Final Arguments for the Socialist Objective

 

A final passionate argument for the ALP's 'Socialist Objective' ahead  of Conference

Tristan Ewins

As ALP National Conference approaches for the end of this month, Right-wing and ‘Centrist’ forces are busy proclaiming the obituary for socialism. The argument is forwarded (after Lenin ironically) that ‘in the ALP we were never socialists’; ‘that socialism is an outdated and disproven philosophy’ and that socialism ‘has an unbearable connotation’ thanks  to a number of totalitarian regimes from the 20^th Century.  This will probably be my last personal effort to influence debate via this blog ahead of Conference.

To begin – despite ‘obituaries’ democratic socialism still has plenty of resonance in the Nordics and much of Western and Central Europe – successful economies and societies where there are strong left/democratic socialist movements. The socialist Left is also very strong in parts of Central and South America. So the movement as such is not ‘dead’ yet.

The reason socialism does not have the same ‘resonance’ in this country for now, however, is partly our own fault. (ie: the Labor Left) We are the main democratic socialist presence in this country. But because we don’t think it’s the work of a faction to engage in counter-culture – we abrogate our responsibility to pursue a cultural struggle to keep our traditions alive. So we leave it to the Trotskyist groups – and some tendencies in the Greens. And the Trotskyists at least promote it in a very narrow sense – sometimes as if nothing had changed since 1917.

This is a debate we have to have within the ALP Left. And arguably it needs to be supported by publications such as this; but also through forums and conferences, and perhaps even informal schools. In short learn the lessons re: the early success of radical social democratic parties.

That said there are many reasons why socialist consciousness has declined. Indeed, in a recent debate with a NSW Left member the argument was put that socialism is ‘outdated’ because “the vicissitudes of industrialisation no longer tell”.

Well, yes and no.

The industrial working class has shrunk and the broader working class has changed its composition. However many modern clerical jobs are just as mundane, repetitive and alienating as the old industrial working class jobs. Some such vocations even draw people together in factory-like environments. (though some workforces are also ‘atomised’ where workers labour from home without contact with other workers)  

Class consciousness is also in decline partly because of a ‘mistaken identity’ when it comes to the working class. Many white collar workers still tend to see themselves as ‘middle class’. This contributes to the demobilisation of the labour movement and chips away at class-based solidarity. Also the anti-union Ideology is reinforced regularly in the monopoly mass media. And the view that unions are to be treated primarily as political power bases – even if this means acting against the interests of the membership – can only weaken organised labour in this country over the long-run. By comparison Swedish trade unions still enjoy union density rates of over 70 per cent. (compared with 18 per cent in Australia) Sweden shows drastic decline is not unavoidable.

The broader labour movement has been stigmatised in popular culture and as a consequence of our own emphasis on the ‘virtues’ of industrial peace from the 1980s. (Industrial peace is fine where there is industrial justice; But if struggle is stigmatised that is more likely to mean defeat)

Finally socialism was stigmatised as a consequence of the Cold War – a cultural war waged over several decades – culminating in Thatcher and Reagan and the embrace of privatisation, ‘small government’, assaults on organised labour, support for dictatorial and murderous regimes, ‘class war’ against the poor and on welfare.

SO all that considered: why might socialism resonate today if only we found the courage to argue for it?

To start people still remember the chaos of the Global Financial Crisis. They remember that governments had to ‘bail out’ the big banks and finance houses. And then for the public sector to withdraw as if nothing had happened… Except for many countries (eg: Britain) the cost was in the tens of billions. (and much more in the United States)  And there is no guarantee the same thing won’t happen again.

So capitalism remains unstable. It is also wasteful and unfair. There are duplications in cost structures, and markets go places they never really should have. (including energy and water, where ideas of ‘competition’ and product differentiation are ludicrous)  Forms of market failure persist everywhere. There are Public Private Partnerships which are basically licenses for private corporations to fleece the general public. The rights of labour are under attack – not only wages and conditions – but industrial rights and liberties. The vested interests in the energy sector obstruct attempts to introduce reform for the sake of the environment. Inequality is getting worse and worse – with more and more wealth concentrated in the hands of the top 1% and the top 10% ; with relatively negligible wealth for everyone else – and an entrenched underclass which owns practically nothing.

