For more than twenty-five years the political left in Victoria has been fortunate to experience the writings and thought of Dr. Tristan Vaughn Ewins (aka TVE), expressed through multi-member 'blogs that he co-ordinated. Each of these came with their expressive titles "Left Focus" (named after the student political group from the 1990s and 2000s), "ALP Socialist Left", "Movement for a Democratic Mixed Economy"; they all did what was written on the tin. In these works one can discern the core areas of concern in Tristan's thought, as he mapped a carefully considered path that sought a more equitable, one which would provide a high degree of civil and personal rights, a strong social welfare system (especially in aged care and housing), and an engaged and deliberative democracy.
I cannot pretend that I was especially close to Tristan; we only met a few times, but we corresponded often. What is clear from these meetings and messages is his absolute commitment to improving the conditions of the less privileged and strengthening the labour movement. Despite this commitment he was no mere sentimentalist; his disposition gave him deep respect for intellectual challenges and he was quite prepared to deal with the hard issues, such as the debates between planning versus markets, the relationship between revolutionary and reformist strategies, the role of class and class consciousness, and, always, the practical implementation of policy through political organisations. In all of these critical issues he showed a sensitivity and understanding to all contributions and was able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of differing approaches and analysis with great accuracy.
Tristan's passing was sudden, unexpected, and far too early. It is difficult to believe that just a fortnight prior that we were discussing the finer points of some of the above content. In the current context, his steadfast adherence to debating issues based on the facts seems almost innocent in a world where so much political mileage is made from emotional demagoguery. But Tristan was practising what he preached. He sincerely believed that in the long run (and he always thought with the long run in mind) that the best opinions are formed through understanding all points-of-view, and a preparedness to reconsider one's existing opinion in the light of new evidence. This is the correct approach, of course, and, as a result, I am certain that his essays will be read with care in many years to come by those genuinely interested in improving our social world. It just happens that Tristan was aware that the long run was greater than his own lifespan.
https://alpsocialistleft.blogspot.com.au
https://democraticmixedeconomy.blogspot.com.au
https://leftfocus.blogspot.com