New South Wales Labor is moving away from the trade union base, but otherwise Labor is very much still controlled by the trade unions. If you pay close attention to what Labor does they do actually have strong left-wing credentials. Under Labor renewables have been rolled out rapidly, world leading anti tax-avoidance policies, repealed negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount, etc.

Australia’s political system favours centrism (or at least the appearance of it), but Labor’s actions tell a different story.

We should also probably make some definitions to avoid confusion:

• Progressive: Supports the fair treatment of all people, regardless of race, gender, religion, or disability.
• Trade unionist: Supports workers rights and high salaries for the working class.
• Economically left-wing: Supports welfare and wealth redistribution, as well as trade unionism.
• Left-wing: All of the above.