Blog Feed: Left Focus

Budget 2013: An Analysis of Labor's Budget, and of Abbott's Reply

Published on 2013-05-17 19:24:00

Labor's 'last best chance' to prevent a 'downwards spiral' of austerity

Published on 2013-04-24 02:30:00

Why Are Sole Parents Under Threat?

Published on 2013-04-13 19:59:00

above: Sole Parenting IS work in itself!On

What Labor should have done on Superannuation Concessions

Published on 2013-04-05 20:33:00

above: former

EVENT: Secure Jobs in a Green Future Conference - Organised by SEARCH Foundation

Published on 2013-03-30 17:49:00

Just a reminder that the Secure Jobs in a Green Future Conference is on next weekend in Sydney at the University of Technology, Sydney. Please spread the word about the conference (see flyer attached and program below) and you can register with tr

Values in Politics – an examination of Eric Aarons’ social philosophy

Published on 2013-03-18 01:23:00

Superannuation and Dividend Imputation the Key for Delivering in the May Budget

Published on 2013-03-02 16:24:00

above:

Reflections on the democratic Marxism of Karl Kautsky

Published on 2013-02-16 03:21:00

above:

Sheri Berman on ‘Democratic Revisionism’ and interwar Social Democracy

Published on 2013-02-02 17:29:00

Modern Day Discrimination is a Multifaceted Story

Published on 2013-01-12 16:59:00

above:

Labor needs to “Take the High Ground” on the Economy

Published on 2012-12-27 00:11:00

“Wisconsin Uprising Labor Fights Back” Book Review by Chris White

Published on 2012-12-04 23:27:00

Reforming Australian Curricula: Why is Kevin Donnelly afraid of a Robust Democracy?

Published on 2012-11-17 16:57:00

above:

The Righteous Mind - A book review by Eric Aarons

Published on 2012-11-03 18:27:00

above: the author of this week's book review by Eric Aarons, Jonathan Haidt

Rhetoric and Reality - Labor must stand up for Sole Parents

Published on 2012-10-20 19:41:00

above: A photo of the author, Denise AllenIn this latest 'Left Focus' article former Labor MP Denise Allen takes the Federal Government to task for its Sole Parents decision - but applauds Julia Gillard's stand against Abbott.

A Democratic Economy for the Left- a friendly reply to Eric Aarons

Published on 2012-10-06 20:46:00

above: Social democratic economist Karl Polanyi - author of 'The Great Transformation'In this our latest article Shayn McCallum responds to Eric Aarons again on the theme of the Democratic Mixed Economy.

The Greatest Transformation - A Response by Eric Aarons

Published on 2012-09-22 04:12:00

above: A recent book by Eric Aarons - exploring the clash between Karl Marx and Friedrich Hayek.nb also: A very detailed review of Aarons' larger, more academically-inclined book on the same theme of Hayek and Marx can be found here - where we welcome debate!!!:SEE:

Mitt Romney - A Remedy or a Diagnosis?

Published on 2012-09-08 20:07:00

above: The same of 'neo-liberal medicine' will be in order if Mitt Romney becomes US PresidentIn this latest 'Left Focus' article, Russian economics and political writer Boris Anisimov critiques Mitt Romney's economic prescriptions for America. Specifically, Anisimov criticises the ususal Republican agenda of austerity and tax cuts: but also looks more deeply to the price America may end up paying for re-industrialization. Debate Welcome!!!!nb: The Left Focus Facebook Group posts updates when [..]

State and Market - A Democratic Socialist Approach

Published on 2012-08-17 19:59:00

above: 'people power' - time to build a democratic economyIn this new essay Shayn McCallum explores the possibilities for a genuine democratic mixed economy; one profoundly more radical that the social market approach. Debate welcome!nb: Readers can join our Facebook group too!! at:

Doug Cameron Speaks Up for Change & What we should be telling the ALP

Published on 2012-08-04 02:33:00

above: Labor Senator and Left Convenor Doug CameronIn this week's Left Focus Post we talk about Labor Left Senator Doug Cameron and welfare/social wage initiatives; As well as Labor's survey of supporters and members. Have your Say!!!

Australia: The Consequences of Privatised Infrastructure

Published on 2012-07-27 22:57:00

In this article Left Focus publisher Tristan Ewins considers the problems associated with privatised infrastructure: especially privatisation of roads.

