"I think the problem with Centre Unity in NSW is that it lacks now an ideology. When I say an ideology, it lacks an ideology other than the sheer pursuit of power. It's clear enough about that, but power for what? And to do what? This is where the national Party always depended on Centre Unity, its processes, its real-world touch. When the motivation of the machinery of the party is unfurnished as to policy purpose, it has nothing more to offer than to focus on marketing and polls. After a while the public becomes aware of this and they realise that marketing and spin have no basis."
- Paul Keating in "Betrayed", on the NSW Right Faction of the ALP
According to News ltd, he also describes it as a "patronage club" no longer capable of delivering meaningful reform. Just what kind of reform is up for debate. But I think he is right - they have lost quite a large sense of their own direction, and in the absence of that have simply turned to enjoying the spoils of power.
But just in case anyone thought the liberal party were better:
"'Just wish Stu had stood for preselection in a state seat and joined O'Farrell's front bench as racing minister after the state election - we need a racing man in state Parliament''.
- Gary Knight, manager for Netranix (a horse racing company) mistakenly thinking the Liberal candidate for the Penrith by-election, Stuart Ayres, was running for a federal seat. Ayres has a 5% stake in Netranix.
Yes. Because that's what NSW needs- more state politicians with connections to the racing industry.
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