2010 ALP National Review Report
Labor HQ
posted Friday, 18 February 2011
The 2010 ALP National Review Report was today released. Former Premier of Victoria Steve Bracks, Senator John Faulkner and Former Premier of New South Wales Bob Carr were commissioned by the National Executive in September 2010 to examine Labor’s term in office, Labor’s election campaigning and to provide recommendations on growing and rebuilding the Labor Party.
“The Review Committee spoke to many hundreds of Party members and supporters about Labor’s future. They are passionate about our great Party but very concerned about its future.” Review Committee member Steve Bracks stated.
The Review was the largest ever conducted by the ALP receiving 800 formal submissions, hundreds of members attending Party forums and over 3,500 online supporters participating.
The Review Committee heard from many members and supporters that Labor at grassroots level faces serious challenges.
“We need to face up to some tough truths: our membership is declining and aging. Our local Branches are closing across the country on a monthly basis. If we do not take action now we risk a significant decline in the Party’s standing. We need to open the Party to more members and give those members more of a say.” John Faulkner said.
The Review Report provides a road-map for reforming Labor ahead of the 2011 National Conference, scheduled for December in Sydney.
“Our Report should be discussed and debated in every Branch, every electorate and state and national parliamentary caucuses ahead of the National Conference. We believe this report provides a solid basis for reform.” Bob Carr said.
The Review Report recommends significant changes in Labor’s organisation including:
- Growing the membership, by setting a membership growth figure and dedicating time and resources to rebuilding Labor’s grassroots organisation.
- Getting back members, granting a membership amnesty to former members who have left the Party in the last five years to encourage our former members back into the Party.
- Giving members a direct vote, recommending that members vote for National Conference delegates.
- Giving members a strong advocate, reforming the direct election of National President so that they are a voting member of the National Executive and a champion for the Party membership.
- Community engagement with primaries, introducing primaries for preselections in nonheld and open seats so that Labor’s supporters have a say in their local representatives.
- Out-reach to supporters, through a new online campaigning presence that promotes progressive campaigning on the issues of most concern to our supporters.
“The Review has not held back and has put forward a bold plan for rebuilding the Labor Party. It is now up to the delegates to National Conference to rise to the challenge and ensure that Labor remains the strong voice for working families and progressive Australians it has for the last 120 years.” Steve Bracks concluded.
Download a copy of the Review2010 Report
Tags: ALP, Australian Labor, Bracks, Carr, Faulkner, Members and Supporters, Review2010