Labor must rekindle the flames of idealism to connect to real people

To guarantee opportunity for all, our commitment to public education must always be paramount. That means committing more resources for schools and universities, and vigorously opposing the ever mounting flow of largesse to wealthy private schools. If ever there is to be a line in the sand for Labor, this is it.

Caring for Carers

The parents of children with disabilities or chronic illness make heroic sacrifices. They suffer loss of sleep, loss of income, loss of well being and loss of enjoyment of life. The current Carer's Allowance is a very modest acknowledgment of these sacrifices. Yet even that is under threat.

When the Government’s coffers are overflowing with record tax revenues, the sheer viciousness of this crackdown on carers is almost beyond description. If ever there was a genuine need for compassion from government this is it.

Our society has to take greater responsibility for helping these parents by extending assistance to carers and boosting resources for integration aids and special assistance in schools.

In his book, Labor's Role in Modern Society, Calwell described Labor as both a party and a movement. In defining Labor's fundamental objective as “prosperity and justice” he set out the core belief which has driven generations of Labor idealists.

It is time to reignite the courage and compassion of Arthur Calwell and so many other great Labor leaders of the past. It is time to fight for vulnerable workers, to help families under pressure, to support public education, to relieve the burden on carers. It is time to revive Labor idealism and connect with the realities of people's lives.

In a world where compassion is almost a dirty word and pragmatism has become an end unto itself, it is time to unite in shared idealism, honour the courage and conviction of Arthur Calwell, and harness the optimism and generosity of young Australians.