There is a growing tide of discontent as an entire generation foots the damage and bills of their predecessors. Until Labor finds a backbone and makes real, sweeping reforms in places where it actually matters to the majority of Australian families (complete tax overhaul, for one. Proper housing reform for another), they will continue to flounder. They had the opportunity to make large reforms, picked the wrong one to start with (voice), bungled it, and are now frozen with fright.

The tragedy is that even if they get another go at it, I have little faith that the current cabinet will change their mediocre, middle-of-the-road strategy of minimal impact. As Whitlam rightfully said, Labor is the party of reform and as soon as they stop being that, they are dead in the water.