23 September: Labor elders Jenny Macklin and Steve Bracks participated in a public forum hosted by Open Labor, the Independents, Per Capita and the John Cain Centre for Democracy. It was yet another brilliant online event, a show case of what the new technology can do for our Party democracy. It … [Read more...] about Forum: ALP reform – are Macklin and Bracks on track?
12 steps to reform for the ALP – a petition to Bracks-Macklin from OL & the Independents
12 steps to reform for the Victorian ALP Victorian Labor needs to empower all our members by more direct voting and active participation using 21st century technologies. The ALP needs far-sighted change to play its part in the election of strong Labor governments and implement progressive … [Read more...] about 12 steps to reform for the ALP – a petition to Bracks-Macklin from OL & the Independents
Can the ALP be reformed? – A brilliant cross factional online forum – 9 Sept
9 Sept 2020: an absolutely fabulous online panel debate run by Open Labor, Per Capita and The John Cain Institute. The event booked out fast at 450 bookings. There was an intense online audience questions and electrifying chats and three great presentations. So exciting to see a dignified … [Read more...] about Can the ALP be reformed? – A brilliant cross factional online forum – 9 Sept
Focus on the secret ballot
Australia pioneered the secret ballot as a cornerstone of democracy. But while the secret ballot is enshrined in ALP rules, factions insist that their delegates hand over or show their voting papers to ensure they follow the factional line. In this Open Labor debate, Janet … [Read more...] about Focus on the secret ballot
Open Labor’s first submission to the Review of the Victorian ALP
20 July 2020: Open Labor's initial response to Bracks and Macklin's request for input on Victorian Labor reform priorities, rule changes, operational and cultural changes, factions and Party leadership. Q.1 As a matter of principle, what should be the reform priority for the … [Read more...] about Open Labor’s first submission to the Review of the Victorian ALP
Bracks and Macklin back membership by ‘traceable means’
The early actions of party administrators Jenny Macklin and Steve Bracks are promising. They are communicating clearly with members, they have set out an ambitious agenda, and they are taking the first steps to achieve it. Party reformers have long argued that branch-stacking can be reduced by … [Read more...] about Bracks and Macklin back membership by ‘traceable means’
Locking Out the Left: The Emergence of National Factions in Australian Labor – by Osmond Chiu
27 July 2020 Jacobin Magazine Osmond Chiu writes: Labor’s branch-stacking scandal has turned attention to the organized ALP factions. While factions are decried as Cold War remnants or as patronage machines, the reality is more complex. External link to Jacobin article opening in new tab … [Read more...] about Locking Out the Left: The Emergence of National Factions in Australian Labor – by Osmond Chiu
The ALP & branch rules & codes of ethics
Few of us have read our rules: so here are the Victorian and NSW ALP branch rules plus the national ALP Constitution and Rules plus the NSW code of ethics. Brilliant. Your comments below the line here could be very helpful for those pondering rule changes and a code of ethics. Tell us if there … [Read more...] about The ALP & branch rules & codes of ethics
Somyurek scandal provides a chance to clean up the ALP – by Race Mathews
18 June 2020 The Age. Race Mathews writes: 'Daniel Andrews, Anthony Albanese and Wayne Swan are to be congratulated on securing the Steve Bracks/Jenny Macklin review of the Victorian ALP's toxic factionalism and attendant membership and governance rorts.' [Read more - … [Read more...] about Somyurek scandal provides a chance to clean up the ALP – by Race Mathews
Let’s get Labor back to its best – about Open Labor
For over a century the ALP has fought for changes that have made Australia a better society. Open Labor believes the ALP is at its best when it is prepared to debate and tackle the big issues, and to draw on the wisdom, knowledge and experience of all its members. It is time to … [Read more...] about Let’s get Labor back to its best – about Open Labor