Anthony Albanese leads a party that no longer argues in public. Labor presents as unified, consistent, and on message.

But behind that unity is another story. One where a party once defined by its dissent and debate has become scared of conflict, to the point where its identity is formed not by beliefs, but by a commitment to staying in power no matter what.

Sean Kelly has worked up close with Albanese, and with other Labor prime ministers before him. He’s been interrogating what this government stands for – and what its legacy will be.

Today, Kelly – author of the new Quarterly Essay, The Good Fight – What Does Labor Stand For? – on what happens when political identity is built on belonging, not belief.

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