Talk Elections

So we're using Australia as a starting point for the Mock Parliament's revival, and to start we're only using two parties. This will be the main discussion board for the ALP for leadership elections, policy decisions and the like. For those who don't know, Australian Labor is the country's major center-left party, heavily linked with the unions and generally socially progressive (although a Catholic-dominated Right Faction, which is quite socially conservative, exists IRL as well). So if you'd like to be a part of the new Mock Parliament as a Labor member, state your interest below and we'll go from there.

Yes please.

I'll join as well. Should I claim my seat and member right now, or wait a little bit longer?

If we can claim people I'll take Tanya Plibersek.

Sure, I think seat claiming now is fine; probably best to choose a safe Labor seat IRL though, for the sake of the GM when simulating elections- and I don't think you have to stick with a real life parliamentarian either, but it's up to you.

And so, I'll claim Anthony Albanese representing the division of Grayndler.

While I'm fine with picking pre-existing MPs, wouldn't it be more fun if we created entirely new characters in existing electorates?

We could use something based on this form, for example.

I'm joining. I'm on my cell phone so I'll fill the full sheet out when I get home. I'm calling the Division of Watson.

(Can't select my girlfriend's constituency as it's Tony Abbott's)

If we do create our own people I'm calling Gellibrand.

Would suggest it would be more fun to go with 'totally not party x' rather than actually use the name.

Concur.  Also concur with not using actual people (though I grudgingly suppose that things like "Kivun Redd" might be acceptable).

Name: Colin Elliott
Age: 36
Party: Labor
Electorate: Watson
Ideology: social democrat
Mini Bio: A former railway engineer straight after high school, Elliott entered local politics as a councillor for Burwood. He was elected as an MP for the District of Watson as the well liked Labor Party candidate.
Address: Enfield, NSW.
Place of Birth: Sydney, NSW
Occupation: Railroad Worker, politician
Property Owned: Townhouse.
Sexuality: Straight. Married with two children.
Addictions: Smokes cigars. Overeats.
Medical Conditions: High blood pressure is a concern.

Any ideas for a name then? The Social Democratic Party? Progressive Democratic Party? The Australian Progressive Coalition?

Some variation on the theme of 'Labour', because this will be a Labourist party (presumably). But it doesn't really matter what...

Name: Dave Astuzia
Age: 44
Party: Labor
Mini Bio: Born to relatively poor Italian migrants in Leichardt in Sydney's inner-west following the wave of Italian migration to Australia in the 1960s. Attended public schools for most of his education, before studying and completing a degree in political science at the University of NSW. Worked for the ALP as a campaign strategist on six state and federal election campaigns before entering Parliament as the member for Grayndler aged 35, a seat in which he has increased his electoral majority at every election since.
Address: Haberfield, NSW
Electorate: Grayndler
Place of Birth: Leichardt, NSW
Occupation: Campaign Strategist, Speech Writer, Politician
Property Owned: Detached house
Religion: Raised Catholic but now a self-described atheist
Sexuality: Married with three children, though rumours abound that Astuzia is in fact bisexual
Addictions: Overeats often
Medical Conditions: Propensity to over-stress; occasional anger management problems

Aside: If we are going to change the name (I don't really think we need to but I'm not fussed) something like Social Democratic Party would probably be best.

Name: Willow Wong-Jones
Age: 38
Party: Labor
Address: Box Hill, Victoria (Chisholm)
Place of Birth: Box Hill Hospital
Occupation: Engineer now MP
Brief Biography: Born to Chinese migrants who first came to Australia following the Cultural Revolution, Willow worked hard at school going onto Graduate from Melbourne University. Willow's quick rise in the area can largely be attributed to her parents chain of Chinese restaurants called 'Wong's Wok'. Following her graduation Willow putting to use her Japanese and Chinese language skills traveled across Asia often in positions that people 30 years her elder would be jealous of. However, at age 28 she returned back to Australia following the death of her father and following that met the love of her life Rupert Jones. Since her marriage she's had 3 children(2 girls, 1 boy - Buffy(9), Cordelia(9) and Angel(6)). Willow was elected 2 elections ago achieving the largest margin of victory in the seat ever largely due to the large Asian population in the electorate. She went to school at PLC achieving a 99.95 in her VCE.
Other: A major fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Often references the show in her parliamentary addresses.
Political Bio: Willow has no major connection to any union movement and has often faced off against the SDA and other aligned unions over penalty rates and the minimum wage calling their demands a 'ridiculous strain on small business owners'. Despite this Willow has received in the past large donations from Teachers unions,  the ANU, PFA and the UFUA who all have praised her for her fight for higher funding for services across Australia. Willow has served as the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and is an avid supporter of rail development and HSR along the East Coast. Willow is an advocated for LGBTI rights as well as the rights of the disabled and single parents. Willow is seen as one day a strong candidate for PM. Willow is a member of the Socialist Left but has advocated for the end of factions in the caucus. She describes herself as a Progressive.
Religion: Irreligious
Address: Box Hill, Victoria
Electorate: Chisholm, VIC
Place of Birth: Melbourne
Property Owned: Detached house, five units which all are leased.
Sexuality: Straight
Addictions: Likes kinky sex.
Medical Conditions: None.

