Als 40-jähriges ALP-Mitglied bezweifle ich jetzt die Integrität der Partei

A 40-year member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) has expressed deep concern over the party's recent actions, stating he now questions its integrity. In a letter published by The Age, Gary March from Elwood wrote that he has never imagined struggling to support his party during an election. He criticized the current leadership for avoiding calls for a royal commission into the Big Build, citing persistent issues with governance and culture. March argued that the claim that royal commissions don't change culture is misleading, pointing to past examples like the Costigan commission in the 1970s. He noted that the Heydon royal commission into union corruption, cited by Premier Jacinta Allan, was an exception. March emphasized that no existing agency seems capable of thoroughly investigating these matters, suggesting the government's stance is hard to justify. Premier Jacinta Allan faces mounting criticism over her handling of the Big Build and her commitment to Indigenous treaty processes. Jean Ker Walsh from Richmond wrote that Allan's best work, delivering Victoria’s statewide Treaty in 2025, recognized as one of the most defining moments in Australia’s history since colonization, is under threat. She pointed out that the alternative coalition government, led by Jess Wilson, has pledged to abolish the Treaty within 100 days of taking office. Walsh warned that a potential rise of One Nation could lead to further erosion of Indigenous rights, describing it as a backward-looking wave of neo-colonialism. She urged Victorians to reject the idea of sacrificing the Treaty for Allan's removal. Stephen Farrelly from Donvale criticized the Premier for failing to acknowledge the role of apathy and neglect in driving criminal behavior within the Big Build projects. He referenced recent reports highlighting the impact of organized crime and the lack of government oversight. Farrelly noted that Allan, as the former head of the Big Build, sets the agenda for investigations into alleged criminal activity. He questioned the government's apparent indifference to the soaring costs of infrastructure projects, arguing that the situation reflects a broader failure to address systemic issues. Christine Hammett from Richmond echoed similar sentiments, calling the corruption surrounding the Big Build and the waste of public funds "appalling." She hoped that the new CFMEU administrator, Michael Crosby, could implement reforms to purge the union of corrupt elements. Hammett highlighted the need for accountability and transparency, emphasizing that the union's leadership must take responsibility for its actions. Henk van Leeuwen from Elsternwick lamented the lack of democratic participation within the ALP, noting that the party’s national conference is becoming an orchestrated event controlled by the government. He contrasted this with systems in Western and Northern Europe, where full party membership grants voting rights to shape the party’s platform. Van Leeuwen called for a fundamental change in Australia’s political structure, advocating for greater inclusivity and democratic engagement. The ongoing controversy surrounding the Big Build and the treatment of Indigenous issues continues to fuel public discontent. Critics argue that the government’s approach lacks transparency and fails to address underlying problems. With growing calls for accountability and reform, the situation highlights a crisis of trust within the ALP and raises serious questions about the party’s ability to uphold the values it once championed.