Labor's Death is Greatly Exaggerated

I've been a reader of 'The Bulletin' for well over 20 years. Obviously, someone at the magazine's been around for that long too, because this week they've resurrected a theme I distinctly remember during the period Bill Hayden was Labor leader in opposition. It's about the inevitable demise of the Labor Party.

The magazine's cover story 'ALP RIP: Is the party over for Latham - and Labor' is more about Latham's leadership style and his shaky hold on the office than the long term viability of the Labor Party, but I suppose it helps to sell magazines.

As much as the Conservatives would like to think Labor is on death's door, it's safe to say the party will inhabit the Treasury Benches again.

There's no Bob Hawke in wings to sweep them back into government, so the task is harder this time. Labor will evolve, as they've done before, and circumstance will turn against the government, as it always does.

Just don't ask me how long it will take.