Some frequently asked questions about Open Labor – ask us some more...
What is Open Labor?
Open Labor first formed in 2013 as a loose grouping of ALP members and friends promoting ongoing renewal of the Australian Labor Party and a more open, democratic and optimistic politics. Open to new people, ideas and methods, more democratic, more optimistic and better connected connects with its members, supporters and the public.
Open Labor is non-aligned, and works with the Independents on campaigns, but we also welcome contributions from members of Left and Right factions – anyone committed to a more democratic ALP.
Is Open Labor a faction?
No. We don’t think so. Open Labor is a loose grouping of ALP members and friends promoting ongoing renewal of the Australian Labor Party and a more open, democratic and optimistic politics. We’re a broad ideological church, but on one thing we agree: the ALP needs to open itself up to its members.
Is Open Labor anti-faction?
No. We support the idea that the Labor movement is big enough and inclusive enough to allow for genuine ideological differences, and that organising like-minded individuals to work together towards those goals is logical and fair. Formalised factions are preferable to the LNP’s dishonest pretense that their factions don’t exist. What we object to is the type of murky, corrupt behaviour that led to the federal intervention.
I want to help! How can I get involved?
That’s great! We will be running Zoom meetings during this time, so keep an eye out on the website and the Facebook page. We’ll be reaching out to branches soon, too. Branches will be vital in building momentum before any rules debates at National Conference.
I’m in a faction, but broadly agree with these goals – do I have a place in Open Labor?
Yes. We are working to build a consensus across all of the Party. You are very welcome, and will be important in advocating for change. Please get in touch with us: we’d love to talk with you.
I’m not in the ALP, but broadly agree with these goals – do I have a place with Open Labor?
Also yes! Many genuine people have tried to join the Party and have been turned off by the unnecessary obstacles that are put in their way. We want to grow the Party, and bringing in new people, with their ideas and energy, is going to be vital.
So the Victorian Branch is in administration: what is the process from here on?
Have a look at the timeline, here on the website.
What are the obstacles to making these reforms a reality? Could this be just another in a long line of reports that disappear into the ether?
We hope not. A lot is at stake: if we can’t draw a consensus across the Party, and deal with the most egregious examples of branch stacking, then we may have lost a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Democracy is in retreat across the world – we cannot afford to let the rot spread any further here.
I find the ALP’s rules confusing and intimidating, so I generally avoid discussions about them. How can I learn about them?
You’re not alone. The rules are complicated, and hard to navigate. Please have a look at the four major goals we have identified: the need for more democracy, greater integrity, growth and capacity. All of our detailed reform proposals are driven by these goals: making the ALP more open and democratic.
I am a friend of the ALP – can I put my ideas on the Open Labor website?
Please do! Have a look at our editorial guidelines, and email us your piece. You’re also very welcome to comment on the pieces that other people have contributed. It’s this kind of open debate that we want to see modelled by the Party. (See our Contributions policy and Email us)
