The splintering of the Labor Party over the US Free Trade Agreement - most recently evidenced by Senator Lundy's comments about cultural issues - is a direct consequence of the failure of the Opposition Leader Mr Latham to show leadership on this issue, which is so important to Australia's economic future.
If Mr Latham had, from the beginning, shown leadership and committed his party to support the Agreement there would not have been the divisions which are now emerging throughout the Labor Party.
Instead he chose to play politics with something carrying long term benefits for Australia.
Labor has had five months to assess the Free Trade Agreement. The Senate Inquiry is a smokescreen for its political opportunism and dithering.
Senator Lundy's criticisms are ill-informed. Local content is adequately protected by the Agreement and appropriate reservations covering new media have been included.
The Opposition Leader deserves all of the division he is now experiencing. He chose expediency over principle from the very beginning.
If, in the end, Labor does support the Agreement it will be out of concern for the Party's political interests and not out of concern for the national interest.
This is a once in a generation opportunity. It must not be squandered. There should never have been any doubt about Labor's position. Sensible Labor people know that. It's a great pity that the party's leader does not.