Also, the fact capitalism is reaching its limits in terms of the expansion of the world market means desperate measures such as increasing the retirement age and increasing working hours. Yet there’s also a parallel tendency towards underwork. Amidst this, in fact ‘socialist’ policies such as promoting natural public monopolies are one option to promote efficiencies that flow on to the private sector and increase capitalism’s survivability – while at the same time beginning a shift (perhaps) to something better.

Welfare rights are also under attack; The vulnerable are stigmatised on the effective understanding that money saved as a consequence can go towards corporate welfare (primarily tax cuts, so corporations do not contribute fairly to the infrastructure and services they benefit from – which means the rest of us pick up the tab). And also to reduce the bargaining power of workers - because vulnerable job-seekers ‘are not allowed to say no’. And we have punitive labour conscription policies that look like the sort of thing that would come out of Nazi Germany.

Amidst this democratic socialism starts to look pretty good. Again: look to the parties of the Left and Centre Left in the Nordics for instance. Look to Norway’s socialisation of its oil profits. Look at Denmark’s labour market policies. Look at past successes in Sweden – full employment – much of it high wage – AND low inflation. And look at Sweden’s ‘near run thing’ on wage earner funds – Perhaps with a bit more tactical compromise earlier on it would have been a significant leap forward for Swedish Social Democracy.  (See: Andrew Scott’s ‘Northern Lights’ – A review can be found here: http://www.evatt.org.au/papers/northern-lights.html  )


But we should be clearer what we really mean when we speak of socialism. This is necessary to establish how and why democratic socialism is a better alternative to ‘laissez faire’.

For me it is simply this.

a) It is the movement which sought to extend all manner of rights on the basis of the goal of ‘equal association’ as the fair and just response to ‘the social question’. At its highest  level of development this means ‘from each according to ability, to each according to need’ – partly achieved via the social wage and welfare.

b) It is the movement which campaigned for free, universal and equal suffrage – and largely won. This was against the stands taken by Conservatives – but often even by self-avowed Liberals. (eg: in Germany; Though Swedish liberals were notable in that they did support the suffrage)

c) It is the movement that fought for social rights of citizenship – welfare, industrial rights, a mixed economy and social wage – and consolidated many gains for several decades in the post-war world.

d) It is the movement which seeks to reconsolidate those gains – but also extend them to include “economic citizenship” – That is a diverse ‘democratic mixed economy’ – not just based on ‘central planning’ – but on a mix of markets and planning; as well as natural public monopolies, government business enterprises, cooperative enterprise of many types, collective capital formation, co-determination and so on. And with no delusions as to the reality of global capitalism we’re living in – and the constraints that puts upon us for the time being. Until we are much stronger internationally.

e) It is a movement which has a critique of laissez faire/neo-liberal capitalism based on the associated waste, unfairness and instability.

f)  Finally, it is the movement which seeks to empower all human beings to reach their full potential. Through cultural participation and education. Through active citizenship in a robust democracy. By breaking down inflexibilities in capitalism – and modernity more generally -  when it comes to alienation and the division of labour.  Because that is the stuff which impoverishes peoples’ lives – condemning them to nothing but ‘a hard slog’ just to survive.

We cannot allow ourselves to be frightened into avoiding a genuine debate because the IPA or CIS might take us out of context. If ideologically “we are constantly on the run” because of fear of misrepresentation by right-wing forces and by the monopoly mass media – then ultimately we will abandon social democracy and liberalism as well. Because there are anti-democratic forces in this country who will not let up until our regime of social, civil, political and industrial rights have been driven back as far as possible. Until the ABC, for instance, is turned into the mouthpiece for a virtual one-party state. Because today’s big ‘C’ Conservatives are not really convinced democrats, liberals or pluralists. They have precisely the ‘whatever it takes’ approach which we have to deny if we are to hold on to our ‘ideological and ethical souls’….

The point is that you don’t abandon a core foundation for your values, identity and analysis because of the fear you will be misrepresented in the media and by right-wing organisations. Sure you might make tactical compromises – but you don’t abandon your very foundations.

