John,
I wanted to write to you about the direction that the country is taking, and what Labor’s approach has been and will
continue to be as we emerge from this crisis.
Right now, Australians are in the fight of our lives – and I mean that literally for some of us. This virus is smashing people’s livelihoods and snatching people’s lives. It’s tearing through our most vulnerable citizens – and I think the scale of the challenge we face is still dawning on us.
From the very beginning of this pandemic, Labor has been about making a positive difference for Australians at a time when
there isn’t a whole lot of positivity around.
In the early days, that meant pushing for wage subsidies and proper income support which we eventually got in JobKeeper and
JobSeeker. Our approach now is to make sure that nobody is left behind.
We’re pushing for paid pandemic leave for every worker – a common sense, preventative measure that will help
stop the spread of this virus. Because no one should have to choose between going to work while sick and putting food on
the table.
We’re pushing for support for the arts sector – left behind by this Government, but a vital part of our nation’s
economy and an even more important part of our nation’s soul.
And we’re pushing for the Government to give older Australians the dignity and respect they deserve. When I see what’s
happening in aged care homes, my heart is shredded. It makes me think of my own mum. I saw how much she suffered in her
last year, but then I think about this: at least she wasn’t cut off from me. These are the Australians who built this
country – and they deserve so much better.
We'll keep working to give a voice to those who need it for one simple reason: to make a difference to people’s lives.
That has been Labor’s guiding mission and it always will be.
Stay healthy. Stay safe.
Anthony
Australian Labor Party
Authorised by P. Erickson, ALP, Canberra.
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