CONSTITUTION
OF THE REPUBLICAN WORKERS PARTY
ADOPTED AT CONGRESS 2025
Contents
5 Admission of New Members and Officials
6 Training and Education of Party Membership
8 Dues Payment and Financial Control
10 Organisational Principles of the Party
13 Chartered Branches and Branches
14 Breaches of Rules and Decisions
16 Returning Officers and Scrutineers
18 Party Groups in Non-Party Organisations
RULE 1 NAME
1.1 The name of the Party shall be the Republican Workers Party.
1.2 In any circumstances in which the Central Committee considers a change of name necessary, it shall put such a proposition to a National Congress. In between Congresses, the Central Committee may put a recommendation to the membership of the Party, who will vote on the recommendation in Branch meetings. The recommendation will be adopted if a majority of Party members vote at such meetings in favour of it.
RULE 2 MEMBERSHIP
2.1 Membership of the Republican Workers Party is open to any person 16 years of age or over, who normally resides in Australia. Applications for exemptions to the residency condition in exceptional circumstances can be considered by the Party’s Central Committee.
2.2 There are three categories of membership – Supporter, Member and Official (refer to Rule 5). Members in both Member and Official categories are required to be active in a base organisation of the Party (see Rule 13).
2.3 Supporters are the broader base of allies and sympathisers, who may inquire about joining as a Member or Official after a period of consistent activity.
2.4 Members have fewer obligations in terms of attendance at meetings and, as a result, fewer occasions to exercise voting rights in relation to Party decisions. This category of membership is better suited to those who face time constraints in relation to Party activity.
2.5 Officials are required to attend all Party meetings and activities that they are able to unless prevented from doing so by extenuating circumstances. In these cases, an apology is required to the leadership of their base organisation.
2.6 Those members wishing to become Officials will be required to undergo a minimum six-month probationary period, after which they may be nominated as an Official. The Central Committee and the Executives of base organisations can also vote for the change of status from Official to Member if the individual involved is not fulfilling the necessary commitments for the position. An Official member can apply to become a Member if they are no longer able to meet the requirements of the position.
2.7 The specific requirements for all categories of membership will be determined as required from time to time by the Central Committee.
2.8 All applicants intending to join the Republican Workers Party will need to demonstrate regular activity, a basic understanding of Australian politics and economics, and undertake efforts to deepen that knowledge through both education and experience. Prospective members will need to participate in a number of mandatory educational modules as decided by the Central Committee. The Central Committee will be the only body to accept new members into the Party.
2.9 An applicant member joining the Republican Workers Party will need to accept the Party Program and Constitution, be active members of the Party, and have membership of and responsibilities within a Party organisation according to the relevant category of membership. Additionally, they must observe Party decisions and ensure the timely, regular payment of dues to remain a financial member.
2.10 Where it is established that special circumstances exist preventing collective activity in a Party organisation, arrangements can be made for a member to be relieved of that obligation for an agreed period. Arrangements must be made for the member to engage in other activities on behalf of the Party during this time.
2.11 The Branch may admit new members without prior approval of the Central Committee following an initial screening process and interview by the local Branch Secretary and/or Organiser. However, only the Central Committee may formally confirm a Member or an Official. This ensures growth and participation across the Party while maintaining the highest standards of discipline and ideological unity among both its leading elements and membership.
2.12 Membership Levels & Development
a. Officials - The disciplined core cadre responsible for leadership, education, and ideological unity.
i. Must have completed Party education program and pass probation period (minimum six months).
ii. Must be active in a Party collective or mass front.
iii. Have been nominated by two current Officials and confirmed by the Central Committee.
iv. Has full voting rights and eligibility for leadership positions.
v. Practices the highest standard of discipline and accountability.
vi. Eligible for congressional election.
b. Party Members - Workers and activists developing toward Official status.
i. Must accept the Party’s program and constitution.
ii. Participates in meetings, campaigns, and education.
iii. Is nominated by one Official and endorsed by a Branch.
iv. Is eligible to vote at Branch level and contribute dues.
v. Is eligible for cadre nomination after six months of continuous activity and completion of the Introductory Political Education Program.
c. Supporters - The broader base of Party allies and sympathisers.
i. Support the Party’s general aims and participate in activities, study circles, or campaigns.
ii. No internal voting rights, but encouraged to engage in Party-led struggles, activity and education.