Concluding

Apparently there are some in the NSW Left who are also arguing for us to drop reference to democratic socialism in the Platform.  But there are plenty of others – including down here in Victoria – who feel differently.  Importantly, though: Personally I have made conciliatory suggestions – that is, that we should recognise the plural nature of the modern party. But that democratic socialism must be recognised as a core and enduring tradition. (alongside others such as the traditional ‘Keynesian-inspired social democracy with a mixed economy’, and also our indigenous labourism)  What is wrong with that? ON top of that we could embrace the goal of achieving a ‘democratic mixed economy’ which could be the basis of a compromise in both the Objective AND the Economic Platform. ( For example See: http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=17468 ; ALSO see: http://democraticmixedeconomy.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/what-is-democratic-mixed-economy.html )

 
To conclude, democratic socialism itself has always been a plural tradition – but generally associated with political, social and economic equality, and the extension of democracy. Liberalism remains a vital ideology – especially as promoted by radicals such as Rawls. So does democracy itself. So why would democratic socialism be different? Or is it just a tactical question of divorcing ourselves from associations with Stalinism or even Leninism? Or for the sake of appearing to be a ‘moderate’ ‘Centrist’ Party?

Sure you could say Social Democracy is also about political, social and economic citizenship… Democratic socialism and social democracy mean different things to different people. But when I speak of social democracy and democratic socialism I think of the tradition beginning with the world’s great Social Democratic parties – for whom democratic socialism and social democracy were ‘the same movement’. I also think of the theoretical and practical-political innovations of the Swedes especially. If we’re to be an inclusive Party we need to recognise those traditions as part of our heritage and as part of our modern practice.

For the LEFT especially there shouldn’t be any questioning of our supporting this. If you believe in a moderate/Centrist social liberalism – then people who feel that way might be better off in Centre Unity. (except parts of the Right have drifted SO FAR into neo-liberalism that the Left itself might be drawn right-ward to fill the vacated ideological space) That’s the path to ideological liquidation and the end of our movement.

Postscript

Mind you – while the debate over the Objective has serious long term ramifications the most crucial policy debates for the immediate future will be around tax reform (increasing and reforming the mix of progressive tax), unfair superannuation concessions, social wage and welfare extension, infrastructure including roads, schools, hospitals, public space, public housing etc… Specifically we need to implement NDIS, NBN and Gonski; as well as Medicare Dental, National Aged Care Insurance, improve welfare payments by $35/week or thereabouts, and implement policies to ‘close the gap’ on life expectancy for indigenous Australians and those with a mental illness.

( I have developed a comprehensive ‘model Platform’ which I still hope will influence debate on the Platform ahead of Conference.   The document has well over 600 supporters and can be found here: http://alpsocialistleft.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/for-equal-and-democratic-australia.html   )

Without providing enough flexibility – as against an on-paper commitment to ‘small government’ – we won’t have the scope to deliver genuine economic and social reform if we retake-government. We will ‘rob Peter to pay Paul’ as usual with little overall progress. ( For example, Medicare Dental may be accompanied by another attack on welfare-  eg: Sole Parents again) That is a truly crucial question for all of us – self-identifying social democrats and democratic socialists alike….

A Response to the 'Consultation Draft Platform' of the ALP - Chapter 2 'A Strong Economy for all Australians'

 

by Tristan Ewins, ALP Socialist Left member of over 20 years

Friends and Comrades;

Not long ago a ‘Consultation Draft’ of the National Platform of the Australian Labor Party was released for purposes of feedback between now and National Conference in July this year.  Over the coming weeks I will release commentary on this consultation draft. 

Today, though, I will discuss Chapter 2 specifically – which relates to economics policy.  Importantly, in the consultation draft there was little or no mention of economic democracy, exploitation or the public sector.  To begin, therefore, I will propose an addendum whereby in this section the Labor Party needs to come out clearly in favour of what I call a ‘democratic mixed economy’.   

Considering we maintained the Socialist Objective for the best part of a century - we should at least be able to sustain a Platform that as a minimum supports a mixed economy ; but a mixed economy which aims to extend the principle of democracy in the way I suggest here - as much as can practicably achieved.

