Australian Left Review
Article Title
Fightback to the Future
Abstract
The release of the federal Coalition's Tightback!' package last November constituted a political event not seen in Australia for at least a decade, perhaps ever. Its integrated program of taxation changes, government spending cuts, and broader philosophical and political concerns has only one parallel: the release of the joint ALP-ACTU 'Statement of Accord' prior to the election of the Hawke government in 1983. In an uncanny parallel to the Accord, 'Fightback!' was released at a time of 10% unemployment, a deep recession, a government which had served for a long time and appeared bereft of new ideas, and a deep-seated feeling in the community that new economic and political directions are needed.
This paper has been withdrawn.