ALP moves on stacking
August 09, 2002

A REVAMP of ALP branch structures, moves to end branch-stacking and cuts to union representation are the major recommendations of a modernisation plan handed to the party's national executive today.

Party elders Neville Wran and Bob Hawke wrote the National Committee of Review Report after the ALP's third consecutive federal election loss in November.

The report says the party's major policy-making forum, the national conference, should be significantly increased.

At the same time, union power would be diluted by dumping the 60:40 rule in favour of union delegates, and introducing 50:50 representation.

The report says state conferences should also adopt the 50:50 rule where it does not currently apply, and they also should be enlarged.

Branch structures should be expanded beyond geography, with a trial of policy branches recommended.

In addition, branches should consider new ways of organising themselves, for example, around workplaces or even online.

The report recommends strengthening ties between the party and the union movement in several ways, including requiring Labor MPs to communicate with union activists in their electorates.

The ALP should also offer discounted memberships to unionists, and revitalise the Australian Labor Advisory Council.

Mr Wran and Mr Hawke said many submissions to their review expressed anger at the way factions determined who was selected as candidates.

"Central to the concerns of the party's members is the perception that the factions dominate preselections, effectively locking up the process by excluding non-aligned members," they said.

The report says the party's leader, and its election campaign director, should get more say in the choice of candidates in targeted or safe seats.

The selection process would start at least 18 months out from polling day, with the party's national executive able to enforce Labor's target of 35 per cent women candidates.

There should be a longer term goal of boosting that figure to 50 per cent, the report says.

In order to boost its representation in regional areas, the report says senators should be encouraged to either live in non-Labor seats or country centres.

Larger state conferences would be charged with selecting senators, it says.

Mr Wran and Mr Hawke also backed tougher funding disclosure rules, including the closure of third-party fundraising loopholes.

AAP