Other areas of concern include: fiscal reform to pay for and extend social insurance, the social wage, welfare, social services and public infrastructure; as well as the progressive structure of the overall tax system.  The form of superannuation for the working poor also needs to be considered, as well as an notion of ‘equal opportunity’ which goes behind the narrow confines of the labour market.   The TPP also needs further discussion; and our capacity to grow the public sector, including natural public monopolies, and also to assist  the democratic sector (eg: co-ops) – also needs to be maintained.  The failure of ‘the market’ to provide just outcomes needs recognition also.   And the social wage and social insurance must assist and protect the working class as well as the most disadvantaged of all.   Finally ‘a simpler tax system’ should not necessarily be our aim if the end product is less progressive for distributive purposes.

IMPORTANT ADDENDUM re: ALP Economic Platform

In an earlier version of this post on the ALP economic platform there was a passage which read as follows:

• "Finally, in keeping with our principles we will not deliver natural public monopolies or near-monopolies into the private sector because this may result in an abuse of market power."

This SHOULD have read as follows instead:  

• "Finally, in keeping with our principles we will not deliver monopolies or near-monopolies into the private sector because this may result in an abuse of market power."

Clearly this changes the meaning completely.

Sincere apologies for any confusion.

Tristan Ewins

HENCE – beginning with a discussion of ‘the democratic mixed economy’ -  the following needs to be inserted at some point in Chapter Two:

“Labor believes in the principles and practice of a ‘democratic mixed economy’. Hence we seek to extend democratic principles and forms to the economy as far as is practicable.  Though there are limits to what can be achieved for the foreseeable future: the consequence of the prevailing ‘balance of forces’ both in the global economy, and the domestic Australian economy.  

Promotion of  ‘democratic principles’ in the economy includes support for sectors of the economy which can be held accountable to the populace in their capacities as citizens; as workers/producers;  in mutual association; and as consumers.  And this applies on both a large scale and a small scale. 

In this context we strive after the best balance between various kinds of enterprise which can realistically be achieved for the modern day. Such a ‘balance’ involves checks and balances between producers, government and consumers; and includes strategic socialisation of various kinds.  

In addition to existing private enterprise, and the need to remain engaged with the transnational corporations whose innovations and investment are essential to Australian jobs and material living standards, our vision for a ‘democratic mixed economy’ includes an expanded role for the following:

·        producers’ co-operatives of various types – on both a large scale and on a small scale;  This is also to include multi-stakeholder co-operatives which involve producers, regions and government

·        consumers’ co-operatives through which the associated consumers are empowered

·        Mutualist enterprise; for example Mutualist insurance

·        natural public monopolies, including in areas of essential services and infrastructure, where duplication of cost structures can be avoided to the benefit of the economy at large, and where the superior credit ratings of government result in more efficient finance

·        other public infrastructure (eg: where a natural public monopoly cannot apply because of existing privatisation; eg: through Public Private Partnerships)

·        strategic Government Business Enterprises which actually enhance competition in areas of oligopoly, concentrated market power and potential collusion; and also enhancing accountability to consumers

·        Government Business Enterprises which can also compete internationally - subject to global market forces

·        Public investment in Australia’s Natural Resources which are properly the property of the Australian people collectively.

·        Co-determination agreements between workers, unions and business – supported through a legislative framework

·        Democratic collective capital formation, including through the superannuation system, but also through public pension funds which will support the operation of a strong and fair system of Pensions in this country far into the future

·        Self-employment

To these ends we believe there is a role for government in extending democratic principles and forms to the Australian economy.  That includes:

·        through tax breaks, advice and cheap credit for co-operative and mutualist enterprise;

·        through co-investment to help co-operative enterprise upgrade its economies of scale so as to remain competitive in larger markets while retaining the co-operative form

·        through the creation/construction/maintenance of government business enterprises,  social services and welfare, and public-owned infrastructure

·        through an active industry policy

Finally, in keeping with our principles we will not deliver monopolies or near-monopolies into the private sector because this may result in an abuse of market power.

Strategic socialisation of different kinds can also ameliorate exploitation; and sometimes even enhance competition. Progress in extending a democratic mixed economy can also assist in ameliorating the self-destructive aspects of capitalism, while extending the principle of democracy into the economy in such a way as advances social democracy not just into the distant future - but beginning here and now."

What follows now are some excerpts from Chapter Two of the Consultation Draft of the National Platform – with my responses under headings labelled as ‘Comment’.

