Making A Difference

The Australian Labor Party is Australia’s oldest political party. Labor’s history and the history of Australia’s democracy are inextricably intertwined.

We have a great objective — the light on the hill.

For 120 years, the enduring values of fairness, opportunity and the betterment of humankind have motivated members of the Labor Party and the wider Labour Movement, and they motivate us still.

The government I am privileged to lead continues in that proud tradition.

We are working hard to build a strong economy, a sustainable environment and a fair society that provides opportunity and looks after the vulnerable.

My government’s first year has been testing: a finely balanced parliament, state election defeats, devastating natural disasters and the most negative Opposition in Australia’s history.

Despite these factors, we are advancing our historic purpose with a significant reform program.

Addressing climate change. High-speed broadband. Sharing our mineral wealth.

Better health services. More university and training places. Better services for our regions. Fixing the Murray–Darling.

On all these issues and more, Labor has a program that is firmly focused on the future.

We set our alarm clocks early because we know that to be in government is a great honour and privilege. The results of our work are beginning to show in the policies and achievements documented in this booklet.

We are making a difference. And that means for Labor in 2011, the light on the hill still burns brightly.

Let’s keep the faith and see the job through together.