Category Archives: Misc

A SUBMISSION TO ADDRESS NONCOMPULSORY UNION MEMBERSHIP IN THE ALP AND BRANCH MEMBERS INVOLVEMENT IN UPPER HOUSE PRESELECTIONS  Introduction The massive defeat of the NSW Labor Government on 26 March is without doubt the worst result in the history of … Continue reading →

In response to the points raised by the Lithgow Branch on the 12th of April Re: Motion 1. The tight time-frame is driven by the cut-off date for submissions to conference: noon, 29th of April. That date was chosen by … Continue reading →

11 April 2011 Dear Ben Thank you for your open letter dated 4 April 2011 regarding Labor Party Reform. As you have noted, I share your support for Labor Party Reform.  I welcome members’ engagement in this exciting process. The … Continue reading →

Technically speaking, the NSW Labor Party is structured as a representative democracy. In practice, outcomes are generally undemocratic for reasons examined below. The structure in other states is broadly similar, with a range of variations, especially around numbers and ratios. … Continue reading →

Dear Potential National Secretary, You are proposing taking on this role at an interesting time for our party, a time when we are widely perceived as having ‘lost our way’, both federally, and in several states. In Sydney last Saturday, … Continue reading →

An important report from the Darling Harbour branch: Darling Harbour branch passed the motions at the meeting tonight. The initial reaction of the president was to hold them over until the next meeting (1st week in May) so that members … Continue reading →

KEVIN RUDD, on Qanda: “[if you look at what] the Australian Party stands for, for the last 120 years, the values are pretty good. The policy platform, not bad. The membership – people who actually get out there and are … Continue reading →

I’m sorry I can’t be here today due to my long standing commitment to Oxfam and to my team-mates for the Oxfam Trailwalk in Melbourne. The cause you have gathered together today to support and advance is one that is … Continue reading →

Coverage of Saturday’s rank and file campaign meeting and the need for Labor renewal and reform on the George Negus program: ten.com.au or youtube

Dear General Secretary, You have put yourself on the record as a supporter of Labor Party Reform.  You have described the outcomes you want: less control by factions, a more engaged membership, preselections that deliver candidates that are more representative … Continue reading →