Australian Labor Party caucus

[morgieb]

This sounds good.

Name: Tom Henry
Age: 39
Party: Labor
Mini Bio: Born to a lower middle-class family in Bexley, Tom Henry was always a gifted talent. Educated at the elite Sydney Technical High School, he finished 3rd in his year and studied Arts/Law majoring in Political Science at Sydney University, where he was heavily involved in student politics and had protested against. After university, he took a job as a barrister, but resigned not long afterwards and became a staffer in the Premier's office. He was a smart catch for the ALP in 2004, and has become a major player in the ALP's factional battles. His popularity may be declining, but his seat still remains relatively secure until he quits parliament.
Address: Brighton-le-Sands, NSW
Electorate: Barton
Place of Birth: Kogarah, NSW
Occupation: Barrister, political staffer
Property Owned: Detatched house.
Religion: Raised a Catholic, but describes himself as Agnostic.
Sexuality: Married, has one child, is expecting a second one.
Addictions: Previously has had alcohol problems and was heavily overweight, but got a health kick and lost much weight so none right now.
Medical Conditions: None as far he knows of.

[morgieb]

Party Name (please preference votes)
[1] Australian Labor Party
[3] Progressive Reform Party
[2] Social Democratic Party
[ ] Write-in:

How should frontbenchers (ministers/shadow ministers) be appointed? (please cross next to preference)
[ x ] Appointed by Party Leader
[   ] Elected by the caucus to each individual ministry

[morgieb]

Nominating Tom Henry for Party Leadership.

[morgieb]

Tom Henry

[morgieb]

Thank you to all those who voted me in. I will lead this party with the same gutso and conviction that my predecessors have.

As the leader of the party, and to open a branch to the left faction, who supported my opponent Willow Wong-Jones, I endorse Dave Astuzia for the leadership.

[ 3 ] Keven Jahanshahi
[ 2 ] Colin Elliot
[ 1 ] Dave Astuzia

(OOC) BTW, it's interesting that all three of the deputy leader candidates are from inner-suburban Sydney, as is the leader.

[morgieb]

People raise some valid points.

I'm not sure whether we should focus all our attention (not that we would anyway) on these social matters, but assuming party support I'm happy to have them on the platform.

[morgieb]

Yes. I would appreciate your support in contacting me as to which ministerial positions you desire. I have a few already in my head, but not for everyone.

[morgieb]

OK, right now I going to do:

Deputy Leader & Foreign Affairs: Dave Astuzia
Attorney-General: Kevan Jahanshahi
Infrastructure, Transport & Women: Willow Wong-Jones
Health & Industrial Relations: Colin Elliott
Treasurer: Andrew Lawson
Environment & Immigration: Gordon Menzies

Who have I missed?

[morgieb]

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.

[morgieb]

Not sure about the most recent platform, but here's some info on a Gillard aged care policy from last year:

http://australianpolitics.com/2012/04/20/gillard-announces-aged-care-policy.html

Also, does anyone know where the PM is? He hasn't been here for a while and we need to get into election mode.

Sorry. Have been kinda busy lately and not a lot was going on here.

Liking a lot of ideas so far. Will do a review soon.