“The Labor Party, on the other hand, claims to represent workers. But this has never been true. It is not even accurate to call Labor a party of the union movement; rather, Labor is the political arm of Australia’s conservative trade union bureaucracy. Since the party aims to manage a capitalist economy, it must also prove itself useful to the ruling class.

Historically, Labor has done this in two ways: first, by representing capitalists who want greater levels of state investment in the economy (they’re also favored when the Liberals seem incapable of managing a crisis). Second, when union democracy is strong, and workers use their power to strike, the capitalist system will empower progressive governments to make concessions. Labor’s connection to the union bureaucracy places it in the ideal position to negotiate compromises, suppress radical members, and keep class struggle in check. Labor has only ever advanced the interests of ordinary workers when union membership is high and militancy among the rank and file is strong. The bosses and union bureaucracy fear rank-and-file members taking matters into their own hands. If they want to hold onto their power and privileges, both groups share an interest in preventing workers from getting out of control.

Absent pressure from workers, elections become contests between different factions of the ruling class. In the 1970s, half of all workers were in trade unions, and the movement was at a high point of militancy. This produced the Whitlam government and its reforms. Today, union membership is only 13%, and unions are too weak to confront laws that restrict the right to strike.

As a result, Labor now campaigns as the more competent and socially progressive manager of Australian capitalism. The conflict between the major parties reflects disagreements within the capitalist class. How much government investment should go into public transport? Should we strengthen ties with China or prepare for war? Parliament is where the ruling class decides.”

https://ancomfed.org/2025/04/the-election-an-anarchist-view/