Young Labour

The kiwis arrive early for a very good international session on campaigning

The morning began early we many attending a progressive campaigning workshop at 7am and Jessie attending one on children with disabilities. At the progressive campaigning workshop speakers from Canada, the UK, and Australian shared their campaigning tips. Rob was busy taking notes as many great points were made and in particular the growth of the National Democratic Party in Canada provided much inspiration. With too many good points to put here, we will try to put Rob’s notes of the session on this blog later. (more…)

Listening to the opening address

Conference opened with two good speeches. Firstly, from the Australian Labor Party President and then from the Australian (Labour Party) Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, who spoke on the Labour values policy platform (which was then formally adopted).

Exploring the conference we enjoyed grabbing some free badges and t-shirts supporting marriage equality and other causes. As day wore on our delegation split into three with some of our group going to a fringe session on International Youth Perspectives, others to a fringe session on the Environment, and a few others stay in the main conference (where proposed amendments to Labour’s policy platform on the economy, education, engery and working family opportunity were being discussed). (more…)

Exploring Sydney

The day began blurry eyed as many of us got up at 4am to catch flights out to Sydney. As we staggered into the airport the adventure began with Eric and Ella having tickets for the wrong day and with Eric’s British passport (cause his New Zealand was expired) needing a Australian Visa in order to make it into Australia. After some quick last minute calls and some leaving of tickets at security desks (and embarrassed rushing back to get them) we managed to make it onto the plane and over the Tasman. (more…)