Barayamal

Recent polling shows a growing dissatisfaction with Australian Labor Party‘s performance with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton taking a slim lead over Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as the preferred leader.

Which is a freightening prospect (Dutton winning the next election) but the shift in public opinion highlights significant concerns about Labor’s ability to manage critical issues, particularly the economy, where voters now favour the Coalition.

NSW Labor’s Unfulfilled Promises: The Case of David Harris

And I feel it’s the same in NSW, with NSW Labor missing the mark, in particular with Aboriginal Affairs NSW and closing the disparity gaps.

For example, the backflip on legislating a treaty this term undermined the trust of the Aboriginal community and those advocating for meaningful change.

And despite talking about wanting to consult Aboriginal first and following the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (around consent/permission) the recent results from the NSW Aboriginal Land Counci seems to show the worst polling since 2011.

*4,120 votes in 2011 vs supposedly only 3,499 votes 2024

So despite promises of change, Aboriginal people seem less confident in the Western democratic process (elections) to deliver positive results for their community.

And this is amplified by 280 signed petitions being sent to David Harris calling for improved housing within First Nations but the response from Harris (no response) was obviously underwhelming to say the least.

But there’s more, with Labor NSW’ spending patterns (like the Liberals/Nations) that continue to channel funds through (primarily government) intermediaries rather than directly addressing the needs of the most vulnerable, which increases inefficiencies (“middleman” with their admistration/wage expenses) and has left many communities without the necessary resources to close the disparity gaps.

And the persistent issues in Aboriginal housing and the lack of direct support underscores the broader failures in Labor’s policies and their implementation since being elected.

Because Labor’s inability to fulfill key promises, particularly in areas of critical importance such as Aboriginal affairs, economic management and housing is reflected in the shifting public opinion.

And as voters increasingly look for competent leadership, the recent polling trends serve as a stark reminder for Labor to reassess and realign their priorities to meet the expectations and needs of the Australian public and First Nations.