No doubt in such a conservative forum, the title of this discussion will probably be seen as rather provocative! But, it's a point of view worthy of discussion I think.

Listening to a song recently and thinking about how society has changed over my time, I have come to the conclusion that -almost without exception- conservatives always lose eventually. Yes the conservative position wins some short battles along the way, but in the end, progress marches on.

Before you know it, that progressive idea that "will ruin the world" is accepted by a majority, and soon taken for granted.

In Australia alone over the last hundred years:

• Women and aboriginals got the vote

• Aboriginal land rights

• White Australia policy gone

• Decent welfare system

• Annual leave

• Sick leave

• Maternity leave > Paternity leave > Paid parental leave

• Socialised healthcare (Medibank then Medicare)

• Offering ethics classes in lieu of scripture in NSW schools

...and many more...

All of the above were opposed -often staunchly- by the conservatives of the day.

Another 20 years and we'll be a republic. The ongoing rise in Atheism and decline of Christianity will mean that in another 10 years Christianity will fall below 50% in Australia. Gay marriage will probably be recognised here within 5 years.

Humanity moves on, and future generations will wonder what all the fuss was about.

I'm not saying that people will change their existing position en-masse. I don't believe that is the method of progression. It's just that future generations always hold a more progressive position than their forebears. One day the "progressive" position is the one held by the majority, and change occurs. No doubt when I'm 80, I will hold a conservative position on many issues compared to my children, but it is their position that will eventually win out.

The position on issues held by most "conservatives" today have progressed from the position held by the "conservatives" of 30 years ago. Can you imagine a "conservative" politician of 10 years ago arguing in support of gay marriage? Can you imagine socialised healthcare having bipartisan support 50 years ago? Yet, here we are.

So, apart from causing a stir, what's the point of my post? Well, I'm curious what people think of the "inevitability" of change. Do you believe that change is not inevitable? Are you resigned to change, but annoyed by it? Or do you happily accept that new generations hold more progressive positions?