Similar Labour trends seen across Tasman

Press, 9 February 1983, Page 11

Similar Labour trends seen across Tasman

NZPA staff correspondent Sydney The similarities between political parties and trends on each side of the Tasman have been explored in an editorial in the "Sydney Morning Herald." Commenting on the election of Mr David Lange to leadership of the New Zealand Labour Party, it said he could be reassured by. one fact at least — "that it is easier to become the leader of the New Zealand Labour Party than to be forced out of the office."

The newspaper said there had been a curious tandem between politics in Australia and New Zealand. In the 1950 s and 1960 s both were led by avuncular and shrewd politicians. Sir Robert Menzies and Sir

Keith Holyoake. "seemingly more interested in retaining power than doing very much with it."

Their opponents swept into power in both countries in 1972. and were swept out again more decisively in 1975. The two new Prime Ministers. Mr Fraser and Mr Muldoon, had proved to be tough, manipulative, pragmatic and electorally successful.

The success had placed the Labour parties under intense pressure.' with the leaders being particularly vulnerable. '

"Like Mr Bob Hawke (the probably new Australian Labour leader), a great deal of Mr Lange's political weight has been built around poll support. Like Mr Hawke as well. Mr Lange is fluid and hard-hitting in debate.

"He has a dry sense of humour and an appealing humanity. What doubts there are about him centre more on what he stands for (something that is difficult to pinpoint) rather than on how capably he can express his opinions." the editorial said of Mr Lange. "A major criticism is that he lacks expertise in economics and because of this there is a question mark about his ability to construct policies that will help NewZealand out of its chronic difficulties."

The "Sydney Morning Herald" said that Mr Lange had as one of his first tasks, the job of convincing the Labour Party it could win again, and also of healing rifts within the party, a task that should be eased by the election ol Mr Geoffrey Palmer as deputy.