There’s nothing strange about branch stacking, but what was unusual in rise and fall of Adem Somyurek was the amassing of enormous power by one man, a junior minister and member of Victoria’s upper house. How could this occur? Somyurek and his officers were caught on video forging signatures and … [Read more...] about The rise and rise and fall of Adem Somyurek – by Guy Rundle, Jacobin, 20 June 2020
ALP people & histories
Eulogy to Andrew Herington 1952–2021
Andrew Herington was a good friend of Open Labor. We grieve for his loss and send our thoughts and respect to his family. Steve Bracks AC delivered the eulogy to Andrew at St Kilda Town Hall, 30 April 2021. Andrew would want me to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this place – the Boon … [Read more...] about Eulogy to Andrew Herington 1952–2021
What is the point of Labor? by Noel Turnbull, Pearls & Irritations 17 Feb 2021
What is the Point of Labor? Noel Turnbull reviews Barry Jones’ new book What Is To Be Done, and provides some answers, citing Jones' policy list: [External link to article] Barry Jones' policy list Renovate the Constitution.Have an Australian head of state.Adopt a Bill of Rights.Create an … [Read more...] about What is the point of Labor? by Noel Turnbull, Pearls & Irritations 17 Feb 2021
Is Labor still the party of initiative? – by Paul Strangio, The Conversation, 5 Feb 2021
Strangio asks: 'Is Labor still the party of initiative in Australian politics ... the past two years seem only to have deepened the party’s uncertainty about its mission. The ALP seems as nonplussed as ever about a finding a formula for speaking simultaneously to workers from the inner cities, … [Read more...] about Is Labor still the party of initiative? – by Paul Strangio, The Conversation, 5 Feb 2021
Nothing new, but surely it’s time to stop – by Pete Steedman, The Age, 1994
It's time to stop - Pete Steedman sent us this story below he wrote in 1994. It's called 'Branch stacking - the bad news for Labor and the community'. Stories about the ethnic branch stacking and other moves. Surely it's time to stop – apologies about the poor photo resolution … [Read more...] about Nothing new, but surely it’s time to stop – by Pete Steedman, The Age, 1994
Locking out the Left: the emergence of national factions in Labor – by Osmond Chiu
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. ' This is a heavily edited reorder of the article. Read Osmond Chiu's original full … [Read more...] about Locking out the Left: the emergence of national factions in Labor – by Osmond Chiu
How Victoria’s rotten Stability Pact keeps Labor undemocratic – by Steve Gibbons, Crikey 24 Oct 2016
Former Bendigo MP Steve Gibbons writes: "With Stephen Conroy departing the scene, will Victorian Labor finally be free of the undemocratic embarrassment that is Victoria’s rotten Stability Pact and a return to some form of basic fairness in future party activities and preselections? Gibbons … [Read more...] about How Victoria’s rotten Stability Pact keeps Labor undemocratic – by Steve Gibbons, Crikey 24 Oct 2016
Let us now begin, Victorian intervention 1970 – by Race Mathews, Pearls & Irritations, July 2015
Let us now begin ... Race Mathews writes a gripping story of the Victorian intervention 1970. He urges ALP members to secure the reinstatement of democracy and the rule of law within the party, and ensure that it is passed on unimpaired to those who come after us. 'By the early nineteen-sixties, … [Read more...] about Let us now begin, Victorian intervention 1970 – by Race Mathews, Pearls & Irritations, July 2015
Public pessimism, political complacency: restoring trust & reforming Labor – by John Faulkner – 7 Oct 2014
Senator John Faulkner’s address to The Light on the Hill Society, downloaded in full from the excellent website, Australian politics.com who write: "Senator John Faulkner has renewed his call on restoring trust & reforming Labor, arguing that party reform is vital to tackling the public … [Read more...] about Public pessimism, political complacency: restoring trust & reforming Labor – by John Faulkner – 7 Oct 2014
2014 Victorian Labors new crisis – by Race Mathews, SMH, 3 Mar 2014
An edited version of the 2014 Victorian Labor's new crisis article by Race Mathews, focusing on factional anti-democratic processes, starting some history of the 1960s "Scoresby Letter" impact on ALP democratisation and the 1970 Victorian ALP federal intervention. Federal leader Bill Shorten has … [Read more...] about 2014 Victorian Labors new crisis – by Race Mathews, SMH, 3 Mar 2014