To realise Labor's founding ideals, we need reciprocity and economic reform

The international experience has shown that poor families can save, as long as they receive the right incentives and support from government. This is the best way of breaking the poverty cycle: building self-esteem and financial success through the virtues of saving.

Labor's matched-savings-accounts program involves the creation of parallel savings accounts. In the first account, low-income families aim to reach a savings target over several years. Matching contributions from government and community groups are paid into a second account. Participants cannot access the second account unless they reach their initial savings target, that is, they help themselves upfront. This is a something-for-something policy.

The accounts can only be used for sound purposes, such as the education of children and home ownership - helping poor families accumulate a home deposit and build up a savings and credit record.

Opportunities for saving and owning assets should not be restricted to high-income earners. They should be universally available.

These goals would be instantly recognisable to Chifley and Curtin. Sure, our methods have changed but how else can a political party respond to changed circumstances? Our policies may be different but our goals have remained timeless.

We want to end poverty and disadvantage. We want to give all Australians decent prospects and opportunities in life. We want to build a society based on reciprocity and reward for effort. We still believe in social justice.