Jane Garrett

Candidate Statement

This ballot is a critical opportunity for all ALP members to have a say in the direction of our party.

Along with Jenny McAllister and Claire Moore, I am standing to make sure that members have a real say in the Labor Party.

I am hopeful that after National Conference in December, the election of National President will no longer be the only way in which the membership can be heard on issues of national importance.

A critical first step would be to implement the recommendations of the Bracks–Faulkner–Carr Review and shift the focus of our party towards building a culture of activism within the communities we represent.

But organisational change is a means — not an end in itself. Labor’s mission is to build a more just society, not a more perfect political structure.

To do this, we must show more policy courage. While pricing carbon is a fundamental challenge we have seized, Labor supporters are also demanding compassion towards those seeking asylum and are seeking substantive equality — in workplaces and in marriage laws.

If I am elected I will be a strong advocate for progressive policies and for our platform as the centrepiece of our actions in government.

We should never lose sight of the fact that our policy strengths are those with their foundations in making a just and fair society — we are the party that stands for investing in social housing, public education, hospitals and Medicare.

As a newly elected Member of the Victorian Parliament, I have seen our party at its best — from the experience of seeking the support of local party members, to working with affiliates and community groups, to the rewards of participating in a very grassroots campaign with hundreds of volunteers.

By building on these strengths I believe we can see off the challenge represented by the Greens. This challenge is critical not just because Labor should fight for support in every community, but more importantly because we have always been the party that delivers on a progressive vision of a stronger and fairer society.

To do this we need to rebuild our grassroots organisational strength and reconnect with Labor supporters who have lost faith in us recently.

These challenges bring with them great opportunities, and I have great faith in our membership. I passionately believe that if our party offers people something meaningful to participate in, we can strengthen our claim to be the party of progressive Australians.

I have spent my life standing up for better conditions for working people and a more socially just and equal society. I have been a lawyer at Slater & Gordon, where I worked closely with unions to represent and advance workers’ rights across the country. I have also served as a mayor of a metropolitan council where I worked hard to improve local services and build a stronger and more cohesive community. I hope that you will support my candidacy.