Labor Strategists Reassure Members They Can Continue To Be Adequate As Liberal Party Hands Them Another Decade

CANBERRA – Senior Labor strategists have moved to reassure members of the parliamentary party that the Liberal Party’s installation of Tony Abbott as federal president will not require Labor to lift its own performance in any meaningful way.

In a briefing circulated through party channels, a senior strategic adviser confirmed that the Coalition’s continued commitment to electoral self-harm meant Labor could comfortably retain its current settings (including on housing, climate policy and First Nations engagement).

“Members have raised concerns we may need bold new positions to respond to a Coalition revival” the adviser said. “I am happy to confirm no such response is required at this time. The Coalition has elected the man who cut $534 million from Indigenous programs to be their party president. We are fine.”

“Our Indigenous policy review can continue at its current pace. Our truth-telling commission can continue to be carefully considered. The Makarrata Commission can continue to exist in concept. We have been handed the entire ideological middle ground simply by remaining seated.”

A peak First Nations body said the appointment confirmed there was effectively only one major party engaging meaningfully with First Nations communities “and even they would benefit from a serious shake-up.”

A senior Labor strategist acknowledged the observation but noted there was now no electoral imperative requiring one.

The Liberal Party’s federal council meets Friday. Labor’s response strategy is understood to involve allowing the news cycle to do most of the work.