SA Labor move to develop an Interest Group in support of Palestine

SA Labor move to develop an Interest Group in support of Palestine

At the upcoming (October 2024) SA Labor State Convention, it is proposed that in accordance with rule 14 of the Australian Labor Party (South Australian Branch) a Labor Party Interest Group called “SA Labor Friends of Palestine” is established.

For State Convention to consider the motion to establish the Interest Group, it must be demonstrated that at least 100 full members of the ALP (SA Branch) support the proposal.

Proposal to Establish a SA Labor Friends of Palestine

In accordance with the rules (Rule 14) of the Australian Labor Party (South Australian Branch) it is proposed that a Labor Party Interest Group called “SA Labor Friends of Palestine” be established at the 2024 State Convention.

The establishment of the group will have to be approved by the State Convention and will require the support of at least 100 full members* of the ALP (SA Branch) for convention to consider the request.

Accordingly, it is proposed that a Sub-Branch or Union Affiliate move the following motion at the State Convention:

In accordance with Rule 14 of the Australian Labor Party (South Australian Branch) Convention hereby agrees to the establishment of a Labor Party Interest Group called “SA Labor Friends of Palestine”. The objectives of the group are to:

• provide a forum for discussion and debate for members of the party who have an interest in the history, current circumstances and the future of Palestine and its people.

• progress the aspirations of the Palestinian people for a sovereign homeland where they enjoy, peace, prosperity and equal rights, and can peacefully co-exist with their geographic neighbours, and play a positive and proactive role in international forums.

It is proposed that the group will facilitate forums where members and guest speakers can help educate party members about Palestine.

The group seeks recognition as many rank and file members of the party do not believe there is opportunity within the existing party forums for them to voice their opinions, and that diverse views about the situation in Palestine are not heard.

We either create safe environments where members can learn more about the situation in Palestine, and express their views, within the party structures, or they will be forced to do so outside the party.

It is also important for non-party members to know that the party has a forum where their issues are being considered by ALP members.

The creation and official recognition of the group is necessary to remedy these concerns.

While the current situation in Palestine is beyond comprehension, this group would be an ideal place to learn about and discuss the prospects for a brighter future for Palestine and its people.

How to support the proposal

If you [*LABOR MEMBERS ONLY] support the above proposal, please consider completing the online petition here. [* A full member is defined as a member who has renewed their membership at least twice since joining.]

In addition to supporting the proposal yourself, please consider circulating this message to other like-minded full members of the SA Labor for them to sign the petition as well.

If you are not a member of the Labor party but know of others who are, please forward this message to them and encourage them to sign.

It is hoped that the 100 member threshold can be reached by the end of August 2024, so an informal meeting of interested members can be held during September 2024 prior to the State Convention (scheduled for October 2024).