Looking for the Light on the Hill: modern Labor's challenges

by Troy Bramston

Today, the Australian Labor Party is in crisis. Reduced to minority government after just one term, and at rock bottom in the opinion polls, the party seems to be at a defining moment in its history. The perception of the federal government is that it can’t deliver, can’t be trusted, can’t communicate what it stands for, and that it is beholden to independents and the Greens. How did it come to this so soon after Labor’s thumping election win in 2007? Looking for the Light on the Hill argues that Labor is bedevilled by twin the loss of its intrinsic culture of strong, bold, and innovative leadership; and an identity crisis that has emerged because Labor has failed to refresh its values, philosophy, and purpose for the modern era. Written by a party insider and former Rudd government adviser, the book draws on Labor’s history with fresh perspectives, and includes the secret components of the party’s recent internal review. It also includes new interviews with former party leaders, current and former ministers, and union leaders and party figures ― and reveals astonishing opinion-poll results, commissioned exclusively for this book, that demonstrate the depth of the crisis. Challenged by the Greens on the left and the Coalition on the right, Australia’s oldest political party is in real trouble. Looking for the Light on the Hill shows how Labor can get its mojo back with new policy ideas, a new political strategy, organisational reform, and a refreshing of the party’s values. This book couldn’t be more relevant, more timely ― or more necessary.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2011

Reviews

[Matt John · Rating 3 out of 5]

An insider's view of Australia's Labor Party, why it has gone off-track and what it needs to do to survive. Bramston mixes party history with recent events to illustrate his points.

Providing a number of recommendations, including leadership needing to be bold, courageous, and persistent, determined, with deep conviction, strategic and taking the public with you. As well as a summary of Labor's enduring values of economic and social justice, environmental sustainability, internationalism, equality of opportunity, nation-building and democratic liberalism.

Whilst informing and creating more of interest in learning more about the history of the Labor party, much of the writing is dry and can seem to be denoting self-importance, despite the constant assurances that his view is the same as many others.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really engaged by this book, it kept my attention throughout. At times I felt slightly depressed when thinking about the current situation of Labor (particularly when contrasted to some high points in history) however I think it articulates the parties situation fairly. I may not 100% agree with all of Bramston's suggestions for changes to the party but they certainly provide food for thought & I'm pleased to see someone engaging in a genuine attempt to find a way forward for Labor. I agree that something needs to change & if there was more discussion of this book within the party & the ideas it raises, then I think the party would be in a better position. Highly recommend.

[Matt C · Rating 2 out of 5]

Looking for the Light on the Hill: Modern Labor's Challenges