Queensland Labor needs federal intervention

It is not good enough that Tammany Hall structures are allowed to periodically suspend internal democracy.

It is time that the ALP embraces candidate selection by organised primaries. To achieve this all elections should have primaries scheduled 12 months prior to the notional expiry date. Voters, when they register to vote, should have the option to register as a supporter for any of the registered parties.

Forcing candidates to face a pre-selection that closely resembles a general election will ensure the elected representatives are more closely linked to community views.

Importantly the separation of the control of elected representatives from the Tammany Hall structures will change the direction of the organisational wing. It will focus on the contest of ideas, rather than naked power.

The ALP is a great party that is on the verge of internal collapse, we need to have the courage to embrace reform.