STATEMENT ON THE AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY

The Australian Labor Party has, over the course of its lifetime, been at the forefront of every major progressive social and economic reform. At every juncture, we have worked hard to protect the interests of hard-working Australians and always defended the rights of the underdog.

In recent elections, the party has unfortunately bled votes to newer parties on both the left and right of the political spectrum. A dwindling membership base has only served to reinforce this cycle.

Consequently, members of the party came to the conclusion that it was necessary to hold a ballot to determine the future of the party.

I can confirm that, in accordance with the party constitution, the Australian Labor Party conducted a vote among its membership on dissolution of the party. The vote passed unanimously.

Nothing can ever erase the proud legacy that the Australian Labor Party (including under its former name, the Social Democratic Party) leaves Australia. It has been a deep honour and privilege to not only serve as an elected parliamentarian of the party and on the National Executive, but as its leader.

I wish to thank all those who have served our party so well over the years, and in doing so, have served our nation tremendously. We will be forever in your debt.

While it's true that I find in this moment a great deal of sadness, I also hold my head high. Far from signaling any greater illusory demise, this simply marks the end of a chapter in the tome of progressive Australian politics. Within this mind I recall a brilliant quote by author Dawn Cook:

'Endings are not always bad. Most times they're just beginnings in disguise.'