NS: ALP National Conference 2007
This Conference is the next important step in defining Labor’s alternative policy vision and practical policies for Australia’s future.
Date: 18 December 2006
LABOR’S NEW team under the leadership of Kevin Rudd will be the focus of the ALP’s 44th National Conference.
The National Conference is the high point of Labor’s democratic structure. An opportunity for debate and dialogue, the 44th National Conference promises to be one of the most important ever, with the Conference being held only months before the general election.
Delegates will deliver to the ALP our most up-to-date National Platform, and a fighting Platform for Labor Leader Kevin Rudd. Labor’s new leadership team will be active participants in all debates and events. Further detail on Labor’s policies such as the economy, climate change, industrial relations, health and education will be discussed.
The Conference will be an opportunity for delegates and observers to see Labor’s alternative policy vision and practical policies for Australia’s future.
400 elected delegates, including all State and Territory Premiers and Chief Ministers and many hundreds of observers will take their place at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour on Friday 27 April for the opening speech of Conference by the Leader of the Labor Party, Kevin Rudd.
Chairing the 44th ALP National Conference will be the first official duty of Senator John Faulkner when he takes up his position as ALP National President. The three-day conference will conclude on Sunday 29 April 2007.
Draft Platform
The main purpose of the Conference is to debate and approve a new National Platform for the 2007 federal election. The National Policy Committee (NPC) is coordinating the drafting of the National Platform and has been receiving submissions from members, unions, state conferences and policy committees.
For the first time members were able to send in suggestions and submissions individually. The NPC also trialled national email consultations on climate change, urban development and childcare. More Party forums were organised than ever before, with shadow ministers, local members and party activists able to discuss the issues comprehensively and have a say in the content of the draft Platform.
The response to all these initiatives has been very strong, particularly from the Party's rank and file.
The draft Platform will have been the subject of consultation with affiliated unions, national committees and state policy committees. This exhaustive process will deliver to delegates an up-to-date draft, reflecting Labor’s current campaigns and enduring values.
Fringe Program
After a successful trial of this program at the 2004 Conference, we will be running an expanded Fringe Program in 2007. The Fringe will include a full program of events throughout the three days of Conference and we hope all delegates and observers will participate. Further information on the Fringe Program will be available on the ALP website (www.alp.org.au) in the lead up to Conference.
Registration
Party members wishing to register as conference observers can download a registration form or register on-line by clicking here.
Volunteers
In order for National Conference to operate effectively we require the assistance of many volunteers. We are looking for ALP members who would like to work during Conference in a variety of areas. If you are interested in volunteering please email Sandy Rippingale, National Conference Co-ordinator, sandy.rippingale@cbr.alp.org.au for more information.
NOTE: For all the details, please visit the ALP’s Conference page by clicking HERE.