Gonski … just do it

Published on 2012-07-13 21:00:00

[Public Education] IT’S BROKEN...FIX IT...Above: Julia, implement Gonski now!!!

In the Wake of the Greek elections: Is there a way out of the Recessionary Spiral?

Published on 2012-06-18 05:47:00

above: The Symbol of the Rising SYRIZA Left-Coaltion in GreeceIn this article Tristan Ewins discusses the aftermath of today's Greek Election.

Responding to the 2012 Federal Budget – Better Late than Never!

Published on 2012-05-24 05:53:00

above:

For a budget both sustainable and fair

Published on 2012-04-28 23:52:00

Abbott a'Courting and Conservative? PPL, Nannies and the Nanny State

Published on 2012-04-21 20:05:00

above: Tony AbbottIn this guest-post article Tom Holland provides a critique of Tony Abbott's complex ideological contortions.

Talking about Aged Care

Published on 2012-03-31 19:19:00

The following article by Tristan Ewins examines the huge deficit of Aged Care services in Australia; and the need for progressive tax reform to fund a radical improvement in the sector. The author regrets that Aged Care did not seem to have been prioritised by the Greens in a recent survey: but is hoping this will change with a shift of policy by botht the ALP and the Greens.

Book Review: Life Without Money

Published on 2012-02-27 03:01:00

above: 'Life without Money'The following book review explores the themes covered in the recently published book, 'Life Without Money'. 'Life Without Money' is edited by both Anitra Nelson and Frans Timmerman. Anitra herself provides this glimpse at the themes explored in a book which seeks a way beyond market and money economies - towards a co-operative and sustainable future. This review is reproduced with her permission.By Anitra Nelson When Time magazine announced “The Prot [..]

Socialism and the ‘Rebuilding of Capitalism’ – A response to Nigel Farndale

Published on 2012-01-27 19:28:00

Above: Swedish Political Economist Rudolf Meidner was partly-responsible (along with Gosta Rehn) for the "Rehn-Meidner" model of the Swedish economy, and the radical attempt to institute democratic wage earner funds.In the following article Tristan Ewins argues that capitalism must hybridise and adopt socialist aspects if it is to survive. In criticising the position taken by writer, Nigel Farndale, he argues there is a different socialism than the Stalinism which imploded in the late 20th Cent [..]

Labor‘s Socialist Objective in the 21st century - principles for economic democracy and equity ?

Published on 2012-01-05 03:42:00

From the author, Geoff Drechsler: The following is an open letter to Australian Fabian News. I posted it here in the hope it will generate some discussion on some of the issues raised in the book 'Looking for the Light on the Hill: Modern Labor‘s Challenges.' ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------by Geoff Drechsler One of the 'more' curious aspects of the current debate around modernising Australian Labor is the recurring proposal to abandon the part [..]

Important Book Review: Reviving the Strike

Published on 2011-12-03 17:36:00

Over recent decades the right to strike in Australia and elsewhere has been steadily eroded. The consequence: a lack of bargaining power for workers under pressure from aggressive employers and Conservative/neo-liberal governments. In this latest 'Left Focus' article, life-long labour movement activist, Chris White reviews Joe Burns ‘Reviving the Strike: How Working People Can Regain Power and Transform America’ (2011 IG Publishing) The implications of this review for Australian unions [..]

ALP National Conference 2011 needs to Clear the Way for Genuine Reform

Published on 2011-11-19 18:33:00

above: The 2011 ALP National Conference is swiftly approaching. Below are a series of motions/proposals that could be crucial in reviving Labor's heart and soul: reaching out to voters, and giving Labor a chance in 2013.By Tristan EwinsDear friends;The following below are a series of motions that I am trying to have adopted in substance at the 2011 Australian Labor Party (ALP) National Conference this December. While not exhaustively addressing the issues I am concerned with, the most importa [..]

Chris White on Qantas, employer lockouts, and the Fair Work Act

Published on 2011-11-05 20:49:00

Above: Alan Joyce is not very popular these days amongst the Australian trade union movement...In this article Chris White gives his opinion on the recent Qantas lockout in Australia, and the changes he thinks are necessary to the Fair Work Act to prevent lockouts, and protect the right of workers to take industrial action.Chris White is the former Secretary and Assistant Secretary of the United Trades and Labor Council of South Australia and remains active in the Australian labour movement. H [..]