The Party grows by developing class-conscious workers into disciplined cadre through political education, collective practice, and fostering a culture of disciplined action. Mass participation is encouraged by organising our supporters and developing them into members and officials who can take on greater responsibilities and become organisers in their own right. The Central Committee retains authority to confirm Officials, while Branches may admit supporters and members who are confirmed by the Central Committee following a review.
2.13 Equality of Members
a. All members of the Republican Workers Party share an equal status as members. No member is above the Constitution or other Party rules. Membership of higher Party bodies or election to Party functionary posts do not confer special privileges.
b. Republican Workers Party members are bound by a working-class outlook and the egalitarian principles they apply in their interactions with others at work, at home and in daily life in general.
RULE 3 DUTIES OF PARTY MEMBERS
3.1 It is the duty of all Party members:
a. To raise the level of their political understanding and knowledge; to cultivate class consciousness and to put the interests of the working class above their own personal interests.
b. To observe Party discipline and to carry out the Party Constitution; to build, strengthen and extend the Party’s organisation, to be an active member within a Party organisation at all times.
c. To explain and win support for the Party’s Program and policies among the working people, endeavouring to win them to a militant working class position and to recruit them to membership of the Republican Workers Party; to work in unity in active defence of the working people’s vital interests and to extend and consolidate the Party’s connections with them.
d. To join and help build trade union, farmer and professional organisations and seek to play a leading role in those organisations based upon the Party Program and policies, and by these means, expand the influence of the Party in such organisations and to win their support for Party policies.
e. To defend the Party’s organisational principles; to develop criticism and self-criticism in a manner intended to improve the life and work of members of the Party; to develop collective methods of work and the democratic life of the Party.
f. To protect the Party from attacks by adversaries of any kind; to safeguard the Party and membership regardless of any pressures faced.
g. To draw quality members from the ranks of the working class and from our external organising into the Party, to contribute to organisationally strengthening the Party and the expansion of its influence.
h. All members should possess and continue to develop a sound understanding of working- class politics, Australian political economy, and the historical struggles of the working class. The Central Committee shall determine and periodically review the educational standards and curriculum required for membership and advancement.
i. We are a workers' party. Members engaged in paid employment must be members of the relevant trade union for their industry where one exists and where membership does not create significant hardship or security risk. Where union membership is not possible, the member must actively support workplace organising efforts in consultation with the Party. Only financial union members shall be eligible to serve as delegates to Party Congress, except where exemption has been granted prior by the Central Committee.
RULE 4 RIGHTS OF PARTY MEMBERS
4.1 It is the right of a Party member:
a. To participate freely in Party discussions and in the formulation and application of Party policy in accordance with the Party Constitution.
b. To engage in principled constructive criticism at Party meetings, of any Party organisation, officer or member.
c. To address any proposal, statement, criticism or appeal to the appropriate Party organisation, including Party conferences and congresses, in accordance with the Party Constitution and the relevant decisions of constituted Party bodies. Members have the right to a prompt, reasonable response, taking into account the workload of the Party body in question.
d. To elect and be elected within the Party in accordance with the provisions of the Party Constitution.
e. To formally submit in writing a resignation from Party membership to their Party Branch or relevant higher body. A resignation shall be notified to the next higher Party body by the body that has received the resignation.
f. To express internal disagreement and submit minority reports to a Party Congress. Once a decision has been made by the Congress or the appropriate Party body, all members are required to uphold unity in action in accordance with the principles of democratic centralism.
RULE 5 ADMISSION OF NEW MEMBERS AND OFFICIALS
5.1 Membership status terms and functions are defined as follows:
a. Party Officials - Officials are the most active elements of the Party membership and are the backbone of creating an active and functioning Party culture. Officials will belong to a Party collective and actively attend the required number of meetings and an additional time for self- directed work involving the completion of tasks and furthering their political knowledge. Officials are eligible to vote at Party meetings, be elected to higher bodies of the Party and to vote for, and be elected as, congressional delegates.
b. Party Members:
Unlike Officials, Party Members, are not required to maintain a high level of activity but are still bound by the constitution and by democratic centralism. They will be invited to attend a general meeting every month where they will be able to contribute and hear the plans that the Party Branch has produced and to take up action items. This will be an opportunity for them to stay connected with the Party and determine their own level of activity. Party Members must, however, agree with the constitution and program of the Party. They must endeavour to bring working people closer to the Party and win them over to the Party’s position. There must be some type of contact, even if it is not regular, from Officials of the Party to provide the opportunity to invite Party Members to events and activities. Party Members do not have an obligation to attend, reflecting their own capabilities and availabilities. Party Members may step into the Party Official role but will need to undergo a minimum of six months of probation, complete all prescribed education sessions and be nominated by a Party Official to progress to Official status.
5.2 Applications for Party membership must be signed by the applicant and by at least one nominator, all of whom must be financial members of the Party. The signed application shall be submitted to the Executive of the Branch. The Branch Secretary, or other delegated Executive member, will then hold discussions with the Central Committee, either face-to-face or through secure communications, to discuss the application.
5.3 On being admitted to the Party, an applicant must be attached to and remain in contact with a designated Party organisation or Officials from a specific Branch for a minimum of six months, and must participate in a minimum of the prescribed education discussions covering Party structure, policies and ideology as determined and updated by the Central Committee.
5.4 Where the Party organisation considering the application for admission to membership is of the opinion that the applicant is not yet ready to join the Party, the application may be either rejected or deferred for a specified limited period during which the applicant is asked to carry out some activity on behalf of the Party and/or to carry out further study.
5.5 Any member may appeal against any decision on an application for admission to the Party. Such appeal shall be addressed to the next highest Party body.
5.6 An applicant to the Party must disclose if they are a member of another political party and can be refused admittance to the Party on this basis. If they join another political party during their time as a member of the Republican Workers Party, they must disclose this immediately to their local Secretary. Depending on the circumstances, members can be removed from the Party on this basis.
5.7 If a former member who was expelled from the Party applies for re-admission, such a former member may be readmitted to the Party providing that the Party organisation dealing with the application is satisfied that the errors which brought about the expulsion will not be repeated. The readmission must be approved by the Central Committee or the body responsible for the initial expulsion, whichever is higher. Continuity of membership can only be granted in exceptional circumstance by the Central Committee.
RULE 6 TRAINING AND EDUCATION OF PARTY MEMBERSHIP
6.1 It is the duty of all Party members to continually train and educate themselves to improve their knowledge and practical skills to further the objectives of the Party.
6.2 The responsibility to ensure that Party members are provided with training and political education rests on the Party organisations and each individual member’s comradely assistance and guidance to others in this area.
6.3 It is the responsibility of the Executive of each Party organisation to discuss with new members a plan and area of work, provide them adequate training, ensure the members’ involvement in the life of the Party organisation and arrange for the political education of members.
6.4 The development of membership is a continual task. The aim is to ensure that each member maintains the maximum level of activity with an increasing capacity to fulfil the tasks of a Party member, maintaining high moral standards and a commitment to serving the working class.
RULE 7 TRANSFERS
7.1 Any member of the Party desiring to transfer from one Branch to another shall apply to the Branch of which they are a member on a form prescribed by the Party.
7.2 Upon the Branch agreeing to the transfer, the Secretary of the Branch shall sign the transfer and be responsible for forwarding it to the Central Committee for approval, to then be sent on to the applicable Branch organisation.
7.3 Any member refused a transfer that wishes to appeal the decision may refer the matter to the Central Committee to adjudicate. Branches shall not accept any member from another Branch without the procedure prescribed by this rule being followed and without suitable notification of the transfer being received through the appropriate Party organisation.
RULE 8 DUES PAYMENT AND FINANCIAL CONTROL
8.1 Party members shall pay dues of an amount determined from time to time by the Party Congress or by the Central Committee. It is an obligation of Party members to pay the amount of dues as determined, in full and on time. Party members shall make a commitment to give ongoing financial support to the Party, including the regular payment of a pledge. The minimum amount of the pledge will be determined from time to time by the Central Committee. The amount may be adjusted for members experiencing financial difficulties.
8.2 Any member more than three months in arrears in the payment of dues shall be deemed unfinancial. A member who is unfinancial shall be notified of that fact in writing. Such a letter is to be arranged by a Branch officer, and every effort is to be made to bring the member concerned into good standing. During any period in which a member has been declared unfinancial, they shall not be entitled to exercise any rights of membership as set out in the Constitution. A member who is six months in arrears shall be notified in writing, with further steps taken to bring the member into good standing. Only after the failure of such steps should the member be deemed to be lapsed.