Given that I am not familiar with Australian electoral geography, I would appreciate if someone would assign me a suitable electorate :D

Name: Gordon Menzies
Age: 32
Party: Labor
Mini Bio: Born Melbourne to Gordon Menzies, a Scottish ex-pat and financier and Sandra Pennefather, Gordon was privately educated at Strathallan School in Scotland from 6-18. He returned to Australia at age 18 for university becoming actively involved in politics. He graduated with a degree in architecture and was elected to the Parliament of Victoria in a by-election at the age of 25. He was elected to the relatively safe Labor seat of X in 2010.

To the right of his party, he is however an avowed social liberal and outspoken atheist. He has a slight narcissist. He regularly appears on chat shows and panel shows and has appeared on the cover of Men's Health.

Address: X
Electorate: X
Place of Birth: Melbourne, Victoria
Occupation: Architect, Journalist
Property Owned: Numerous.
Religion: None
Sexuality: Gay. Single
Addictions: Known to overwork and to bed hop.
Medical Conditions: None

I'd say maybe Batman or Melbourne.

Did you name your (left-wing) character after Australia's longest serving conservative Prime Minister on purpose? :P

Come on, I left out the first name ;)

Take Jagajaga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Division_of_Jagajaga), just cos I want there to be a member for Jagajaga ;D

But also there are definitely pockets of the seat that could suit the character.

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.

Name: Andrew Lawson
Age: 36
Party: Labor
Mini Bio: Born in Sydney to a Liberal family, he was educated in public schools and studied law and political science at the University of Sydney. He did not take the usual path of student politics and worked in corporate law for major international firm before making a decision at 26 to leave law, move to Canberra and go to work for a strategic communication firm, specialising in politics. It was through friends that he joined the ALP.

He was expected to make a move into ACT politics, but when a leading candidate for the seat of Fraser declined to run in 2007, he ended up winning a close ballot. And won the seat with a 2% swing and held it in 2010 with only a small 1% against him.

He currently serves as Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and Economic Development - due to his background in an affluent area of Sydney and his lack of connection to the union movement, he is a figure of suspicion for many in the party. He also uses the Parliament House gym and often trains with a couple of Liberal MPs... leading to issues of loyalty, but he performs well on TV and is a popular guest on shows like Q&A.

Address: Turner, ACT
Electorate: Fraser, ACT
Place of Birth: Sydney, NSW
Occupation: Lawyer, political strategist
Property Owned: Apartment
Religion: Agnostic
Sexuality: Believed to be straight, but lots of gay rumours too, single
Addictions: Workaholic and trends to drink too much at social events
Medical Conditions: None, but prone to migraines.

I would like to join too

Name: Kevan Jahanshahi
Age: 28
Party: Labor
Mini Bio: Born in Iran, Jahanshahi immigrated to Australia with his family at the age of 5 for political and religious reasons, settling in Maroubra, NSW. His family is lower middle class, and he was state-educated, but then went on to do a degree in Economics at the University of Sydney. There, he was involved in political debate, joining the Labor Party, and was an officer in the National Union of Students. After having graduated, he begun work as an official in the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association, and formally became a member of the ALP's Right Faction, where he holds some political clout in regards to preselections. He is known for his controversial socially conservative views, and his attempts to get traditionalists preselected for safe seats to the demise of more talented candidates.
Address: Maroubra, NSW
Electorate: Kingsford Smith
Place of Birth: Tabriz, Iran
Occupation: Union Official
Property Owned: Flat.
Religion: No religious upbringing, but converted to Catholicism at University.
Sexuality: Straight. Married, no children.
Addictions: Classical Music
Medical Conditions: None
 
Overall, this mock Labor Party caucus is going to be way more socially liberal than the real ALP unfortunately.

