Author(s): Troy Bramston

Politics

Today, despite being in government, Labor is in crisis. Reduced to minority government after just one term and tanking in the opinion polls (the lowest primary vote in 25 years of Newspoll), how did it come to this so soon? Labor's true believers see the party at a defining moment in its history: in government, but without an inspiring vision or a bold program of reform to animate Labor's enduring values or define its purpose. Politicians, union leaders, and party officials are openly talking about the need for a new vision for Labor, debate on policy ideas, and internal party reform. Challenged by the Greens on the left and the Coalition on the right, Australia's oldest political party is in real trouble. This book shows how Labor can get its mojo back with new ideas, a new strategy, and a refreshing of Labor's values for the modern era. The book also examines the Labor Party from the inside, and outlines a series of reforms to increase party membership, and to boost engagement with the community and party activists. Looking for the Light on the Hill draws on Labor's history with fresh and new perspectives and insights from current and former Labor identities, and includes the secret components of the ALP's recent review report. Written by a party insider and Rudd government adviser, this book could not be more timely or more important for Australian politics.