P 11    “Labor rejects the false choice between economic growth and equality. Excessive inequality detracts from economic growth and damages the social fabric. Labor believes in economic growth that is inclusive of all. We believe there is a role for Government in ensuring that people from all backgrounds and circumstances can both contribute to economic growth and benefit from it. The benefits of economic growth must be redistributed through the economy to those on low wages, not in work or reliant on welfare.”   

COMMENT:  To this we should add:  “We also believe that through the social wage and social insurance  we can redistribute wealth in a socially just manner from the wealthy to the working class.”

4) “Labor believes in economic policy that promotes social mobility and opportunity. Your family’s wealth should not determine your ability to grow to your full potential. Promoting equality of opportunity is at the core of Labor’s economic approach.”

COMMENT:   Here we should refer to diverse forms of equal opportunity – not just work;  but also education, civic activism and cultural participation and consumption as well.

6) “Australia’s long-term prosperity depends on competing successfully in global markets. This means Australia needs to produce high quality goods and services that the world wants to buy, and remove barriers to overseas markets. Labor will work to ensure major policy settings like skills development and training, infrastructure planning, tax and regulation frameworks do not hold businesses and workers back from achieving their full potential in global markets, while at the same time ensuring that all Australians enjoy a fair share of the benefits of growth. Strong and sustainable public finances underpin the progressive future we want for the next generation. Meeting the health care, pensions and education needs of future generations will require prudent budget management and prioritising support for those most in need.”

COMMENT:  We need to provide for those most in need; But also we need to provide for more general forms of collective consumption and social insurance which EVERYONE can benefit from.  For example through funding state schools; through funding the NDIS; through funding a National Aged Care Insurance Scheme which provides the highest quality infrastructure and services, but which eliminates user pays mechanisms for disadvantaged and working class families.  Also consider the universalism of Medicare – which now needs to be extended further throughout the health system.

7) “The market will often create the most equitable and efficient distributions of power, wealth and services, but markets sometimes fail. Government has a responsibility to intervene, to address market failures and the extremes of capitalism. Labor supports an active role for governments in addressing market failure, and improving equity and social justice through the full range of government policy instruments including expenditure, taxation, regulation, and the provision of goods and services.”

COMMENT:  Often markets do NOT create “the most equitable…distributions of power”; This point in the Draft Platform needs to be removed or edited so as to change the meaning.  Private sector monopolism – and sometimes oligopolism  - produces inefficiencies as well - and deserves a specific mention.

Responsible Fiscal Policy

9)   “Labor is committed to sound public finances by adhering to a fiscal strategy that achieves budget surpluses on average, over the economic cycle…”

COMMENT: this should be changed to read: ‘balance the budget on average over the economic cycle’;  And should also include mention of productivity-enhancing public investments that adds to economic growth.  (A good example is the NBN) The EFFECTS of these INVESTMENTS need to be taken into account re: the aim of “a balanced budget over the course of the economic cycle”.

  16.) Labor, as the party of universal, compulsory superannuation, will continue to put in place reforms to protect and to grow superannuation, to ensure the superannuation system meets an objective of providing a comfortable retirement for all Australians. This will include, when prudent, ending the Coalition’s freeze of the Superannuation Guarantee at 9.5 per cent, and fast-tracking the Superannuation Guarantee increase to 12 per cent, which will provide millions of Australians with higher retirement incomes. The current system of superannuation tax concessions has seen more than 35 per cent of the value of tax concessions accrue to the top 10 per cent of income earners. Labor will put in place reforms to address this imbalance, ensuring Australia has a sustainable and fair retirement income system. 

COMMENT: EXCELLENT to see recognition of the problem with inequitable superannuation concessions; a big victory for progressive forces if this finds reflection in strong policies.  But there are flaws in superannuation as well.  The working poor already struggle; and forcing them to contribute more of their own money into superannuation will worsen their poverty throughout their working life.  If we are to increase superannuation contributions, perhaps the working poor could be excused from contributing. (but not their employers)  Also there is the problem of inequity – affecting women, the disabled and the working poor especially.  Resentment against the Aged Pension could lead to austerity against some of the most vulnerable into the future.

18-30  ‘A Strong and Vibrant Small Business Sector’

COMMENT:  Mention should be made of co-operative small business somewhere in this section.

