Matt Byrne’s article on the future of ACT Labor is enlightening.

Online communities can supplement party activities, however an egalitarian party would ensure that everyone had an equal chance to participate. Not everyone has access to a smartphone. In any case, nothing beats face to face meetings for genuine debate, social connections, and familiarity with future candidates! According to the article, members should spread “the party’s values” and have “conversations at the school gate” using Labor talking points. Is the only value of members to be “campaign robots” who mindlessly repeat Labor’s key messages?

The ACT Secretary is very modern in his approach. However, the ongoing decline in membership of political parties is unlikely to be fixed through an online app.