Statement on the declaration of the National President Ballot
Jenny McAllister
posted Saturday, 26 November 2011
Newly elected ALP National President Jenny McAllister today thanked party members for their support and promised to faithfully represent their interests over her term.
“It is an honour to represent ALP members, who have been the bedrock of our party over our long history. It’s a responsibility I take very seriously,” she said.
Ms McAllister said the ballot had been an enlivening process, which demonstrated the desire of members to contribute to the Party’s future.
“The Labor Party is first and foremost about promoting our vision and policies for a prosperous, fair and sustainable Australia. During this ballot party members certainly took the opportunity to press candidates for their views on a range of policy issues.”
“All the candidates took that process seriously, and the ballot was a terrific demonstration of the traditions of democracy and debate in our party.”
Ms McAllister congratulated the other successful candidates, Tony Sheldon and Jane Garrett, saying she looked forward to serving with them in the coming years.
Ms McAllister said her immediate priority is party renewal.
“Labor’s future lies in opening up our party to new people and ideas. We’re always at our strongest when our membership is large, diverse and engaged.”
“I expect we’ll take some important decisions at National Conference next week that make that task easier. My first priority will be to work with members, the party organisation and the parliamentary leadership to implement those reforms,” she said.
Tags: Jenny McAllister, Members and Supporters, President