What We Compare Against?
The major parties in Australia famously have differing positions on whether a candidate or representative has to "toe the partyline".
- Labor enforces a strict “binding caucus,” compelling members to vote with the party on penalty of expulsion or loss of pre-selection.
- Liberals & Nationals advertise freedom to cross the floor, yet powerful internal pressures discourage dissent and consequences seem dependent on personal clout.
- Greens foster a consensus-driven culture that naturally unites MPs, but which can make them culturally restrictive and slow to adapt.
These are distinct differences approach, and this naturally leads to the question, what would Fusion do?
This question is important for both voters and candidates, so we explore it here.
Fusion Expectations
Fusion does not require a Party Rep (candidate/elected representative) to "toe the partyline" - but there is nuance.
A Party Rep of Fusion is expected to uphold the values of the party in relation to their constituency.
What does this mean?
- Firstly, any vote on a matter where there is not an explicit policy is up to the individual's judgement.
- Secondly, where there is an explicit policy it's not about personal conscience; it's about the people you represent.
- Thirdly, out of respect for personal conscience (since they are themselves members of their community), abstaining is always permitted.
So, should a Party Rep choose to oppose party policy, any deviation made from the party line may be accepted on the basis that:
- The deviation can be justified in accordance with the party values.
- The justification is in alignment with the interests of the community they represent.
In essence, a Party Rep should be thinking of their electorate, not of themselves.
Should a dispute arise over a Party Rep's actions, the justification would be reviewed by our independent Dispute Resolution Committee, not by other Party Rep's or Organisers.
Example:
The party might have a policy in favour of banning live export, and a Party Rep might represent a WA electorate dependent on live export.
If the bill did not contain sufficient provisions to support a transition for that community, then the Party Rep would be justified if they voted to oppose the bill.
Organisational Matters
Aside from the above, the party has a standard agreement outlining both; the party expectations of a candidate, and the party's obligations to a candidate: Candidate and Party Agreement
This agreement is primarily to ensure that candidates are aware of, and able to meet, regulatory and reporting requirements from the AEC and ATO that the party is obligated to abide by.