests while weakening environmental controls, the unwillingness to take a stronger stance on getting a better return for our mineral exports, the unwillingness to confront gambling interests, seriously tackle wealth inequity, the spectacle of cracking down on welfare recipients, NDIS recipients or freedom of speech advocates while subservient to those doing the exploiting is disillusioning.
We want a government that uses its parliamentary majority to do what the prime minister promised in his election night acceptance speech – improve transparency, eliminate inequality and improve the lives of all Australians. Farrellism represents the lowest common denominator of political ambition. Labor should be aiming higher.