Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

A grim future for the ALP

By Syd Hickman - posted Tuesday, 29 September 2015


There are at least ten reasons the ALP will be crushed at the next election, to be held when it suits the government. Many overlap but here they are in simple terms.

Money

The ALP will struggle to get funds. The usual union donors will be trying to cope with legal bills and, in some cases, fines for appalling behaviour. And there are problems of declining membership. The fact that electoral defeat is almost certain will deter some business donors. The ALP membership will not be a strong source of funds due to declines in numbers, vitality and enthusiasm.

Advertisement

Some state ALP organisations are in very bad shape. In WA The Greens are raising roughly as much money as the ALP. Crisis is not far off.

Meanwhile, money will not be a problem for the Liberal Party. Business and many rich individuals will provide all that is required and more.

Leadership

PM Turnbull has taken charge of the nation without apparent effort and appears to have some sort of plan for creating a better future despite the many problems facing us all. Bill Shorten looks lost now that his only asset, Tony Abbott, has been removed.

Not that it's all Bill Shortterm's fault. There are no leaders-in-waiting, just alternative faces.

Turnbull has adopted a nice, rich uncle persona and is developing it with great skill. Shorten is more like a rather irritating brother-in-law. You can put up with him but find yourself wondering why your sister ever married him. You certainly don't want him around every day.

Advertisement

Unions

The unions will continue to be a drag on the ALP as the Royal Commission produces more evidence of criminality and, more importantly, disrespect for workers.

Beyond the specific stories will be the ongoing proof of the close relationship between the ALP and the union movement. For many young, and youngish, voters this is mystery as they have never had any real contact with unions and regard them as part of the pre-smartphone era, which to them is a dark incomprehensible void.

  1. Pages:
  2. Page 1
  3. 2
  4. 3
  5. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

10 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Syd Hickman has worked as a school teacher, soldier, Commonwealth and State public servant, on the staff of a Premier, as chief of Staff to a Federal Minister and leader of the Opposition, and has survived for more than a decade in the small business world.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Syd Hickman

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Article Tools
Comment 10 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy