Changes in internal practices and internal policies to increase the participation of women require political will on the part of the leadership of the Party. Changing the attitudes of the executive decision makers in the Party to support gender equality is the key to changing practices and internal policies of the Party. The change in attitude towards the role of women in politics that occurred in the ALP in the 1980’s was evidenced by the incorporation of affirmative action requirements into its Party rules. The rules began by making provision for 25% of women in key party structures (executive, conference delegates, administrative committee etc) and then extended to candidates for elected office. The rules today specify that “All elections for three or more Party positions shall comply with the Affirmative Action Rule so that not less than 40 percent of such positions shall be held by women and not less than 40 percent by men, provided that sufficient candidates of the relevant gender nominate.” This same rule will apply after 2012 to candidates for elected office (currently the quota is 35%). Other major political parties in Australia do not use such affirmative action rules/strategies and as a result do not have as many women in decision making roles in their parties or MP’s as does the ALP. Our campaign for affirmative action was a long and difficult one and I can appreciate why women may be asking how else can they increase women’s political participation. However our experience shows that the development and implementation of affirmative action rules within political parties is a worthwhile long term goal. The establishment of a women’s branch or a women’s policy committee can be the vehicle for beginning the change in male attitudes and a first step in the campaign for affirmative action. Attracting women into the party to get the number of votes needed to have influence in party decision making or policy forums is also a vital step and a women’s branch can be a more comfortable place for women entering politics for the first time. However it is crucial to integrate a women’s branch into the structure of the Party and define its role, or it will run the risk of being marginalized and powerless. The ALP rules (nationally and for each State branch) specify the role, composition and powers of the Labor Women’s Organisation (LWO). See rules of Queensland Branch attached. If a women’s branch is established it can lobby for change within the party. It can also perform a range of activities such as deliver training for women party members or prospective candidates for election in a range of areas (campaigning, media management public speaking, meeting procedure, fundraising etc). The ALP supports training for all members and the Equity Officer (when this position existed) provided training programs for women in these areas. (I thought the iKNOW Politics consolidated response on women’s units some time back was excellent). This training can also be provided by outside support groups for women like EMILY’s List which provides training for ALP women candidates and MP’s. The LWO holds its own conference every year with support from the Party in order to give women an opportunity to discuss policy, lobby on specific issues and network. The ALP also has a Women’s Policy Committee that influences Party policy. The AA rules of the Party described above also specify the number of women delegates that must be elected from branches and unions to attend Party Conferences (where the party decides policy and rules) to ensure they have a strong voice. In conclusion, the experience of women in the ALP indicates that the rules of the Party are the most powerful tools for mandating action within the Party to increase the participation of women. The campaign to introduce AA or other rules to support women will require a strong organized campaign over a number of years. However some change may come about, even before new rules are in place. Successful strategies to increase the participation of women in politics include the formation of women’s branches, increasing the number of women in the Party and enlisting male “champions” with influence within the Party. In some cultures Female champions (wives, mothers, sisters) of male Party Leaders can be very helpful too. Dr Lesley Clark Former MP from Queensland, Australia

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2008 Qld ALP Rules and Regulations.pdf	579.88 KB