Bob McMullan MP - Progressive Essays

A Positive Response to the Trade Crisis

Sun, 23 Jul 2006 23:41:27 +0000

The current Australian trade crisis has many causes. Therefore, any solution will require a number of elements.

But the first thing is to acknowledge just how bad our trade performance has been. There is no way anyone can find a solution until they acknowledge the need for one.

Towards a Labor vision for a better country

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 01:27:56 +0000

Craig Emerson has contributed this Progressive Essay, which examines broad concepts of how the Labor Party can position itself to improve the lives of Australians.

The Responsibility to Protect: Lessons from RAMSI

Thu, 04 May 2006 00:03:35 +0000

In this Progressive Essay, Bob McMullan and Dave Peebles examine the "Responsibility to Protect" principles in the light of Australia's experience in the Solomon Islands.

Towards a new Indigenous representative body

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 23:04:32 +0000

Writing for the Progressive Essay series, Bob McMullan examines the need for an Indigenous representative body to hold government to account, and suggests a number of ways in which such a representative body could be improved.

Three Ideas on Tax Reform

Mon, 27 Feb 2006 01:14:49 +0000

In the latest Progressive Essay, Andrew Leigh argues that those who advocate lowering top tax rates are out of step with the views of most Australians. Contrary to figures that are often reported, the income of the average Australian is merely $26,000 per year, which is near the bottom of the 30 percent tax bracket.

Leigh suggests simplifying our tax filing system by allowing most people the option of not filing a return. He also argues for reducing effective marginal tax rates at the bottom, where the rates are highest, and the problem of joblessness most acute.

Seven Steps Along the Mainstream - Progressive Essay by Craig Emerson

Mon, 23 Jan 2006 22:53:18 +0000

Major political parties exist to form governments. Minor political parties exist to gain enough votes to influence the policies of the government of the day but not enough to form a government in their own right.

In the recent past Labor has been at risk of making an unwanted transition from a major political party to a minor one. Any Australian political party that fails consistently to attract 40 per cent of first preference votes must struggle to qualify as a mainstream political force.

The Democratic Project

Mon, 28 Nov 2005 14:39:29 +0000

The citizen is at the heart of a properly functioning democracy. In this Progressive Essay, Carmen Lawrence examines democratic participation by Australian citizens, and puts forward a case for strengthening their role.

Greg Combet speaks to the Progressive Essays Dinner

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 15:20:36 +0000

Greg Combet was the guest speaker at the first Progressive Essays Dinner. In his speech he speaks about the injustice of the industrial relations changes, and how they fail to address the real issues for the Australian economy.

The case for establishing Australian indigenous development goals

Thu, 15 Sep 2005 10:35:29 +0000

Bob McMullan says that Australia can learn some important public policy lessons from developments in the debate about global poverty.

Marketing the ALP

Thu, 15 Sep 2005 10:34:57 +0000

Dave Peebles' Progressive Essay discusses how the ALP must market itself better in order to win the next federal election.

How the Backstop Society can failsafe Australians superannuation

Thu, 15 Sep 2005 10:06:23 +0000

Nicholas Gruen's Progressive Essay discussses "the Backstop Society", a proposal for a framework that seeks to assist members of society by setting ‘designed defaults’, influencing perceptions of what is normal and prudent.

Can we do better for Indigenous Australians?

Thu, 15 Sep 2005 10:05:33 +0000

This progressive essay is by Don Russell, Chief of Staff to the Hon Paul Keating both during his time as Treasurer and Prime Minister.

Getting our priorities right in income tax reform

Thu, 25 Aug 2005 10:37:02 +0000

Craig Emerson's Progressive Essay discusses setting priorities in income tax reform.

What does Labor stand for in the 21st Century?

Thu, 07 Jul 2005 10:39:06 +0000

Craig Emerson MP writes the third Progressive Essay examining the Australian Labor Party, and asking how it needs to change in order to remain relevant in Federal politics.

The Progressive Case for Reforming Australian Schools

Thu, 07 Jul 2005 10:38:08 +0000

In this second Progressive Essay, Andrew Leigh examines the state of Australia's school system, and suggests that changes need to be made.