Albanese Pursues Divisive Pathway

It didn’t take long for Mr Albanese to resort to the same sort of divisive strategy that led his predecessor, Bill Shorten, to a massive rejection by the people.

In announcing the appointment of Mark Dreyfus as shadow Attorney-General and spokesperson for constitutional reform which, according to Mr Albanese includes indigenous recognition, the republic, four-year parliamentary terms and inclusion of local government in the Constitution as areas of focus. (Andrew Tillett AFR 2/6/19)

In 1999 traditional Labor came out and overwhelmingly voted against a republic. It was estimated at the time that one third of Labor voters rejected a republic with two thirds of Liberal voters doing likewise. It is probable that these figures against a constitutional change have increased. Whatever the case, pushing an agenda of massive constitutional reform will only lead to an even greater mistrust of Labor and a resounding defeat at the next election.

Whilst Rudd and Gillard spoke about a republic, they never acted upon it because they knew it was divisive. Mr Albanese, however, seems to be intent on flogging the dead horse of a republic.

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