En Passant

Mr President, I rise to inform the Senate that this morning I have resigned as a member of the Labor Party to set up a political movement of Australian socialists, a community of working class Australians who will share their unique gifts and talents to chart a democratic and socialist way.

I reckon Justin Trudeau is even more unelectable than that UK Labour bloke, Jeremy Corbyn. Thank heaven we in Australia have the very very electable alternative Prime Minister and Labor Party leader Bill Shorten and his party’s neoliberal, warmongering and racist policies.

I am looking for interesting suggestions for left-wing election slogans relevant for Australia today. Panache, pizzazz, flamboyance and flair anyone?

If you know someone in the left-wing media who has made an outstanding contribution to journalism or to leadership, including campaigning journalism and journalism that looks outside the square – and it shouldn’t be that hard given much of the MSM produces ruling class sycophantic drivel – then nominate them. All you have to do is send 300 words explaining why to Barbara Blackman (barbara.blackman@walkleys.com).

The real base of working class power is not in parliament or the council chamber. It is in the workplaces—not just the factories but also the offices, in unions. And it is on the streets, in the kind of movements that can put politicians of any hue under real pressure.

It is the working class that has the potential to change the world. Their power is the key to overthrowing capitalism, liberating humankind and saving our world for future generations. As part of that we always stand and fight now alongside all those who struggle for a better world. Workers deserve more than Labour can offer.

Madame Deputy speaker I move that the Budget Bill now be read a second time.

Madame Deputy Speaker, I am tonight presenting the most left wing Budget in Australia’s history.

This Budget will squeeze the rich till their pips squeak. This is a Budget for the battlers and working class.

It is a budget which unashamedly targets the parasites of capital who live off our labour and give us poor wages, few jobs and a crap environment.

I make no apologies for this class war. For over 30 years there has been a one sided class war in Australia waged by the rich and powerful against the poor and working class.

It is time our side fought back. This Budget is part of that fight back.

I laughed out loud when I read the editorial in the weekend Australian Financial Review claim that Wayne Swan is arguably the most left-wing Treasurer since Jim Cairns