The Construction Forestry Maritime Mining and Energy Union wrote to all four candidates for ALP National President in identical terms, requesting their position on three rule changes the union has proposed.

Below are their responses:

Mich-Elle Myers

Question 1. The union proposes that in future members of the Parliamentary Party should be excluded from the positions of Party President and Party Vice Presidents. Do you support this proposed rule change?

Yes. The simple fact is that someone holding a Parliamentary position has an inherent conflict of interest. This rule will mean a fairer party and broaden the roles available to members of the party to allow for more participation.

Question 2. The Union also proposes that in future the rules of the party should not allow for men to hold the position of President for consecutive terms. The union proposes that at a minimum the position of party President must rotate between men and women across the election cycle so as to ensure that whilst women may hold the position of President from one term to the next, men cannot. Do you support the proposed rule change?

Yes – if we’re serious about AA, we need to get serious about the way we pick our president.

Question 3. Finally, the union believes that there should be a genuine standalone election for the positon of Party President, with separate elections for the positions of Vice President. Do you support the proposed rule change?

Yes – So many members have contacted me to say they’re confused by the current process. Separate elections will mean people know exactly what they’re voting for. It’s more democratic, and it’s fairer.

Claire Moore

Question 1. The union proposes that in future members of the Parliamentary Party should be excluded from the positions of Party President and Party Vice Presidents. Do you support this proposed rule change?

No

Question 2. The Union also proposes that in future the rules of the party should not allow for men to hold the position of President for consecutive terms. The union proposes that at a minimum the position of party President must rotate between men and women across the election cycle so as to ensure that whilst women may hold the position of President from one term to the next, men cannot. Do you support the proposed rule change?

No

Question 3. Finally, the union believes that there should be a genuine standalone election for the positon of Party President, with separate elections for the positions of Vice President. Do you support the proposed rule change?

No

Comment:

I believe these proposals should be discussed across the membership to allow the widest possible consideration. I want to hear the arguments before I decide, rather than just an opinion. I think all members should have the right to nominate for positions and to seek support from across the party. I want more information about Question 2, as I am not sure of the benefit of limiting terms by gender. Question 3. Again, I want more information about timing and the impact of the proposed change.

Mark Butler

I support Party members being able to vote for any candidate they choose, subject to the application of the Party’s affirmative action rules.

Wayne Swan

Wayne Swan is yet to provide us with a response