You might still get your chance to drag the ALP back to the 50s!!

I would encourage anyone else who wants to sign up to do so with the LNP, but I won't cap this off absolutely. Just consider that the game will benefit from roughly equal sizes between the parties.

I agree with Platypus in encouraging any new members of the mock parliament to join the LNP (and indeed those already members of the mock parliament to notify others of this parliament's existence and encourage them to join).

To get the ball rolling on this (the sooner each of the parties are sorted out, the sooner we can elect a Speaker of the House and begin Parliament) I think we need to clear up two key issues:
the process of selecting frontbenchers and obviously the party name. The party leader/chair can be elected once we've established these issues.

So hopefully no one is against me initiating the following motions:

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

How should frontbenchers (ministers/shadow ministers) be appointed? (please cross next to preference)
[    ] Appointed by Party Leader
[    ] Elected by the caucus to each individual ministry
Note that under either of the above scenarios, the Deputy Leader would be elected by the caucus just like the Party Leader.

I say we close voting on these two motions in 48 hours- 2pm, Saturday 13th UTC. From there, we can hold elections on the party leadership and deputy leadership and hopefully look toward convening with the LNP to vote for a Speaker/GM and commence parliament shortly after.

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

Party Name (please preference votes)
[3] Australian Labor Party
[2] Progressive Reform Party
[1] 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

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

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

I would also like to suggest that each member assigns themselves to a faction.
The factions are as follows:
Socialist Left or
Labor Right

Labor Right for me

Based on your views, my character, Colin Elliott, would likely end up in the socialist left, even though I don't identify as a socialist.

Party Name (please preference votes)
[1] Australian Labor Party
[2] Progressive Reform Party
[3] 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


In the factions... considering the factional stuff is driven by the social policy slightly more than the economics, I'd probably be part of the left faction, despite not having especially socialist views.

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

So as the others have said, the factional divide in the ALP is much less about economics and is more an issue of the Catholic-dominated Right Faction's conservative social values. And so I'd certainly be a part of the Socialist Left (which, to keep things clear, is something of a misnomer- it is no more 'socialist' economically than the right faction).

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

I know we're still a few hours from the cut-off and afleitch hasn't voted yet, but both motions are already guaranteed a majority among the seven people already registered and we might as well keep this moving. So:

The party will be known as the Australian Labor Party with the motion for that name passing 5-1.

Members of the frontbench and their respective ministries will be chosen by the Party Leader, but the Deputy Leader (who, to reiterate, is elected by the caucus) must be given a ministry portfolio as well. This follows the motion on the issue that passed 5-1.

Now, to the leadership. If you're interested, please nominate your character for either the leadership or deputy leadership following the example below. Nominations for the leadership will close in 36 hours, at 6pm Sunday 14th July UTC. Once we've voted on the leader we can hold a deputy leadership ballot, and nominations for the deputy position will be open until after the leadership ballot.

e.g:
Nominating [Character name] for the [party leadership/deputy leadership].

Nominating Dave Astuzia for the Deputy Leadership.

"Having discussed the matter with my friends and family, I feel now is the time for me step into a greater role in the leadership of the party and help guide Australia forward as a socially progressive and economically pragmatic nation. I believe the only way to seek progress in this country is to meet the societal challenges that we face today, by taking real action to defend our environment, by ensuring that everyone has the basic right to marry, and by effectively and compassionately dealing with the desperate people who arrive on our shores by boat seeking asylum. In order to achieve these goals, I have decided I will seek the party's endorsement for Deputy Leader. I wish to also make clear that if a member of the Right Faction is elected to the leadership, I will retract my nomination for Deputy Leader immediately in the interests of having a united leadership group. Any member elected to the leadership will nevertheless have my full support and backing.

It is my great desire to see the Australian Labor Party fulfill its true role as a modernizer and as a beacon for progress that leads me to today announce that I will run for the party's deputy leadership. Thankyou."

