- The Guardian
- Issue #1996
Vinnie M.
This weekend, comrades from across the Party will be meeting to attend the 14th Congress of the CPA. The Guardian – The Workers’ Weekly asked delegates some questions about their views on the congress, and below are some of the responses we received from some of the questions that we asked.
NAME: KHALIL A.
AGE: 64
LOCATION: PERTH
What does being a congress delegate mean to you?
It means that I am attending the most important meeting of our Party, which is held once every four years, where delegates elected by their comrades democratically discuss the Party’s activities in the period between the 13th Congress and the coming 14th Congress.
Then, collectively discuss Party’s plan such as Political Resolution and any new policies for the next four years and adopt the new plan democratically.
Also, to elect or re-elect Party leadership such as National President, General secretary and Central Committee to run the Party in the next four years.
NAME: VINNIE M.
AGE: 56
LOCATION: PERTH
What does being a congress delegate mean to you?
It is a great honour to be elected as a Congress delegate to your own Party. I have attended many congresses and conferences of other fraternal parties, but the experience of attending your own Party’s congress and to be part of the decision-making process through the Party’s democratic centralist structure is something very rewarding and memorable.
NAME: EILEEN W.
AGE: 81
LOCATION: PERTH
What does being a congress delegate mean to you?
It is a chance to hear the views of other comrades in the Party and to learn first-hand how the democratic principles of the Party work.
NAME: ZACHARY D.
AGE: 33
LOCATION: MELBOURNE
How do you view the development of the Party over the last period?
I’ve been in the Party since 2019. Party branches are developing unevenly and have varying levels of capacity to act. The Party development around Australia has impressed me. I am inspired to strive harder in my work.
NAME: GRAHAM H.
AGE: N/A
LOCATION: BRISBANE
How do you view the development of the Party over the last period?
I see the Party having made great strides towards our goals. Despite the problems of the COVID-19 shutdowns, the Party nonetheless has kept numbers of members growing. The Guardian – The Workers’ Weekly, especially online, has been read by thousands. As a result, more people are aware of the Party, what it does, and what we stand for. All this was achieved in very troubling times. Congratulations to the hard work done by all.
NAME: NICK W.
AGE: N/A
LOCATION: CANBERRA
How do you view the development of the Party over the last period?
The Party has been enjoying strong growth over the past year. For the past two years, I have been attending meetings online with the Perth branch, as there is no branch in Canberra. However, this looks like changing, and I have had a flood of new inquiries about the Party, and this year I hope to establish a Canberra branch.
NAME: LIAM E.
AGE: 34
LOCATION: ADELAIDE
What do you hope the Party can achieve from the 14th congress?
I’d like to see a national education program start to develop, with national schools and a standardised course of education for new Party members. A solid capacity for delivering Marxist-Leninist education is a good basis for recruitment and the development of new branches that can feed into more direct political activity. I’m also eager to see the strategy of building up industrial branches developed in more detail.
NAME: HANNAH M.
AGE: 79
LOCATION: SYDNEY
What do you hope the Party can achieve from the 14th Congress?
Greater clarity and unity on some ideological questions. A realistic and effective program of priorities for action over the next 4 years. Greater activism across the Party. A refreshed Central Committee combining maturity and experience with some newer activist comrades.
NAME: TONY O.
AGE: 63
LOCATION: SYDNEY
What do you hope the Party can achieve from the 14th Congress?
I think there is a lot of vigour amongst our younger comrades ready to take bold new steps, particularly around the development of new industry branches, I think because we have so few human resources we need to maximise the support of the Party behind these new initiatives and prioritise small successes. I believe strongly in the principle from small things big things grow but we need to nurture them to guarantee their success. Small victories are important for building confidence and bigger successes.
NAME: BRI A.
AGE: 27
LOCATION: MELBOURNE
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Committee has decided to hold the 14th Congress online using video conference software, a first for the CPA. The 21st Century has brought along many changes and challenges in our struggle against the ruling class, how do you think using technology develops our Party work?
I do not think that the Party should shy away from technological tools. I have found that because comrades are more used to video conferencing tools, it is easier to hold more accessible meetings through hybrid meetings, for example. On the other hand, the experience in Melbourne I found was dire since we did not get to meet in person for a Branch meeting between about April 2020 until December 2021. Meeting in person is so important for the morale and life of the Branch and the Party. It also became much more difficult to recruit during these times, even though recruiting through online spaces remains a very popular way for people to contact the Party. I think going forward it is important we do not leave our technological skills behind after COVID-19 is no longer a threat to public health. For now, I think it is important to think of how we can meet in a hybrid context and in COVID safe ways in person so we do not lose touch with our comrades.
NAME: OVIDIO O.
AGE: 73
LOCATION: BRISBANE
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Committee has decided to hold the 14th Congress online using video conference software, a first for the CPA. The 21st Century has brought along many changes and challenges in our struggle against the ruling class, how do you think using technology develops our Party work?
New technology is useful in many ways, but person to person has to be the best way to conduct events, especially Congress and Conferences.
NAME: ALEX V.
AGE: 30
LOCATION: SYDNEY
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Committee has decided to hold the 14th Congress online using video conference software, a first for the CPA. The 21st Century has brought along many changes and challenges in our struggle against the ruling class, how do you think using technology develops our Party work?
I am concerned that the reliance on technology particularly can give way to a lack of democracy, transparency and accountability. I have seen many comrades struggle with the use of zoom for instance and that is to the detriment of the Party. I think we should always look to accommodate people. Likewise, I recognise the immense potential technology gives for comrades to engage in the Party. For instance, comrades with transportation issues, mobility issues, or even busy schedules are able to engage in party life more easily. I think these factors need to be weighed up when making decisions about the nature of meetings., the importance of the event that is taking place, and the effect it will have on the Party’s democracy.
