Last Thursday Prime Minister Julia Gillard told journalists at the National Press Club that she is enjoying the latest public stoush between former Labor Prime Ministers Bob Hawke and Paul Keating.
'What I'd say is they are two great Australians passionate about their politics, passionate about their politics to this day, having a passionate discussion,' she said. 'I'd have to say as someone with an intense interest in politics I'm enjoying it and I think many in this room probably are as well.'
She is implying that the arguably indulgent second Blanche d'Alpuget biography of Hawke, and the vitriolic response from Paul Keating, represent little more than soap opera for political junkies. If, as it seems, that is true, it does underline the rapaciousness of dwelling on the political past in this manner.
On the other hand, good stories of the twists and turns of political legacies can make a serious contribution to nation building, and they should be given more attention. Perhaps the best example is the bond that has developed between former bitter enemies Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser, which should not be written off as an amusing quirk of fate.
Instead it is the stuff of divine grace, and together they provide a model for national reconciliation. Rather than squabbling over the past, they have proved they can work together to contribute to improved governance. For example, before the last federal election, they made a joint statement stressing the link between ministerial accountability and political integrity. Their story witnesses the reality that what unites us is stronger than what divides us. It is worth repeating and celebrating.
Appropriate regard for the dignity of current political players will also prove crucial for Gillard. Whatever transpired in Parliament House on the evening of Tuesday 23 June, it remains in the balance whether former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will prove an asset or a liability for the Labor Government, assuming that it is returned to office at the election on 21 August.
When it's time to determine the makeup of the new Federal Cabinet, Gillard, and those whose opinion she values, including the public, can choose whether to give him the benefit of the doubt. With lessons to be learned from the examples of recent scorned Labor leaders Simon Crean, Kim Beazley and Mark Latham, there is a variety of opinions. One that is worth quoting is that of Frank Brennan, published in