After the Melbourne ‘crackdown’; Rebuilding the ‘We are the 99 per cent’ movement

Published on 2011-10-22 01:13:00

above: Victoria Police's idea of 'Minimum Force'In this article Tristan Ewins refutes criticisms of the "We are the 99 per cent" movement and considers tactical questions facing that movement. He also considers the implications of violent tactics on the part of police for the liberal rights of all Australians.nb also: If you find this article interesting PLS join our Facebook group - to link up with other readers, and to receive regular updates on new material. see: http://www.facebook.co [..]

How to improve social wages with tax reform: Labor’s mission

Published on 2011-10-14 20:07:00

above: Labor activists need to mobilise for this year's National Conference to ensure the ALP Platform is altered to allow a modest increase in overall taxation to provide real improvement to social services for the Aged, for the Disabled, and Cost-of-Living Assistance for ordinary families.Readers are also welcome to join our Facebook Group at this URL: http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/58243419565/Tristan Ewins15/10/11Former NSW Labor Premier Kristina Keneally has argued recently that La [..]

Media Diversification and the Question of ‘Neo-Racism’

Published on 2011-09-20 18:36:00

above: The meaning of the Hijab is largely a matter of personal perspectiveIn this latest article, Tristan Ewins examines further the arguments around media diversity and the Media Inquiry in Australia. But what is more, he engages with recent arguments made at ‘The Drum’ to the effect that there is a ‘new form of racism’: ‘neo-racism’. Ewins disagrees with the Greens’ position on media reform – but we would definitely welcome sincere and respectful debate on all these issues [..]

Media Bias Systemic and Rife

Published on 2011-09-04 02:16:00

above: Rupert Murdoch- Absolute Power?In this new article Tristan Ewins holds that Australia's monopoly media is widely encouraging fear and resentment of refugees to create a 'wedge' against Labor. Change is needed to genuinely promote the principles of inclusive and democratic pluralism in the Australian public sphere. A media-democratisation fund - equally empowering all Australian citizens - could be part of this picture... nb also: If you find this article interesting PLS join our Fac [..]

Rethinking Marx, the market and Hayek

Published on 2011-08-23 01:25:00

Above: David McKnight In this article David McKnight takes another look at Eric Aarons's analysis of the work and belief systems of Karl Marx and Friedrich Hayek; McKnight was a long-time member of the Communist Party of Australia; but more recently has promoted an agenda which - in is own words - attempts to venture 'Beyond Right and Left'. This article will also be published at a dedicated website on 'Hayek versus Marx'; and an earlier review - written by the blog publisher Tristan Ewins - [..]

Double Standards when its comes to talk of ‘Class War’

Published on 2011-06-25 20:54:00

above: Prime Minister Julia GillardIncreasingly - in the Murdoch press especially - there has been talk of 'class war' in response to even modest proposals for progressive economic redistribution. But redistribution against the interests o

Labor needs a policy ‘circuit breaker’ - NOW

Published on 2011-06-18 01:12:00

In the following article Tristan Ewins argues that overcompensation is key to 'selling' the carbon tax' - and that welfare recipients should not be 'left behind'; But also that Labor needs a 'policy circuit breaker' NOW if it is to have any hope of r

Right-Populist monopoly media attempts to ‘deprive carbon debate of oxygen'

Published on 2011-06-01 22:38:00

above: Cate Blanchett in the recent advertisement backing action on climate changeIn this article Tristan Ewins reflects upon the Australian carbon tax debate as transpired recently on the ABC television program 'QandA'. (Questions and Ans

Is this a real Labor Budget?

Published on 2011-05-14 02:08:00

above: Treasurer Wayne Swan thinks he has the economic policy settings rightIn this latest 'Left Focus' article Tristan Ewins asks: What are the high and low points of Federal Labor's 2011-12 Budget? Labor seems to be prioritising r

PLS note - Something Wrong with Blogger - Cannot post New Entries - only this Title

Published on 2011-05-09 02:31:00

Budget Austerity and Small Government not the Answer – A response to Wayne Swan

Published on 2011-04-23 08:02:00

above: Australian Treasurer and Deputy Prime Minister Wayne SwanThe following essay is a response to Australian Treasurer, Wayne Swan - who has recently written a Fabian Essay - whose obvious significance concerns the coming Aust

Labor and the Greens on the Carbon Tax debate

Published on 2011-04-03 04:38:00

above: Less tumultuous times for PM Julia Gillard and Greens leader Bob BrownThe following article evaluates the debate on Carbon Tax reform in Australia, but also divisons between the Greens and ALP government on Company Tax and with the Minerals Re

