26 Nov 2020 initial ABC report on the recommendations arising from the Macklin/Bracks review of the Victorian ALP writes more than 1,700 Victorian Labor members have been expelled in an attempt to clean up the branch stacking. Jenny Macklin said the audit of the party's 13,000 Victorian members is … [Read more...] about Victorian Labor expels hundreds of members after review into branch-stacking allegations – by Richard Willingham
The role of unions in the ALP – submission by Max Ogden
Max Ogden, retired union official and ACTU Industrial Officer writes to Administrators Jenny Macklin and Steve Bracks. I strongly support those submissions which I have seen calling for far greater democracy, transparency, and strong democratic links to local communities, and to the many … [Read more...] about The role of unions in the ALP – submission by Max Ogden
Organized factions must be outlawed
This is an edited version of Dennis Glover’s submission to the Bracks-Macklin Review of the Victorian Branch of the ALP. Dennis writes: I am going to confine myself to answering the first question of the review submission form. My 38 years of experience working at the highest levels of the … [Read more...] about Organized factions must be outlawed
For members responding to Q3.1 – Is the current branch structure fit for purpose 2020 and beyond?
Sarina Greco, President Prahran ALP, forwarded Open Labor the following article. Open Labor does not have a single position on this important matter. Sarina Greco writes. Members should be aware a rule change being considered to change from the current branch rule that members must be part of … [Read more...] about For members responding to Q3.1 – Is the current branch structure fit for purpose 2020 and beyond?
The road to reforming Labor runs through the trade unions
Jennifer Beacham, Daylesford branch member in the Ballarat FEA and a former ALP State Secretary in the early '90s, is currently finishing her PhD on the History of the Ballarat Trades Hall. She sent Open Labor her submission to the Administrators. She writes: Farming has often been discussed in … [Read more...] about The road to reforming Labor runs through the trade unions
Does NZ Labour provide a model of membership?
Pauline Brown, writes: The paper by Steve Bracks and Jenny Macklin, Victorian Labor, Progress and Integrity, puts forward questions about how we honour the reasons people join the Party, how we make membership more meaningful and how we recruit and keep more members. To my dismay, the … [Read more...] about Does NZ Labour provide a model of membership?
ALP rank and file push reforms – by Noel Turnbull
24 September 2020 Pearls and Irritations Noel Turnbull writes: 'The Bracks-Macklin Victorian ALP review released its first recommendations in July 2020 – no brainer rules amendments for immediate action to end bulk membership sign-ups and ensure individual members pay for their own … [Read more...] about ALP rank and file push reforms – by Noel Turnbull
Benalla ALP Branch submission to Victorian Branch Reform
Sept 2020 – This is the response submitted from Benalla branch to the Victorian ALP Reform review. The branch writes: "It is generally supportive of the Open Labor/Independents proposals while also emphasising the need for a community organising approach to building the Party and achieving labour … [Read more...] about Benalla ALP Branch submission to Victorian Branch Reform
Update from Bracks & Macklin – 18 Sept 2020
Dear fellow Labor member: We know we are writing at an extraordinary time when many of us are living under stress, and we witness the extraordinary work of our health and essential workers. It is just another reminder of how important it is to elect and support Labor Governments in their … [Read more...] about Update from Bracks & Macklin – 18 Sept 2020
Labor democracy: why Party reform matters – by Mark Butler
22 January 2018 – VIC Fabian Society speech. Read Mark Butler's swansong speech as ALP President 22 January 2018. It's a great, and a saddening, introduction to Party factions. Mark's speech is available here. … [Read more...] about Labor democracy: why Party reform matters – by Mark Butler