These are hard times for our party. Hard times might give us hope too, but reform needs sustained and fierce leadership from the top. Let’s first talk about the difficult times We have lost seven out of nine federal elections, including one last year we absolutely should have won. Our share … [Read more...] about Why hard times for our party might give us hope – Sept 2020
Thinking about Labor reform
For a stronger more democratic ALP
Speaking at an Open Labor and Independents panel with Steve Bracks and Jenny Macklin, Open Labor speaker Katherine Cozens argued for a stronger more democratic ALP as the way to real reform. The panel was hosted in partnership with Per Capita 23 Sept 2020. Thank you, Jenny and Steve, for joining … [Read more...] about For a stronger more democratic ALP
Overcoming perverse incentives for branch stacking
Until the ALP overcomes the perverse incentives for branch stacking, the current behaviours will simply find ways around new reforms simply addressing rule and process changes. Julia Thornton says that people shy away from 'culture' as too difficult to discuss. This approach will not bring about … [Read more...] about Overcoming perverse incentives for branch stacking
12 steps to Labor reform – a petition from Open Labor & the Independents
The ALP needs to implement the following 12 steps to Labor reform to ensure the election of strong Labor governments and implement progressive policies for all Victorians. In September 2020, Open Labor and the Independents plus over a 100 signatories called on Administrators Macklin and … [Read more...] about 12 steps to Labor reform – a petition from Open Labor & the Independents
Labor democracy: why ALP reform matters – speech by Mark Butler, 22 Jan 2018
Labor democracy: why ALP reform matters. Mark Butler's swansong speech as ALP President 22 January 2018 delivered to the VIC Fabian Society. Open Labor thinks this is a good and saddening introduction to party factions and organisational inertia. 22 January 2018. Mark Butler's full speech is … [Read more...] about Labor democracy: why ALP reform matters – speech by Mark Butler, 22 Jan 2018
The 8 or 9 previous ALP reform reports 1964–2020
Present or previous ALP reform reports: “The individual party membership is appalling. Our membership in relation to our vote is less than one per cent!...One reason is that the party does little to encourage people to join. Too many branches meet in shabby, ill-lit and depressing surroundings. Too … [Read more...] about The 8 or 9 previous ALP reform reports 1964–2020
Can the ALP be reformed? – a cross factional online forum – 9 Sept 2020
Can the ALP be reformed? An excellent online panel debate, attended by 450 people, run by Open Labor, Per Capita and The John Cain Institute. There was an intense online audience questions and electrifying chats and three great presentations. Exciting to see a dignified online democracy, learning, … [Read more...] about Can the ALP be reformed? – a cross factional online forum – 9 Sept 2020
Andrew Giles: Can Labor be reformed? – Sept 2020
Can Labor be reformed? The answer to the question is yes - but, respectfully, I don’t believe this is the right question. We have to address the question of how to reform Labor, on the understanding that this is an existential question, said Andrew Giles MP, panelist at the on-line Open Labor / Per … [Read more...] about Andrew Giles: Can Labor be reformed? – Sept 2020
Janet McCalman – can the Labor Party be reformed?
Can the Labor Party be reformed? The recent branch-stacking scandal reveals the fragility of the Victorian branch’s structures and operations. I make the following proposals for structural reform to bring about accountability, integrity, transparency and democracy to the Labor Party were drawn from … [Read more...] about Janet McCalman – can the Labor Party be reformed?
Labor People of Colour write to Open Labor
Labor People of Colour are a cross-factional group within the Labor Party, who are committed to supporting, educating, advocating and transforming the way Labor approaches the Australian BIPOC community and its BIPOC members (Ed. note BIPOC is the acronym for black, indigenous and people of … [Read more...] about Labor People of Colour write to Open Labor