The ‘Bigger Picture’ in the Middle East and the War in Libya

Published on 2011-03-21 01:41:00

above: Many Libyan rebels and their supporters question interventionIn this article Tristan Ewins explores the complexities of the crisis in Libya, and the broader strategic issues that are driving 'great powers' in the Middle East, North Africa and

The mining tax could have paid for the ASU community sector wage claim

Published on 2011-03-12 17:18:00

In this week's contribution labour movement activist Sarah Howe considers the claim by the ASU (Australian Services Union) for fair pay in the community services sector. The sector involves mainly women workers, and the union is arguing underpa

Libya - Why Western Intervention is Counter to Democracy

Published on 2011-03-06 00:04:00

above: full scale civil war is developing in Libya; But Benjamin Solah is against intervention...In this week's submission to 'Left Focus' radical horror author Benjamin Solah gives his views on how Western intervention in Libya could

Labor Culture at a Senior and a Student Level

Published on 2011-02-26 14:46:00

above: what's wrong with ALP culture?Nb: the following is an intervention regarding the culture of organised factions on the Left and Right of the Australian Labor Party. (ALP) It considers the perspective of student politics and the observances the

What our Fathers did not tell us about the Economy– Economic liberalism is post-Soviet Russia

Published on 2011-01-29 17:15:00

above: 'progress' in the new RussiaIn this submission by Russian political economist, Boris Anisimov (translated from Russian to English), the author considers the pitfalls of economically liberal capitalism as experienced in post-Soviet Russia. Whil

Sport: The Last Refuge of Community in Our Society ?

Published on 2011-01-15 17:26:00

above: Indigenous Australian football playersFirstly: Happy New Year both to regular and new readers. :) The following article - our first for 2011 - is an exploration by past-contributor Geoff Drechsler - of the decline of community in mo

Supported Wage System exploits workers with disabilities

Published on 2010-12-04 17:07:00

Helen Said, an Australian socialist activist has written to us asking us to help an important "cause [become] better known around the Left." Specifically she is concerned with "the issue of the 'Supported Wage System' which

Zombie Economics: How Dead Ideas Still Walk Among Us

Published on 2010-11-27 18:10:00

above: the author - economist, John QuigginThe following is a summary of a new book: 'Zombie Economics: How Dead Ideas Still Walk Among Us' - submitted to Left Focus by its author, John Quiggin. John Quiggin is amongst Australia

Last look at Labor and Greens Policies before the Victorian election

Published on 2010-11-21 03:48:00

above: Does Victorian Labor Premier John Brumby have what it takes to win government for the first time in his own right?The following article in an analysis of a number of Australian Labor Party and Greens policies which may be crucial to the outcom

Debating ‘Red’ and ‘Green’ politics – Have your Say

Published on 2010-11-13 18:35:00

This week at ‘Left Focus’ I’m posting excerpts from discussions I’ve had recently at Facebook. In particular I’ve been talking about electoral competition between the Greens and the ALP (Australian Labor Party) – including the state of Vi

A Honey Pot and a Swarm of Bees

Published on 2010-11-06 19:49:00

above: an image expressing the dynamics identified by Anisimov in this articleThis week's contribution has been submitted by Boris Anisimov - a Russian-based political economist who manages the website 'National Political Economy'. 'National Po

A Chilean Miracle - but accompanied by Sober reflections

Published on 2010-10-22 20:21:00

In this reflection, AMWU industrial officer Don Sutherland celebrates the rescue of 33 Chilean miners. But these sentiments are accompanied by a sober consideration of Chilean political history: of the rights of workers in Chile today, and of a Chile

Naive Impressions from a brief visit to Havana - by Nick Shimmin

Published on 2010-09-29 21:03:00

above: an image from contemporary CubaNick Shimmin gives a first-hand account of life in Cuba todayAll travellers know the frisson of arrival in a mysteriously alien place and the seeking of famous images which one has heard about. The train to

Book Review: The Life and Death of Percy Brookfield 1875 - 1921

Published on 2010-09-19 01:22:00

above: Percy Brookfield; early Australian socialist MP and activistWhat follows is a review of a book concerning Percy Brookfield; an early Australian socialist MP who fought against war and conscription; the review is by Chris White, a veteran labou