Factionalism is one of those things which is a real balancing act within political parties. Even when someone joins a party, however broad or narrow the principles and ideology, there will always be shades within the ranks. This is to be expected, but what happens when these shades begin to cement themselves, and turn the party from an outwardly facing force, to an introverted party in turmoil. A series of parties within a party, with all section struggling for power.

There was a good, but brief interview with former ALP President Barry Jones on SBS news tonight which really summed up what I am getting at. When asked about factions being groups of like minded people who support each other:

BARRY JONES: Alright, a think that's legitimate, but in fact the
factions have become ends in themselves. They really have become
trading companies. The factions represent the privatization of the
party and they are not about ideology any more. Once the differences
between left and right might have been ideological, how they are about
places, they are about placement, they're about preferment, there are
about patronage, and that kills the heart and soul of the party.

With the ALP seemingly more interested in getting scalps from their own, where do we draw an effective opposition?

The reason for this could be the apparent low participation in the party, meaning only the die-hards, and fundamentalists who's positions are set in stone control the party, and those who might moderate and unite the party are elsewhere, paying only membership money and support.

And the point of this whole post? I think this is a prime example of why we need broad and inclusive participation in all aspects of politics, from the local council to the world stage. Eyes on the goals, not each other.

PS, I am not a member of the ALP.