Together, Australia’s newest political party, had its first conference on February 15 and 16 in Mullumbimby. Organisers say it was ‘informed and inspiring’, a big success and ‘garnered new members and ideas’.
Speakers like Anne Coombs (ex GetUp chair), Prof Patrick Kayzer (LaTrobe Uni), Michael Sainsbury (ex-China correspondent for The Australian) inspired the crowd but were beautifully upstaged by young locals – the dazzling Kate McDowell (Wonderbabes) and hilarious Charlie Burton – 18 very soon!
‘Together wants politics to connect with the good things so many good people do across our communities,’ said local lawyer, comedian, and federal Senate candidate Mark Swivel.
The conference covered health and human rights, Australia’s place in the world, education, the budget and tax, and climate change and energy policy.
‘Together sees renewables and climate change at the centre of government,’ said Mr Swivel.
‘Together aims to rebuild our common wealth – what we all share – arguing we have been left to the mercy of the market for too long.’
Its policies include a government-owned bank and energy retailer; a republic, treaties and a bill of rights, a 10 per cent ‘flag fall’ tax for all companies and well-off individuals, and doubling the ABC budget.
The party has members in each state and territory. Mark Swivel (Barefoot Law, Dustyesky) will run for the Senate (NSW) at the May federal election. For highlights of the conference: www.thetogetherparty.org.au/conference.
not so keen on the “uniform” would prefer if people just dress in their personal style.
Good on you all, lovely policies and aims (and T shirts). I hope you can stay “together” and grow, unlike other new parties which seem to crash and burn early. A good structure and rule book should help.
People in Together can absolutely dress in their personal style, Brigit. The t-shirt is simply there if members wish to buy one. It is certainly not compulsory.
Hopefully they will crash & burn & the sooner the better!
Great policies from genuinely concerned citizens . The ‘ Born To Rule ‘ corrupt elite , may smirk now . Come election week , the big end of towns’ , minders , will be calling in their favours , from ‘ Big Business ‘ .
Great policies from concerned citizens . The Born To Rule corrupt elite may smirk now . Come election week they’ll be calling in favours from corporate Australia , as they adjust to their new political impotence .
Keeping up a ‘no dickheads’ policy for membership will keep you way ahead of the ‘big 2’ … and as a bonus, make the other loons in One Nation etc look like a problem we didn’t need to have.
Go well, I’ve joined and am looking forward to seeing what we can do … Together.
Loved the book, now to see the ‘movie’
Congratulations on your first meeting. You all look so positive.?????
Hey .. do you have a Hemp Policy