In order to fully understand the role of factions in the Labor party, the word ‘faction’ needs to be defined. A faction is a group of people based on representatives in parliament who want to take on a broad range of policies through consciously organised political activity. The reason as to why factions even exist is because of the fact that in large political parties such as the ALP, it is obvious that there would be differing view points on a wide range of issues even though the central idea is the same. Factions within the ALP are thought to be based on left and right wing ideologies but also they are actually based on personalities, regional and common interests. Even furth

- Australian manufacturing workers union (AMWU)

- Construction, forestry, mining and energy union (CFMEU)

The role of factions within the ALP during the 1980’s and the 1990’s has undoubtedly contributed greatly to the development as well as the change within the party. Factions were and still are important to the Labor party for the fact that it has helped assist in negotiations from group to group with reasonable outcomes instead of individual people fighting and arguing with one another because they cant come to an agreement. Therefore it can be said that factions have had positive effects in the ALP as they have made the management of the party a lot more easier, effective and have had a very controlled outcome. Factions also ensure that those members of parliament can focus on issues which are more important to their constituents instead of just the interests of the unions by weakening the union’s major voting block throughout the party.

Factions within the ALP have actually become so established that the majority have recognisable members who meet regularly and keep minutes of meetings. They also have membership fees, handout newsletters as well as elect office holders and people to discuss issues with other groups. The key factional operators hold positions of strong influence only for the reason that they have stance in the larger party.

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