Keating, Rudd remind us of an exciting time in leadership
Having Rudd, Gillard and Keating at the launch shows Australia how far we've come from big-picture leaders in modern politics.
Opinion
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IN THE front row of Labor's campaign launch stood a giant of Australian politics and culture; Paul John Keating.
There he was, the 24th prime minister of Australia standing next to 26 and 27, Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard.
Labor orchestrated the stunt as a vision of unity.
Gone was the division and infighting of the past; present in their Liberal and National opponents.
The scene unintentionally painted a picture that revealed a lack of big-picture leaders in modern politics.
Mr Keating was an intelligent leader and clear communicator.
For a decade his orotund voice blared through the television during the nightly news.
Thousands of Australia's families watched as Mr Keating dispatched his opponents, reformed the economy and recognised native title.
A decade later the same families watched as the hysteria of Kevin-07 gripped the nation.
There's been a serious lack of excitement and vision from leaders since, and it's more evident during this election than ever.
Wouldn't it be great to be uplifted by politics again?
Labor has a vision, at least.
Scott Morrison's campaign rests almost solely on 'why you shouldn't risk the others'.
Originally published as Keating, Rudd remind us of an exciting time in leadership