Victorian Socialists

As the cost-of-living and housing crises hit hard, Labor was re-elected in Victoria, despite a 5.8% negative swing which went both to the right and left. The socialist vote was encouraging, reports Jacob Andrewartha

The federal election result shows that through grassroots community activism and outreach, socialist and progressive ideas can win popular support. Alex Salmon and Sue Bolton report. 

There has been a surge of support for socialist candidates in the Victorian local council elections, with four socialists elected to three councils, reports Jacob Andrewartha.

Socialist Alliance has decided to withdraw from the Victorian Socialists because it has not lived up to its promise to build a more united left.

The right-wing dominated Coalition's win in the May 18 federal election is a major setback for the climate action movement, the union movement and the interests of working people in Australia. We must now urgently take steps to unite and step up the fight to defend the movements for progressive change in this country, writes Jim McIlroy.

This federal election is taking place at a time when the need for radical social and economic change is palpable: the escalating climate crisis and rampant and growing inequality are two major symptoms of the bankruptcy of capitalism.

The Victorian Socialists released the following statement on stopping Adani on May 1.

Socialist candidates are campaigning in the May 18 federal elections to put forward solutions to the growing wealth divide and looming environmental crisis.

Following  its successful state election campaign last year, Victorian Socialists is standing three candidates in the federal election: Sue Bolton in the seat of Wills, Kath Larkin in the seat of Cooper, and Jerome Small for the seat of Calwell. Green Left Weekly’s Alex Bainbridge spoke to Sue Bolton about the block the major parties pose to progressive politics and why it is important to support socialist candidates.

Following its successful November state election campaign, the Victorian Socialists held its inaugural conference on February 16, attended by more than 230 members.

For a party only launched in May, Victorian Socialists achieved some exceptional results in the November 24 state elections.

Twelve months ago socialists from several different groups and backgrounds came together to see if they could get the first socialist elected to an Australian parliament in more 70 years.