Issue No 14 | 21 May 1999 | |
Letters to the EditorFaction Calls Miss Point
Dear Editor Both the contributions from Michael Costa and Adam Searle on reforming the rules of the ALP are timely and welcome. However, their reform suggestions both seem to suffer from the same weakness - an underlying framework of old industrial structures and technology. The ALP culture, participation and rules can be massively reformed using the innovative technologies now in place. The availability of the internet and digital technologies provides the scope to completely re-define what is meant by meeting, conferencing and participation. Virtual meetings, deliberative and direct on line voting are available as means to widen participation and policy debate. Policy committees and conferences can be relayed out to the whole ALP membership by the availability of the new technologies. ALP policy forums have the potential to be conducted on line and at any time. The ALP orginated and grew out of the industrial age. It is not surprising that much of its rules - such as local branches and participation, fixed meeting schedules, centralised conferencing, etc - are by products of this age. If the ALP is to make the shift to the knowledge and information age, then as a first step, it needs to align its culture and rules to the age. Taking advantage of the technologies to transform participation and access is a valuable start. Yours sincerely Alex Sanchez
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Interview: Madame President The new President of the NSW Legislative Council Meredith Burgmann has spent most of her life opposing authority. Now she has a chance to exercise it. Unions: The ACTU Faces the Labour Hire Challenge The enormous growth in labour hire and contracting out employment is creating a big challenge for unions worldwide. History: The Wartime Women�s Employment Board During World War II policy makers were forced to embraqce a unique wage-fixing method. Labour Review: What's New from the Information Centre View the latest issue of Labour Review, Labor Council's fortnightly newsletter for unions. Review: Origlass Biographer Keeps Red Flag Flying The self proclaimed 'ultra-democrat', Hall Greenland, has described his relationship with the Balmain legend Nick Origlass as "Freudian". International: Paddy's Payback But for the Timorese many Australian diggers, like retired wharfie Paddy Kenneally, would have died at the hands of the Japanese during WW2. Now it's time to return the favour... Campus: Tales from the Frontline This week's successful VSU protests seem to have killed off Kemp's ideological agenda. We go live to the protest
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