The Honourable Dave Astuzia
Member for Grayndler

Nominating Kevan Jahanshahi for the Deputy Leadership

Dear fellow party colleagues and unionists,

After having consulted with my family and my union, I have come to the decision that I will stand for the position of Deputy Leader of the Labor Party. I have also come to this decision because I believe that Australian Workers come First. As Deputy Leader, I shall be advocating for a crackdown on 457 visas, strengthening union rights, and 100% adult rate pay for workers aged 18+ in order to improve the working conditions of younger Australian employees. As Labor members, we need to remember the history of our party. Our values are Labor. Our name is Labor. I would like to follow in the footsteps of our great leaders such as Chifley and Calwell in continuing to consolidate the position of our party as the party of Labor and working class Australians. As a union man myself, I recognise the importance of our values, and I believe that my background in the field makes me a necessary addition to the Leadership Team.

Yours in Christ,

The Hon. Kevan Jahanshahi

Nominating Willow 'Wongsta' Wong for Party Leadership.

Nominating Tom Henry for Party Leadership.

Nominating Colin Elliott for Deputy Leadership

"After consulting with my family, I have decided that now is the correct time for me to offer myself for a greater leadership role within the ALP. It is my goal to defend the rights of all of those who find themselves oppressed by a system that denies them basic human rights, such as the right to marry whomever they love and keeps their wages low so that they never have a chance to advance in life. This must change and if elected Deputy Leader, I will do all within my power to fight for ordinary Australians. Thank you for your consideration."

The Hon. Colin Elliott
Member for Watson.

()

Name: Frank Connor
Age: 59
Party: Labor
Faction: Right
Address: Moonee Ponds, Vic.
Electorate: Maribyrnong
Place of Birth: Birmingham, United Kingdom
Occupation: AWU official
Property Owned: A house in Moonee Ponds, a flat in Canberra and odd little plots of land here and there. Continues to own Connor's Quality Cars (see below), which has proven to be something of a gift to satirists.
Religion: Roman Catholic

Brief Biography: Connor grew up in the slum district of Summer Lane, before moving a council estate at Tile Cross in the 1960s. He left school at 15 and worked for many years at the Longbridge car works (where he was a shop steward in the Transport & General Workers Union for about a year). Laid off during the early 1980s, he emigrated to Australia in 1987. Settling in the Melbourne suburb of Moonee Ponds he worked as a second hand car salesman ('Connor's Quality Cars'), before finding employment with the Australian Workers Union. A talented backroom organiser, Connor played a very minor role in the AWU's amalgamation with the FIM&EE but somehow managed to convince sufficient people that his role was critical, and thus his career was made. Connor rose rapidly through the AWU before turning his attention to politics, and in 2004 he orchestrated the ousting of the incumbent for the division of Maribyrnong in a particularly blatant factional coup. His subsequent political career has followed a similar trajectory to his career in the labour movement.

Other entries have been filled out but will not be posted in public.

for the game? but surely they have to?

Mr Connor values his privacy. The information has been passed on to Hugh.

A picture of Mr Connor has been added to his profile. Let's see if anyone gets the joke ;D

Andrew Lawson will not be seeking a leadership role

So the leadership ballot will be between Willow Wong of the Left Faction and Tom Henry, who is as yet unaligned. Only members registered up to this point- of which there are 8 -will be eligible to vote. The ballot will close in 30 hours (9am, 16 July UTC) and will be followed by a limited nomination period and then a vote on the Deputy Leadership.

Votes edited more than 20 minutes after posting will be rendered void. Please make clear your vote for one of the candidates by naming them in bold below.

Tom Henry

And that's a wrap folks. Tom Henry is the new Prime Minister of Australia and leader of the ALP, having defeated Willow Wong 4-3 in the caucus ballot. We'll have a little interlude in case of any more candidates for the deputy leadership, and then we'll vote on that position.

I pray we can all unite behind the leadership of Tom Henry.

I think Gordon Menzies may have prematurely gone on holiday- he hasn't been present for any of these votes!

Statement from the office of Dave Astuzia, MP:

"I would like to congratulate Tom Henry on his election to the Prime Ministership, and I am certain that the Labor Party will have a strong future under his leadership, a leadership that we can all unite behind. We now turn our attention to the deputy leadership ballot. As I made clear earlier, I will contest this ballot in the interests of the future of our party and of our nation. I believe the election for the deputy leadership is not a choice that should be taken lightly, and should be a choice framed by practical policy and planning. If I am elected deputy, I will continue to fight for progress in Australia, accompanied by sound economic policy. If elected deputy I will bring my ideas for Australia’s future to the leadership table, and I challenge the other nominees for the deputy position to present their own unique plans for discussion.

