We're Part of a Movement

Labor is part of the wider union and progressive movements. And we see our party as the most effective and power vehicle for progressive political change through government.

Labor & The Parliamentary Party

The Parliamentary wings of our party include our representatives in the ACT Legislative Assembly and the Federal parliament. Their job is to implement the policies contained in the Party’s Platform and to represent the members of the community based on shared values.

This means that the membership, affiliated unions and elected representatives must work constructively together to ensure they can implement the party’s policies whilst responding to the needs of the community as they arise.

From time to time, parliamentarians, members or unions may wish to change the party’s position on policy. These sorts of decisions are made at Annual Conference, where all sections of the party are represented.

Unlike other political parties, when decisions are adopted by Conference, they are binding on the party. The binding nature of these decisions applies to our parliamentarians too, which obligates them to implement the party’s policies.

Labor & The Union Movement

The Labor Party was formed in 1891 to ensure that worker’s voices were heard in Australia’s Parliaments. Individual unions affiliated with state and territory ALP branches, allowing their members to get a say through representation at Branch Conference and Branch Council.

The ACT Trades and Labour Council, otherwise known as Unions ACT, also have representation on the ACT Labor Advisory Council (ACTLAC). This body is a formal consultative mechanism between the Party and the union movement.

Labor Party members are encouraged to join the relevant union for their occupation.