Many commentators have claimed that Labor is losing its way, forsaking its soul, and ultimately turning their back on those people that labor is meant to represent. So what has happened to these people, where have they gone and what new political allegiances have they formed?
Many argue that Labor's workers and progressive elements have found a home in the Greens. But like Labor, and all parties that become part of the political furniture, the Greens too may lose their soul. Indeed segments of the Greens may already have lost their way.
The 2010 Tasmanian state election was a major turning point for the Greens in their birthplace. They gained 21 per cent of the vote and elected five members to the house of Assembly. They were the kingmakers for David Bartlett’s Labor party, which won 10 seats. This gave both parties a combined majority over the Liberals, which also won 10 seats.
This was the first true coalition Green government in Australia. Greens leader Nick McKim was given a portfolio, and Greens member for Denison Cassey O’Conner was made a cabinet secretary and later promoted to minister in her own right.
O’Conner was a controversial choice, not only as cabinet secretary but also for as minister. She is one of the least experienced members, elected on preferences after the Greens leader Peg Putt retired in 2008.
In comparison, the outspoken Greens member Kim Booth has been a member for the electorate of Bass since 2002 as was Tim Morris, the Greens Deputy Leader.
How congruent have been the actions of the Greens leader with Green policies? In February McKim stood down 56 guards at Risdon Prison without pay. The workers were preparing for industrial action over safety concerns they had been trying to negotiate with the government over a period of months. McKim locked out the workers and brought in police to deal with the situation.
Unions Tasmania secretary Kevin Harkins stated that McKim had acted against the Greens industrial relations policy while the CPSU likened McKim and his actions to those of John Howard in the 1998 waterfront dispute.
Last week the Greens-Labor Government handed down its budget which seeks to slash $1.4 billion from the public sector over the next four years, including a $100 million cut to health within the next financial year.
1700 full-time jobs will be scrapped, including 100 police jobs. The 5 per cent cap on water prices will rise to