35- 54  Trading with the World

41. Labor supports trade and investment liberalisation through the Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Labor will ensure APEC is a driver of regional economic integration and will take an active approach to its role in the region’s economic architecture. Labor believes APEC has a key role in promoting economic reform behind the border throughout the Asia–Pacific region and will promote these efforts. Labor will endeavour to strengthen APEC’s role in mobilising support for the WTO’s Doha Round. Labor will also support Australia’s engagement in the emerging regional trade and investment architecture under the auspices of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the proposed Free Trade Area of the AsiaPacific. 

COMMENT: I’m not not sure about the TPP.  There hasn’t been enough consultation.  Also we need to make sure that any agreements we enter into do not prevent appropriate regulation; or prevent policies which are meant to support or encourage a ‘democratic mixed economy;  For example establishing natural public monopolies, or implementing tax breaks, advice and cheap credit for co-operative enterprise.

42. Labor will work to:

 Provide leadership to the Cairns Group and seek reductions in agricultural subsidies and protection;

 Secure reciprocal new market access for all of Australia’s economic sectors;

 Tackle non-tariff “behind the border” trade barriers such as excise tax arrangements, standards, customs procedures, subsidies and other restrictive measures which impede Australian exports;

COMMENT: This cuts both ways; sometimes standards must be applied; sometimes the ability of a nation to feed itself is important to its security;  Subsidies should also be allowed in strategic cases – and with assistance for co-operative enterprise. We should not commit ourselves to a framework which would 'tie our hands' on economic democracy and the strategic extension of the public sector into the future.  I am uncertain of the content of TPP and I’m sure many others in the Party are as well…

Specifically the Consultation Platform argues the following in relation to TPP:

54. A well-balanced Trans-Pacific Partnership offers the prospect of more and better jobs through improved access to member countries’ markets for Australian exporting businesses and their employees. Labor’s position is that the Trans-Pacific Partnership must be consistent with the following principles:

 Does not undermine the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and public health initiatives;

 Provides for national treatment — that foreign and domestic companies are treated equally under the law, while not conferring greater legal rights on foreign businesses than those available to domestic businesses;

 Does not require Australia to remove protection of cultural industries;

 Retains the Foreign Investment Review Board and its powers to review foreign investment in the public interest;

  Retains quarantine provisions to reduce the risk of imported pests and diseases;

 Retains the flexibility to encourage industry development including through research and development, regional development and appropriate environmental, employment and procurement policies;

 Contains enforceable labour clauses that require signatories to enforce core labour standards in International Labour Organisation conventions; and

 Contains enforceable environmental clauses that require signatories to meet all relevant international environmental standards, including those in applicable United Nations international environmental agreements.

COMMENT:  In response the following points should be added:

·         Does not inhibit the right of government to support and extend the public sector, including maintenance of natural public monopolies

·         Does not inhibit the right of government to extend a ‘democratic mixed economy’, including through support for co-operative and mutualist enterprise of various sorts

A Fair and Efficient Tax System

67. Labor is committed to a fair and sustainable tax system that provides incentives for all Australians to work and undertake productive enterprise while guaranteeing adequate revenue to fund the proper role of government, including providing quality public services and ensuring an equitable distribution of income and wealth. Public confidence in Australia’s tax system depends on a simple and transparent tax system where everyone pays their fair share of tax. Labor has implemented important tax reforms to improve competitiveness, boost savings through superannuation, make superannuation fairer, simplify personal tax, reduce barriers to participation and provide better assistance to families. We will also continue this record of tax reform, making the system more efficient, less costly and more equitable.

COMMENT: ADD THIS:  “Specifically we support a simpler tax system only where the final outcome does not negatively affect our efforts to ensure a fairer and more equitable distribution of wealth and income.”

68. Future tax reforms will:

[large excerpt cut out]

 Minimise the impact of high effective marginal tax rates, particularly on those moving from welfare to work or the second income earners in low- to middle income families;

COMMENT:  The excerpt above is problematic as it suggests cutting tax for those who do not need to have their tax cut; That is, it suggests a general cut in taxes (the word ‘particularly’  needs to be deleted so it is clear the reference is only to the specific disadvantaged groups. The consequence of cutting tax more generally is that pressure is put on public finances, and hence also the social wage, public infrastructure, social services and welfare. It must be edited to read:

“ Minimise the impact of high effective marginal tax rates on those moving from welfare to work or the second income earners in low- to middle income families”

I hope the readers of this commentary will have found it interesting, and will be inspired to respond to the ‘Consultation Draft’ as well.  I especially hope readers will register their support for this document and the documents which are to follow.