Here are some ideas I’ll introduce for discussion if elected to be a part of the leadership team:
-   Legislation to ensure marriage equality
-   The development of a pathway towards an Australian Republic via a referendum
-   An expansion in funding for research concerning climate change and the continuation of a
     strong and effective carbon tax
-   Reducing government funding for private and independent schools and diverting this
     money into the public education system which needs the money most
-   Modifying the tax code to lessen the tax burden on low income earners by cutting taxes in
     the lower tax brackets whilst making up for the lost revenue by creating a new tax
     bracket for millionaires, with higher rates

I feel that I can be an asset to the party in parliament and for the upcoming election. I believe my policy ideas are right for the future of modern Labor and of Australia, and I very much hope the caucus will trust in me to ensure the best possible future for the Australian Labor Party by electing me to the Deputy Leadership."

May I request an immediate vote on Deputy Leadership as I shall be out of parliament in a few hours and thus may not be able to cast a vote later on today or tomorrow morning.

Sure, it doesn't seem likely that we'll get any more candidate declarations so we can get underway now.

This ballot is for the deputy leadership and voting will close in just over thirty hours time, at 5pm July 17 UTC. Votes edited later than twenty minutes after their posting will be rendered void, as will votes that fail to preference through all candidates. The ballot is between Colin Elliot and Dave Astuzia of the Left faction and Kevan Jahanshahi of the Labor Right.

Sample ballot:

Ballot for the Deputy Leadership (please preference 1-3)
[   ] Keven Jahanshahi
[   ] Colin Elliot
[   ] Dave Astuzia

Just a reminder that when the election rolls around, I won't be looking for and scoring well LNP attacks on the government, or Labor standing on 'your' record. Try to focus on your own ideas and largely ignore the fact that Labor is in government, and particularly try to ignore the real-world policy successes and failures of the ALP.

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.

OOC: Does the individual come up with what their Ministerial position says their meant to, or do we all work together on policy?

I think it should be a group effort, although perhaps the minister can provide a framework/proposal initially that can then be presented for workshopping to the caucus.

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

Good luck with the job, Dave. You seem to be the choice.

Also, for future reference, two T's in Elliott.

I'm sorry I missed the votes gentlemen. Toothache. Yes, toothache. No hard feelings...

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

It doesn't seem to be over yet! :) Sorry about the name though, I'll remember that in future.

How long does voting remain open?

Voting closed a while ago, sorry. But we now have the problematic situation of a 3-3 tie...

In the interests of party unity and through the desire to get things done, I withdraw and endorse Dave.

Very gracious of you.

No, I request that Colin Elliot reverse his decision as I will now stand down and endorse Colin Elliot

Keven, I want to avoid a factional fight. It's not worth it and I've noted that the LNP seems far ahead of us in terms of organizing the party.

If I withdraw, I think you may win this. I ask Dave Astuzia to please confirm ASAP so we can sort this out. Front bench positions haven't even been appointed yet.

That's the whole point. We won't be able to move on to appointing people to positions until we finish the election. That's why I'm withdrawing. Winning the Deputy Leadership does not mean as much to me as seeing us ready to go in Parliament.

I'd like to thank Colin Elliott for his good grace in putting the party first, and I look forward to working with him in cabinet. Thankyou also to the caucus for putting their trust in me to be party deputy- you will not be disappointed.

I expect the Prime Minister to allocate cabinet positions shortly, of which there will be six portfolios available as per the current Speaker's instructions (Treasury, Foreign Ministry, Attorney General, Health Ministry, Infrastructure Ministry and Environment Ministry). There will also be designated Speaker should we win the election, and with 8 people currently signed up that means everyone is guaranteed a role.

OOC: Just as an aside Kevan, the 3-3 result was after your preferences had already been distributed to Colin Elliott: your withdrawal wouldn't have changed the vote tally from a deadlocked tie.

Alright, let's get busy then! :)

As I said earlier, I think we should make a republic referendum a part of our platform for the upcoming election (I'm bringing it up because it's a policy area that the current speaker hasn't brought up in advising on the election).

