Labor’s mandate: a chance for revolution or a missed opportunity?

By Tim Dixon  

In the 2025 election the Labor secured a commanding majority with 93 seats in the House of Representatives and a near-majority in the Senate, bolstered by cooperative Greens and independents. Despite naysayers like Matthew Camezuli, who fixated on Labor’s 32.6% primary vote, our preferential voting system delivered a clear 52.1% two-party-preferred mandate. That’s no fluke – it’s a resounding call to act.

This kind of dominance echoes Barack Obama’s 2008 position in the U.S., with a Democratic-controlled Congress poised for transformative change. Yet, Obama’s legacy was shaped by the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), where he prioritised Wall Street bailouts over the marginalised. Fast forward to 2025, and economic storm clouds loom again. U.S. forward estimates suggest a potential downturn, and Australia’s economy isn’t immune. Labor faces a choice: repeat history’s caution or seize this moment.

With up to nine years of potential rule – surpassing Tony Abbott’s 90-seat win in 2013 – Labor has a rare opportunity. Albanese’s steady leadership, backed by a loyal Jim Chalmers, contrasts with the Liberal Party’s past chaos of leadership spills and oddball policies. This stability could be Labor’s greatest asset, but only if it’s wielded with courage. Gough Whitlam’s 1972-75 government reshaped Australia with bold reforms in health, education, and social policy. Labor’s current mandate, stronger than Whitlam’s, could go further – universal healthcare expansion, climate action, or tackling inequality head-on.

Yet, the risk is real: Labor could coast on “at least we’re not Dutton” and play it safe. Conviction politics, as seen under Paul Keating, seems a relic. Holding power too often trumps transformative change. The Greens and independents give Labor room to manoeuvre, but will they push boundaries or settle for incrementalism?

History shows Labor governments often face crises – self-inflicted or not. If another GFC hits, will Albanese’s team rise to the challenge or falter? This is their moment to define a legacy, to build a nation we’re proud to live in.

Squandering this mandate would be more than a missed opportunity – it’d be a betrayal of the trust Australians placed in them.

 

Also by Tim Dixon: A layman’s view of reality

 

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