Specifically members can provide feedback on the Consultation Draft Here:

http://www.alp.org.au/2015_draft_national_platform

If you want to support this Commentary please include a link to the appropriate URL in your submission.  Ie: link to this URL in your submission

  

 

Wasted Opportunity on Superannuation Concessions needs to be ‘Put Right’ at ALP National Conference in July!

 

above: Where to for Labor in July?

Wasted Opportunity on Superannuation Concessions needs to be ‘Put Right’ at ALP National Conference in July!  Australia Institute Data shows a stronger line on reform is needed.

Tristan Ewins

Recently Bill Shorten announced projected reform of superannuation concessions affecting around 180,000 Australians.  ‘The Age’ in particular observed that the two key reforms concerned

 

“would see retirees lose tax-free status on annual superannuation earnings above $75,000, and more people paying 30 per cent tax on contributions.”

 

Certainly Bill Shorten’s announcement is “a step in the right direction”, bringing in $14 billion over ten years. 

But it is a very  modest intake when considered in perspective.

The problem is that Shorten appears to be ruling out further action on top of this on superannuation concessions AHEAD of the ALP's 2015 July National Conference. 

And more alarmingly:  arguably $15 billion out of a total of $50 billion will soon be going to 'the top 10 per cent' income demographic. 

Former Australian Tax Office public servant, John Passant has explained that this means  “the top ten percent of income earners get 30% of the tax concessions on super.”  (discussion with John Passant, 22/4/15)

And ACOSS has argued that the top 20% income demographic receives half of all superannuation concessions. (ie: that will soon be over $25 billion annually!)

To get that in perspective, the Australia Institute observed in 2014 that: “The [entire] age pension currently costs [only] $39 billion”.

Is this really the best possible use of taxpayers’ money? Does it fulfil the ‘distributive justice’ test?  And given the scale of the gain to only the top 10 per cent income demographic is it even politically wise when we consider what else might be done with the money?

A more decisive policy here could fund a suite of progressive reforms: National Aged Care Insurance; NDIS and Gonski; build the National Broadband Network Fiber-To-The-Premises; Medicare Dental; address life expectancy crisis for indigenous and mentally ill; expand mental health services; crisis accommodation for cases of domestic violence; welfare reform; build transport infrastructure publicly; invest in public housing to put downwards pressure on property prices and rental costs...   Many of these policies have been suggested in the ‘For an Equal and Democratic Australia’ document which points the way to the kind of policy a reforming Labor government could potentially introduce.

Labor needs to think of policies in terms of tens of billions – not just ‘token policies’ which attempt to win over voters on appearances only. Further reform of Superannuation Concessions is essential. As is reform of the broader tax mix – ideally to bring in new revenue in the vicinity of $40-$50 billion. (about 2.5%-3% of GDP) (modest in the context of an economy valued at $1.6 Trillion)

Right now,  with the mining boom over – Labor is 'on track' to capitalize politically from the Abbott government’s austerity .  And yet Labor is also ‘on track’ to again introduce austerity of its own in government should it maintain its inflexible commitment in its National Platform to ‘small government’. (though probably less severe, and less cynically targeted - you would hope!)

Specifically the problem is Labor’s commitment to holding down tax as a proportion of GDP.

 Labor must  ‘think bigger’ (and better!) than this!!!

These issues MUST be addressed at Labor’s National Conference in July.

From conversations and research I have become aware that there are some within the Labor Party who are resigned to (or even in favour of) the National Conference being reduced to a merely token affair.  Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen, for instance, is in favour of a more robust and inclusive discussion of policy at Conference; but on condition that Conference  (and the Platform itself) have no binding influence on policy. (Bowen,  pp 122-124)  In a conversation with one colleague  specifically (and probably there are more),  this colleague was resigned to the notion that Gonski and NDIS are ‘dead’  in their original form – presumably because they think the money cannot be sourced for reforms on a large scale. (the assumption seems that ‘small government’ cannot successfully be refuted; that we should not even try)   Even mild redistributive policies are apparently viewed by some as an ‘ideological anachronism’ – belonging to an apparently ‘defunct’ tradition of social democracy.  