Thoughts?

I'm entirely supportive of a referendum to become a republic.

That wouldn't be popular with the public though, although supporting give the public and option would work well.

I mean, our party's official platform is Republican, as are my (and probably most of the caucus') views, but it's nigh on impossible for the LNP to argue against providing people with a choice at least.

I won't be supporting a republic, but I will not try to stop you if the caucus wants it.

Our priority ought to be higher living standards and better public services, not this wishy-washy constitutional nonsense beloved of the inner city elite rather than our base and swing voters.

Unless you would all prefer to lose the election.

Exactly- same goes for redefining Marriage and making it easier to abort the unborn.

Allowing for gay marraige would raise living standards.

Seriously?

Those things are not mutually exclusive. We can increase living standards and focus on economic priorities as well as implementing important social reforms. It's not as though providing marriage equality or a Republic prevents us from acting on other issues. This is a socially progressive party and we shouldn't be shirking away from that fact just because there are 'more important issues' to deal with.

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.

I won't participate in dragging this party and this country back to the 1950s.

First and foremost the ministry roles need to be assigned ASAP.

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.

I'm going to leave it up to you.

^This.

Socially progressive policy is a key part of the ALP platform. We can focus on improving living standards and building this economy, but that doesn't mean we should prevent the implementation of our social policy. Let's have a bit of ambition and recognise that we can do more than just focus on the policy basics.

As the only women in the party I'd like to nominate myself for Minister for Women(or whatever it's called) considering my previous experience as an Engineer I'd also say I'm highly capable for the Infrastructure and Transport portfolio.

Social dinosaurs belong with our opponents.  People who say 'lets not focus on the gays etc' tend to be the one's obsessed with it. On the matter of portfolio's I would be happy with infrastructure or health. But ultimately my ambition comes secondary to the party need.

I'm not suggesting that we adopt a conservative line on such matters, not at all. But you all need to remember that elections are won in the outer suburbs and in the regional electorates, not in the affluent inner cities. We can include all manner of useful reforms in our programme, of course. But the emphasis must be on living standards and better public services.

As has been kindly pointed out, elections are not won in the inner cities, but in the outer suburbs, which are often filled with socially conservative and religious swing voters. Polling done in some of these seats has often shown opposition to SSM to be much larger than on average.

Mr Connor does not require a pet parrot.

Getting back to the issue of ministerial portfolios, I'll leave it up to Tom, but I would ask that he not stick me in the treasury. My talent, whatever it may be, is certainly not with numbers.

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?

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.

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.

Another matter of procedure: are we going to do block votes on all issues (with obvious exceptions on Abortion, Euthanasia and Gay Marriage), or will free votes be tolerated?

I'm open for more free-votes.

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.

How does everyone like East Coast HSR?

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.

Indeed, if you win, you provide the speaker; if you lose, you provide the deputy speaker.

Also the precise ministries are in the other thread, and Education comes under Community Services unless the PM choose to take it on himself.

Who're your speaker to be? I want to know who my rival for the job is. :P

When and where should we report our core policy ideas?

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

I'm not all that well versed yet on Australia's aged care, so I was trying to find the RL ALP manifesto to see what I could figure out.

For aged care, I think we should continue to provide a living wage for retiree's and I'd like to open additional hospices and see to stronger oversight of nursing homes.

Of course if anyone knows where I can find a paper on the RL policy, please link me because I haven't found it and I'd like to review it to create our own position.

Great work... I'll be doing some economic work in the next day or two.

Howdie y'all! is it too late to join the Labor Party? I was pretty active in the first model parliament but i've been away... i'd like to join up please!

If yes... here is my character:

Name: Keegan Desautels
Age: 32
Party: Labor
Bio: One of four children born into a working class French/Australian family; An Australian Mother a former foreign student worked for the city government; while his French father worked in the one of Lilles factories. In the mid-80s at the age of 4 Keegan's family moved to Melbourne, the home town of his Mother. The family opened a Cooperative Bakery and market in St. Kilda where Keegan worked, He developed a love of carpentry following after his father and helped expand the Coop to sell handcrafted works. Was very politically active in public school not only within the ALP but with environmental and anti-globalization groups; also very active in sport, playing rules football, rugby, water polo and swimming. While at university he played on the Aussie National Water polo team. Graduated from Monash University with a Master in Urban and Regional Planning with a focus on sustainability. While there he served as an elected member of the student union and wrote for the student paper, Lot's Wife. He worked with The Big Issue Australia as a coordinator before taking a run at LGA politics. At the age of 22, in a surprise victory, he was elected Councillor for Catani ward in the City of Port Phillip. In 2010 he was elected in Melbourne Ports, caused a national sensation when it was revealed that Keegan and fellow Labor MP Gordon Menzies had a year long sex-based relationship. They remain friends... only.

