There have been four previous Labor govts during my life - Chlfley, Whitlam, Hawke/Keating & Rudd. I was just a kid back in Chifley's time, so no personal memory, but they were mainly occupied by post war reconstruction. Both Whitlam and Hawke were reforming govts. Even though Whitlam didn't last long, his govt put through a large number of reforms. You owe Medicare to them, No-fault divorce, improved & new relations with Asia especially China and an expansion of the welfare state. Hawke/Keating lasted much longer and introduced many more changes. Quite a sweeping overhaul of the tax system including capital gains tax, fringe benefits tax and more. I think most people would think they did a pretty good job and made life better for people. Rudd, by contrast, I doubt will be remembered fondly by many. I struggle to remember anything positive. And it's all downhill from there as far as I'm concerned because we come to Albanese. I struggle to think of any positive contribution his govt has made, but I expect many of you won't agree.
