In his first major speech since the October 9 election, the Leader of the Opposition, Mark Latham, has claimed that the ALP’s positive approach to the election campaign contributed to its defeat.
Addressing the ALP State Conference in Tasmania, Latham said: “The sheer weight of this campaign broke through in the last week and sent us backwards. I believe with the benefit of hindsight … that my greatest misjudgement was in believing that the positive party would win the election.” [Read more…]
The television advertisements shown on this page were produced by the Australian Labor Party for the 2004 Federal Election.
The ALP lost the election. Prime Minister John Howard led the coalition to a fourth term in office.
The Leader of the Opposition, Mark Latham, has delivered the ALP’s 2004 election policy speech.
The ALP campaign was launched in Brisbane. Latham was introduced by the Premier of Queensland, Peter Beattie.
Watch Latham (30m)
Listen to Beattie (7m)
Listen to Janine Lacy, wife of Mark Latham (3m)
Soundtrack of film shown at the ALP Campaign Launch (3m)
Listen to Latham’s speech (41m)
Text of Mark Latham’s 2004 election policy speech.
My message today comes straight from the people of Australia.
It’s a message to the people, drawn from the strength and wisdom of the people.
From the Australians I’ve been privileged to meet, across the vast suburbs and regions of our nation, over the past 10 months. And the millions of their fellow-Australians they represent.
Today I want to speak on their behalf.
I want to talk about opportunity, responsibility and honesty – the key themes of this great campaign for a new Labor Government.
This message comes from the heart – the big heart of the Australian people themselves.
It’s from the people – and all that I have learned about their concerns, their needs and their aspirations for the future – that I see a real urgency in this campaign.
The urgent need to change now. The urgent need for an Australian Labor Government. [Read more…]