Reform the NSW Labor Party! Open letter to McKay and Minns

100% membership democracy for all cogs of the party.

Thanks to everyone who signed, here is the response from Chris Minns: Friends, Thanks for the opportunity to answer some questions in the lead up to the NSW Labor Parliamentary Party Leader ballot. I think this process has been a positive one, allowing members to directly engage with potential leadership candidates on the direction and priorities of NSW Labor. This is why I argued for this process and ushered it through the Rules Reform process when I was Assistant General Secretary In response to your specific questions, I’ll answer in two parts. In relation to Question 4, I will absolutely support a reform and review of the way NSW Labor develops policy. I think there should be substantially more opportunities for rank and file members of the party to engage in this process. Some of these things are easily fixed – like having the contact details of the Chairs and Deputy Chairs of the Policy Committees easily available on the ALP website. This is a no-brainer and can be quickly remedied. Some are more complicated, like how we can make the Policy Forum successful after years of fits and starts. I would welcome an opportunity for the entire labor movement – branch members, parliamentarians and unions – to contribute to this review and ensure we have best practise processes for grassroots engagement in policy making processes. This will deliver not only better policy, but an engaged party membership invested in this policy and enthusiastic about advocating for it to friends, colleagues and neighbours. In response to the other questions in relation to more direct election for NSW Labor positions, I’ll answer these questions as a group. As stated above, I think this process has been a successful one and direct member involvement in Labor processes is a good thing. I also respect the primacy of NSW Labor Annual Conference. It is a large and essentially democratic gathering of members and unions from across NSW. I think it is important NSW Labor Leaders acknowled

Thank you all so much for signing. Here is Jodi's response: Thank you for your petition. These proposals are a contribution to the debate on how our party can best be structured, and I welcome that. I have thought deeply on the specific measures you have put forward, but before I embrace any reform proposals I want to discuss them with all elements of our party and movement. I want the Labor Party to be the best version of itself, and part of that means having structures fit for the 21st century, that get the best out of members’ efforts and those of our affiliated unions – and their members. However, the structures and processes of our party are bigger than any one person or group. They must be approached seriously and not be determined on the run. I don’t think the context of this leadership election is the way to get the best reforms that we can. During this leadership election you will have seen what I have set out as my policy priorities and objectives. My history shows that I have never been owned by any vested interest, inside or outside the Labor Party. If I am elected leader, I will ensure the voice of party members is heard loud and clear. I want to lead a conversation about all of our party processes, from how we develop policy, to the way we choose our candidates and party officials. That dialogue must involve party members across the State, including in the regions. It must also involve our affiliated unions. Any reform proposals must respect the history and contributions made by each of our component parts: the rank and file, the unions and the Parliamentary Party. To be effective and durable, any reforms must have broad-based support. That is why I believe that specific reform proposals must be developed in a collaborative and deliberative way. I do want to find new and better ways for all elements of our party to have a bigger say on what we do and the policies we put forward to the community. One area I think needs

Chris Minns' campaign has also replied and said they'll come back to us by Wednesday as well.

A bit more democracy in Labor could only serve us well

Waiting to hear from candidates before voting.

7 years ago Featured

Jodi McKay's campaign has got back to us and will provide answers as soon as they can, before 19 June!

7 years ago Featured

Absolutely necessary changes to better position Labor to win Government in the 21st Century

Wholeheartedly endorse these proposed changes to party rules

We are making progress but do need to meet the expectations of new members

7 years ago Featured

We must open up the democratic processes of our Party ... it’s becoming an echo chamber.

7 years ago Featured

Please consider this reform, the future used to look bigger and brighter, let us believe again more freely

Time for more power to members

Democracy at all levels.

7 years ago Featured

It is time for serious reform. Overcoming the ‘reality’ of Party factions would also help. Their differences are minimal more about personalities.

I joined the ALP 5 years ago to reform and change for a better ALP

All or any of these would be a welcome change.

Good work Luke. We need these reforms.

The weighted system is it fair?

7 years ago Featured

These reforms are essential to growing our party and achieving progressive social change.