Just how widespread these views are I cannot tell.  But there is a now-long history of Labor governments (dominated by the Party’s Right)  cutting and regressively restructuring tax, capitulating to the ideology of small government, and pursuing cynical policies such as assaults on the welfare rights of sole parents.  Top income tax rates, for instance, have been reduced or eliminated.  The tax system has become ‘flatter’.   Again, Chris Bowen has come out in favour of a ‘simpler’ tax system which includes lower Company Tax;  which probably translates as a less progressive tax system. (Bowen, pp 60-67)  Though there have been some efforts in the opposite direction from Labor governments as well; for instance raising the tax free threshold.  (Though Ross Gittins argued in the Sydney Morning Herald that these measures were not really as strong as Labor had claimed once reductions in the low-income tax offset were considered)

 More generally an outlook of pragmatism appears to make policy often a matter of tactical expedience.

To summarize, this kind of pragmatism is highly questionable.  Bill Shorten was elected to reform the Party; and part of what people wanted was fidelity to Conference decisions. Shorten also has to offer his supporters on the Left something - after they were pivotal in his success.  If Labor fails to deliver on progressive tax, new social programs – and end up implementing only more austerity – just not as severe  as the Libs - that would show  a lack of conviction and principle.  For instance Gonski and NDIS were immensely popular policies!   Dropping or otherwise avoiding strong policies as a matter of tactical expedience  could  simply mean Labor continues hemorrhaging support to the Greens.  That would not be 'realism'.  It would be both ideological and practical self-destruction.  Surely the ALP Right itself must recognize this and commit to more robust policies!

We are yet to see an outcome, here, however.  I hope these views I have encountered are not as widespread within Labor as I fear.  But it is a debate Labor has to have with itself between now on the National Conference in July this year.   There is talk to the effect that the ALP Right will not hold the numbers on its own at Conference this year.   Should progressive independents move in support of a more traditionally social democratic policy framework the consequences could be favourable.   And sometimes relative progressives break ranks from within the National Right as well.

I look at the Rudd/Gillard years as involving wasted opportunity.   The same might be said of the Hawke/Keating years.  For example, the  "Australia Reconstructed"  document suggested something 'Nordic' - but we got very little of the kind.  We need a Labor Party which pursues an agenda of steady, gradual reform - but appreciable reform nonetheless.   Real (steady) Progress is needed  - not 'one step forward, two steps back'.  So If Labor increases progressive tax and associated social expenditure and investment by 5% of GDP over three terms (roughly a decade) - that's a legitimate medium term agenda.

Another thing that really struck me in one discussion with a Labor colleague was his notion of the rise of a  'wants not needs generation'.  In contrast I would hold that the masses are still concerned with issues of non-negotiable need.  That is,  cost of living;  housing affordability; costs and quality of education; threat of illness or need of aged care for family members.  I think my Labor colleague overstates peoples disengagement from 'non-negotiable-needs'. A lot of people really are still 'doing it tough'.  And they are inclined to vote on that basis!  This needs to find reflection in the ALP’s National Platform.

None of this is likely to change unless progressives in the ALP begin organizing and agitating now – ahead of July’s National Conference.  Superannuation Concessions are ‘the elephant in the room’ – and a lack of decisive reform here will severely limit Labor’s options following the next Federal Election.  (assuming Labor wins)   Labor doesn’t have to ‘lock itself in’.  And it is better for Labor to ‘keep its options open’ rather than lock into minimalist policies which offer very little real progress.   A POLICY of ‘tactical expediency’ is self-destructive;  even though tactical decisions do need to be made during election campaigns.  And for Labor to ‘keep its options open’ there needs to be  a Platform which does not irretrievably commit Labor to small government upon gaining power; a platform which does not ‘lock Labor in’ to merely token reform of superannuation concessions.

 

Bowen, Chris, ‘Hearts and Minds’, Melbourne University Press, Melbourne 2013

ALSO SEE:

http://www.tai.org.au/content/alp-dip-their-toe-30-billion-pool-super-tax-concessions

http://www.tai.org.au/content/sustaining-us-all-retirement

http://www.tai.org.au/research