Abstract
AbstractOur democracy is predicated on voters choosing between political parties with competing ideologies that translate into different policy outcomes. Nonetheless, claims that ideology is of declining importance are common, and were a feature of the Rudd–Gillard Labor government. This paper seeks to examine the relationship between ideology and policy outcomes under that government. It defines Labor ideology by identifying the areas of consensus between three competing Labor traditions, and then examines the party's budget decisions on those policy areas. It finds that on the ideological consensus issues of income redistribution, public health and public education they implemented a substantial and coherent reform agenda consistent with Labor ideology. The consistency on the consensus issues contrasts with the ‘flip‐flopping’ on issues that were ideologically contested within the party, suggesting that far from being irrelevant, ideology was central to explaining both the strengths and weaknesses of Rudd–Gillard Labor.
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