Economically and socially left; government ownership, universal education and health and green economy, supportive of local economies (high corporate tax, zero small business tax). He along with Willow advocates an end to factions, but sits with the socialist left.

Address: St. Kilda, Victoria
Electorate: Melbourne Ports (if its free)
Place of Birth: Lille, France
Occupation: Non-profit advocate, Councillor, Athlete, Artist
Religion: Prominent Atheist
Sexuality: Gay, Common Law (vocal SSM advocate)
Addictions/Medical conditions: Gym & fitness; wine fan (daily but never to excess... rarely to excess), nude beaches.

I suggest a massive nationwide programme of infrastructure building and the like.

What is the RL policy on aged care? I would know it so I can submit a proper proposal, but as yet, I've not found it, not even in the ALP's online platform.

I'll be outlining economic policy tomorrow

Economic Policy

- The priority of the government is the transition to the post-mining boom reality. We will encourage greater economic diversification and while we are committed to returning our Budget to surplus, we will not announce arbitrary deadlines.  We will not risk services and this approach is considered welcome and sensible by all credit-rating agencies.

- We will make the resources rent tax work. We will institute maximum deductibility against liability to a maximum of 50% of total taxation liability. This will also extend to jurisdictions claiming deductions. The Act as it currently is, provides too many loopholes that are being exploited to a massive degree. We are committed to good-faith negotiations but if re-elected we will amend the Act to make it work better for all Australians.

- We need to take stock of the support payments made, almost automatically to people, regardless of income. If these are indeed 'support' payments, then why are they made to people without any need for support. It is the height of fiscal prudence to ensure that support is direct to those who actually need it.

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.

Having read that through, I think the RL policy is a good one. I'd recommend keeping it.

Hey guys, I hope it is not to late to join in on the fun. Now I don't know all the elements and subtleties of Aussie politics but I am willing to give it a go.
Name: George Ryan
Age: 28
Party: Labor
Bio: Eldest of five children born to an Aboriginal father and American mother, father was a farm hand, while mom is an at home seamstress. George grew up in poverty and faced discrimination for most of his childhood. Shortly after coming out as bisexual he was beaten by a mob and left for dead. He survived but was paralyzed from the waist down. George went to college in the States with help from his extended family at Georgia State University, after graduating with a bachelors in Public Policy he returned home he set up a nonprofit for GLBT Territorians as well helped set up a fishing co-op owned and operated by first nations people. A relative newcomer to politics, George ran for the assembly in his family home of Alice Spring only to be defeated in the safe conservative seat.
While socially and economically on the left. George has campaigned for a self-sufficient Australia and encourages all means of achieving it. George Ryan has also made a name for being a champion of First Nations people across the Territory and the rest of Australia.

Address: Tiwi Island, Northern Territory
Electorate: Lingiari
Place of Birth: Alice Springs, NT
Occupation: Nonprofit advocate, activist, Fisherman, small business owner.
Religion: Methodist
Sexuality: Bisexual, Single
Addictions/Medical conditions: Wheelchair bound

At least a lot of rumored ones anyway.
With my character, I will be focusing on halting the intervention, equal marriage, supporting farmers, and a national energy self-sufficiency program.

- For 1 year no taxes shall be paid on solar panels, insulation, water recycling systems, energy efficient appliances made in Australia and 1/2 the normal amount of tax on non-Australian made products.
- 30% of all Federal buildings energy come from renewable energy in 5 years.
- Support for transitioning the auto industry and gas stations to accommodate hybrid capacity.
- Continue the current carbon scheme.

I was wondering what everyone thought? Could we include something like this into our energy policy?

I oppose half the things your character stands for.

Ha!!! Well I respect that. I look forward to the campaign and winning reelecting a Labor Majority.