photo by robcorr

I have just learnt that my Federal MP is to retire at the next election. This is a shame, because despite being a backbencher Carmen Lawrence always seemed to fit in well with the character and style of politics we have around Fremantle. (The city is the epitome of that quaint notion of “chardonnay socialism”, and suburbs like my own are working-class heartland.)

I hear she’ll be replaced by fresh blood, which is great, though I hope the new person will be good enough to fill the shoes — this seat was previously held by such notable figures as Kim Beazley senior, former treasurer John Dawkins, and good old John Curtin himself.