r/AustralianSocialism

Launched recently. Includes the AusCP, Eureka Initiative, UMP (United Muslims for Peace, NDLCA (New Democratic Centre of Australia), NAILS (National Anti Imperialist Liberation Solidarity), ROSY (Revolutionary Organization of Students and Youth) and the NSW wing of Anakbayan so far.

With the two electoral socialist parties not merging, and definitely not dissolving into the other, I just wanted to ask why one wouldn't join SAlli? Are the issues present in VS (anti-stalinism, factions, others ive missed) also present in SAlli?

Also, what if SAlli and VS/socialist parties allowed for dual-membership specifically between their parties exclusively, would there be any benefit to this?

The Bread & Roses caucus of the recently formed NSW Socialists, properly constituted under the party’s rules, is an aggregation of independent minded, non-aligned, non-doctrinaire socialists from diverse tendencies within the broader movement for socialism. Its composition reflects the depth and breadth of the movement as well as a general belief that being a member of one political party at a time is sufficient to meet requirements. I joined the NSW Socialists for the same sorts of factors that motivated another 1,000+ people to join the initiative in the first six months – enough to enable registration with the NSW electoral commission. The yawning political gulf to the left of Labor, the undeniable rise of fascism, an ongoing live cast genocide, the ongoing vulnerability of Australian workers to still dominant neoliberalism, the attack on our democratic institutions by agents of a Zionist state, a rise in racist brutality, the convergence of multiple ecological polycrises  – all combined to create a common sense of political urgency. The list goes on; the time seemed right. 

I assumed that the gravity of these conditions had dispensed with the sectarianism and fractioning of the Australian left that has characterised the last few decades. The initiative of Socialist Alternative to form the Victorian Socialists, with others, was a positive and most welcome development. I think it highly likely that those who joined in NSW took a similar view. Sadly, ingrained habits die hard, as we know.

My denunciation as a Stalinist at the NSW Socialist pre-selection meeting, described starkly by Clarrie Lewis, is risible and barely worth attention except for the light it throws on the mind set of those lodging the allegation. Accusations of Stalinoid-thinking against non-conformist socialists is an exhausted bogeyman, evidence of magical thinking and an open declaration that building a broad, mass-based party for socialism is beyond the political acumen of the NSW Socialist Alternative members charged with the task. 

That means that actually existing socialists, from every tendency, must take up the project if it is to have any real chance of success. Socialists outside the ALP within the NSW community, non-aligned socialists within the NSW Socialists and those thinking it is time to try a new approach are urged to get in touch with the Bread & Roses caucus to participate as democratic equals in an inclusive and safe project to build socialism with Australian characteristics.

A launch party for the caucus is scheduled for Friday 12 June. Details at this link. Come and meet us.
https://labortribune.net.au/letters-to-the-editor/

I'll try keep this short as I tend to ramble.

I was having a yarn with a bloke on a construction site the other day. Basic shit "housing prices are fucked etc etc".

This dudes in his mid 50s and he starts blaming the Chinese labourers and immigrants for coming to Perth and taking up all the rentals.

Now in Perth our construction industry is wild ATM. Huge influx of work, massive need for skilled labour. Meanwhile this same industry can't keep up with the housing demands so as everyone knows - rents sky rocket and real estate prices boom.

I gave a rudimentary explanation of land banking to him and suggested that instead of punching down(immigrants), he should punch up (profit driven developers)

The moment wasn't the time to try to convert this old fella into socialism, but he responded in a positive way that I was not expecting. It took me by surprise and I've been pondering it for a while.

I'm a little worried about voicing this opinion, but I'd like to hear everyone's views. Do you think we as socialists have a branding issue? Is part of our issue that people see us as "blue haired leftist reactionaries"?

Is it wrong to want to appeal to the masses if that requires framing class issues with a masculine edge? "Punch up" wasn't something I've ever said to someone when I've tried to convince them to join the socialist party.

Is it diluting the overall cause by trying to convince someone who is never going to be a queer advocate that a socialist stance is actually a more traditionally masculine stance than that of someone just siding with capital that already has all the power?

Labor is trying to present itself as a defence against the far-right politics of One Nation and the Coalition. But Albanese has no answers to the housing or the cost of living crisis and is actively fuelling the racism.

"Socialist Alternative leaders in the new electoral front want to ban caucuses from identifying with the party in public. NSW Socialists member Clarrie Lewis – writing in a personal capacity – argues this is a tipping point in defining the organisation’s democratic culture."

"The labour movement in Australia needs a socialist party capable of combining unity of purpose with confidence in its own members’ political initiative.

If NSW Socialists – and the broader Socialist Party project – hopes to present itself as a serious electoral and working-class alternative, it will require a political culture that encourages organised participation, not one that restricts it unnecessarily.

The Bread & Roses caucus represents one attempt to contribute to that broader project.

The outcome of this discussion will help determine what kind of socialist party develops."

Currently in my last year of high school and I’m looking to get involved and contribute in a Socialist movement although I would preferably like to interact and be involved with people that are of similar age to me. I’ve seen groups such as highschool anti-capitalists online although as far as I’m aware they are based in Sydney and have no groups elsewhere. I’d appreciate any recommendations, thanks in advance.

Are there any Sunshine Coast based Socialist orgs at all? I’m aware of the queensland socialists and have recently joined, but it seems like most events happen in Brisbane.

Also would like to try cultivate at my work more of a pro union culture, does anyone have any tips or even sources that may help give some sort direction? Very new to this and would like to learn more about it :)

https://preview.redd.it/rrkiznqgt7zg1.jpg?width=1414&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7283ca562a5b9046e9bedaa17b7eecab94157e01

https://www.instagram.com/p/DXyBbu0Elnv/?igsh=ZGE1eDV5N3FyNzRs

"The following perspectives document was adopted by the Fourth General Conference of Communist Unity, Melbourne, January 2026."

"Today, the most likely road to the refoundation of the Communist Party in Australia is through the Socialist Party and its state sections. We must call for the Socialist Party to convene a unity congress of the entire socialist and communist movement with the intent of forming a single, mass party with a revolutionary program.

The partyist faction of the socialist movement must engage in a systematic campaign within the broader socialist and workers movements for the unity of Marxists, and for a revolutionary minimum-maximum program. This campaign requires the forging and development of a pre-party organisation, a pole of attraction around which the partyists can rally, and which can fight across the entire movement for the unity of Marxists and the refoundation of the Communist Party in Australia.

Therefore, at the current juncture, the slogans of our organisation must be:

Merge Socialism and the Workers’ Movement!

Smash Imperialism! Break the US Alliance! No War with China!

For a Marxist Program in the Socialist Party!

For the Unity of Marxists!

Reforge the Party! For a Refounding Congress of the Communist Party in Australia!

Break with Laborism and the Middle-Class Radicals!

Reforge the Communist Movement in the Asia-Pacific!

For an Australian Section of the Workers International!

Forward to a Democratic Republic, and the World October!"