Dave Riley
The Socialist Alliance national conference registered a significant orientation in the politics of SA with several initiatives taken up to consolidate the role of non-aligned members (those not belonging to one of the affiliate organisations).
Lalitha Chelliah told Green Left Weekly that the results of the conference “mean that the non-aligned comrades are becoming a force to be reckoned with within SA. They are bringing with them ideas that will help coalesce SA and counter divisive elements. On the whole I see a positive path forward that is encouraging for the left in Australia.”
This enthusiasm and optimism is shared by Raul Bassi, who, along with Chelliah, was elected to one of five national co-convenor positions. There are three non-aligned convenors in this body of five. Bassi noted that the conference was a step forward toward the alliance becoming a multi-tendency socialist party. “It was also important that it was a really democratic conference and the decisions taken mean that we have a clear way to work in the next year.”
Chelliah agreed with this assessment: “This was a conference where there was robust and real debate about all issues relevant to SA. The non-aligned comrades have made substantial contributions towards setting goals for SA for the next year. They have also proved to be willing to work hard and work cooperatively at achieving those goals. Significantly, the level of political contributions made from non-aligned comrades and support for the positive directions put forward were remarkable.”
Like Chelliah, Bassi was keen to note the role of comrades who weren’t members of any of the SA affiliates: “The non-aligned component of the alliance at the conference shows that we are building a broad socialist party.”
The changes to the national leadership structures that were adopted are designed to open up these bodies to direct membership input. As Bassi put it: “We opened the door for more members to be involved in everyday activities to keep building the Socialist Alliance.
From Green Left Weekly, May 19, 2004.
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