Labor's climate change and taxation policies need a "ruthless and unsparing" review after the election loss, a key frontbencher says.
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Mark Butler is responsible for Labor's climate change and energy portfolio but says the party must now ask itself deeply uncomfortable questions if it is to win power in 2022.
"We got our lowest primary vote in a century, against a government the prime minister himself described as The Muppet Show," Mr Butler said at a book launch in Canberra on Monday.
"When you get your backside handed to you by Fozzie Bear and Kermit the Frog, it's time for some serious reflection."
Mr Butler launched Professor Adrian Pabst's book, Story Of Our Country, which takes an unflinching look at the Labor party's failings.
"If we can't have a full-throated discussion about our direction now, when on earth would we?" the former ALP national president said.
"Nothing should be excluded or treated as sacrosanct.
"The area I had responsibility for - climate change and energy - must be part of that thorough examination.
"As should all of our taxation policies and the spending commitments they were directed at funding."
Professor Pabst said centre-left parties around the world were struggling to gain and retain power.
He said Labor was at its best when it was the party of "radical moderation" - able to bring voters along with fresh ideas.
"You're going to take people with you rather than dictate to them," he said at the launch at Parliament House.
Prof Pabst said Labor had been able to bring together estranged interests, including religious voters and atheists, as well as working classes of varying types.
Labor frontbencher Michelle Rowland on Monday told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age that Labor needed to do more for people of faith.
"I don't think it's lost on anyone that there was clearly an issue with Labor and people of faith at the last election," Ms Rowland said.
"There is a sense that we didn't get it right."
Prof Pabst's book argues Labor strayed too far towards a rights-based social progressivism, and away from more traditional values of family and community.
Mr Butler said he didn't agree with all of the book's recommendations, but said the review of Labor's policy platform must be "ruthless and unsparing".
Australian Associated Press
