As Fabians we believe in harnessing the power of the state to drive social and economic progress, and to protect our community and environment from exploitation. Now, more than ever we need a skilled and motivated public sector to continue the social democratic project in an era of unprecedented pressure and change. As progressives, we...

Maurice Glasman, the founder of Blue Labour, would perhaps see some irony in having his ideas discussed in a Fabian Society forum. He is certainly hostile to the statism associated with English Fabianism in its classical era. Glasman also rejects much of the vocabulary of British, North American and Australasian proponents of ‘Third Way’ thinking...

Ian McAllister, Distinguished Professor of Political Science at ANU and a former Director of ANU’s Research School of Social Sciences, discusses the Australian Election Study (AES) and its implications for the ALP. The AES has surveyed Australian public opinion on politics following each federal election since 1987. It has asked about electoral institutions, party loyalties...

In a speech for the Australian Fabian Society in Melbourne, Senator Kim Carr, Shadow Minister for Housing, Urban Development, Local Government and Territories, presents his views on housing and social and infrastructure issues. 'Our fundamental approach assumes Australia is facing an acute housing shortage and while the Government concentrates on the demand side, it has...

In a response to the ALP national discussion paper on urban development, housing and local government Barbara Norman writes that unless we clearly support the development of sustainable cities in this nation involving all levels of government, economic productivity, social cohesion and environmental sustainability will be adversely affected.