Australian Labor Party caucus

[Cappuccino]

We should also probably start discussing our core policy positions in order to develop a comprehensive plan for this election. The Speaker has already identified eight core policy areas which we need to address, and I'd suggest that we give each of these areas to the most relevant minister/MP so they can brainstorm on the issue, and then present their ideas to the caucus for discussion and debate.

So if we do that, perhaps these key policy areas could be allocated for brainstorming as follows?

Budgetary Philosophy- Andrew Lawson
The Environment- Gordon Menzies
Education- Whoever the PM decides will take on the Education Ministry
Asylum Seekers- Since Mr. Menzies will already have the environment to do, perhaps I could take this on, since it is closely linked with international relations and may involve negotiation with Indonesia etc.
Infrastructure Project- Willow Wong
Aged care- Colin Elliott
Live animal exports Kevan Jahanshahi
Auto manufacturing- Tom Henry perhaps, since this doesn't involve a specific ministry

These are just suggestions, as I say.

[Cappuccino]

OOC: Since the large majority of the caucus are simulated MPs who will presumably be engineered to vote along party lines, a distinction between conscience and whipped votes is essentially immaterial, surely, unless the government has a very small majority.

Edit (also OOC): And Hifly, please stop trying to make abortion an issue, because it isn't one. Abortion is widely available across Aus and is governed by state law anyway. Even the Liberals don't question abortion irl. Limiting abortion access is never going to happen here.

[Cappuccino]

I think Frank Connor is the only MP without a ministry; I assume he is Speaker-Designate?

On another note, I agree that living standards and economic policy are the most important issues in this election, but they shouldn't prevent us from spending at least a little time on social policy. Legislating for marriage equality and an Australian Republic (in this case simply providing a choice via referendum) are both part of our party's platform as agreed at the most recent ALP National Convention in 2011. If anyone disagrees with taking our party's already-established position on these policies to the election then please say so and the caucus can vote on the issue.

Didn't see Frank Connor put his rego in. Assuming he's part of the party, he gets Education.

Speaker is hugh for now I believe.

Yeah Hugh's in charge at the moment but I think he said he was planning to step down and join one of the parties once parliament is formed, so if we form government we may have to elect a speaker from our own ranks.

[Cappuccino]

I think it's fine to post here, and from there we can discuss the policy propositions. With that in mind, here is a link to my plan for processing asylum seekers- it is complex but the issue itself is an extremely problematic one and I believe this plan addresses the key issues.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/191274752/ALP%20ASP.pdf