The Morning Edition Albanese wants to protect Australia ‘as it is’. But is it good enough?
Nov 20, 2025
Sean Kelly, a columnist and former Labor staffer for Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, shares his insights on Australia's political landscape. He reflects on the essence of Labor's beliefs and actions under Albanese, questioning the balance between personal values and governmental decisions. Kelly discusses the importance of tackling issues like inequality and housing while advocating for bolder reforms. He also praises The Voice as a courageous initiative but warns against conflict aversion within the party, emphasizing that complacency could hinder progress in their second year.
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Inside The Rudd–Gillard Workplace
- Sean Kelly recalls working as Julia Gillard's senior press secretary and sharing daily Question Time tactics with Anthony Albanese.
- He describes fierce internal camps but a shared sense of purpose despite rivalries.
Belief Is Revealed By Action
- Kelly frames belief as a predictive guide to action and asks what the Albanese government actually believes.
- He argues you must deduce belief from patterns of government action, not rhetoric.
Management Over Transformation
- The government brands itself as managerial: 'the Australian way' and 'progressive patriotism' defend the status quo.
- Kelly warns this framing prioritises protection over transformative Labor ambition.
