Dimensions
134 x 198 x 25mm
The publication of 'The Latham Diaries' generated intense controversy about the nature of the Australian Labor Party, its history, policies, structure and organisation, recruitment and leadership. Mark Latham, both in the diaries and in various public appearances argued that the ALP was beyond repair.
Nevertheless the ALP is in office in eight of Australia's nine governments, and the controversy generated by the Howard Government's Industrial Relations legislation suggests that Australian politics has entered into a period of deep instability. In 'Coming To The Party', editor Barry Jones invites key Labor figures to contribute to the debate about the future of the party. Among the critical issues this collection of essays will address are what are Labor's big-picture priorities and reform agenda, why Labor has lost four successive Federal elections while coasting to victory in the States and Territories and how can Labor be an effective social democratic party in the 21st century?
Contributors to this timely collection include Barry Jones, Julia Gillard, Carmen Lawrence, Bill Shorten, Evan Thornley, John Langmore, Lindsay Tanner, Susan Ryan and Joshua Funder.