8.3 If a former member whose membership was lapsed for these reasons applies for re-admission to the party within six months of lapsing, such a member may, on the approval of the Central Committee, be granted continuity of membership upon payment of an amount negotiated with the relevant bodies. In any other circumstance, the lapsing of membership stands and any persons thus lapsed and desiring to re-join the party must apply for admission to the party in accordance with these rules.
8.4 Each party organisation authorised to handle party finances shall establish appropriate books of account based on the principle of receipts for monies received and payments covered by decision of the relevant body by cheque or electronic banking. This is to be reviewed and monitored by the Treasurer under the direction of the Central Committee. An internal audit of the books of account is to be conducted in accordance with By-Law 2 – Financial Audit.
RULE 9 NON-PROFIT PRINCIPLE
9.1 The assets and income of the Republican Workers Party shall be applied solely in furtherance of its objectives set out in the Party’s Program.
9.2 The Party functions on a not-for-profit principle, where all finances raised and assets acquired are to be used solely for the advancement of the Party and its collective interests. No portion of these finances shall be distributed directly or indirectly to the members of the Party, except as bona fide compensation for services rendered or expenses incurred on behalf of the Party.
9.3 This principle will apply until the Central Committee determines that finances allow the appointment of full-time Party functionaries.
RULE 10 ORGANISATIONAL PRINCIPLES OF THE PARTY
10.1 The Republican Workers Party is built on, and functions in accordance with, the principles of democratic centralism, which promote a vigorous democratic life in the Party, a cohesive and effective central leadership and ensures Party solidarity and unity.
10.2 Democracy and centralism are not separate and antagonistic processes, and democratic centralism constitutes a dialectical unity of these processes. It is a single integrated whole, and the proper observance of the Party’s democratic practices work to strengthen the leadership and function of the Party at all levels, including its central leadership. Proper and full application of democratic centralism will ensure a single line for the Party on all issues, a central, cohesive leadership, and will significantly increase the unity of Party members and improve the effectiveness of the Party’s work.
10.3 The main principles of democratic centralism include:
a. The election of the Central Committee by secret ballot, and Branch Executives by show of hands, if required.
b. To analyse, study and learn from experiences and theory, and to practice criticism and self- criticism on a basis intended to assist and strengthen the work of the party and its members.
c. The placing of collective interests over individual interests. The interests of any Party organisation must be placed above those of any individual and the interests of any Party organisation must be subordinated to the interests of the Party as a whole.
d. The submission by Party organisations of reports at regular intervals to the Party organisations under their leadership. The regular submission of reports by the leadership of Party organisations to the membership of the relevant organisation. The reporting of lower Party organisations to the Central Committee, the proffering of guidance by the Central Committee to Branches and the acceptance of assistance by the Branches on problems arising from and in their work.
e. The observance of collective leadership at every level as the principle of leadership of the Party. All important questions are to be decided on a collective basis with individual responsibility allocated to carry out decisions.
f. The compulsory observance of decisions properly made in accordance with this Constitution, with Branches carrying out the decisions of the Central Committee, and minorities implementing the decisions of the majority in accordance with Party discipline and respect for democratic centralist processes.
g. A regular and efficient check by Party organisations of the carrying out of decisions made at each and every level of the Party structure.
These principles must be defended in practice through the application of criticism and self-criticism and the ceaseless vigilance of Party members in a comradely and constructive manner.
RULE 11 NATIONAL CONGRESS
11.1 The highest authority of the Republican Workers Party is the National Congress which shall be convened every three years.
11.2 Congress Functions and Powers - The functions and powers of such a National Congress shall include:
a. To discuss and determine policies for the Party.
b. To receive, discuss and make decisions on reports submitted by the Central Committee.
c. When necessary, to revise the Party Program and Constitution.
d. To decide the number of members to constitute the Central Committee and to elect the Central Committee.
e. To elect a Returning Officer and a Scrutineer.
f. To accept and decide upon any matters referred to the Congress by the Central Committee.
g. To discuss and decide upon other matters accepted by a majority of the Congress as business for the Congress.
11.3 Congress Delegates
a. Delegates to the Party National Congress shall consist of members of the outgoing Central Committee and of delegates elected directly by Branches.
b. The basis of representation shall be determined by the Central Committee in accordance with the numerical strength of the organisations electing delegates, and such as will ensure the number of delegates elected by Party organisations shall not be less than twice the number of members of the outgoing Central Committee. Preference should be given to ensuring representation from every Chartered Branch, and for unchartered Branches, from representatives drawn from their respective Branch Executives.
c. The basis of representation shall be determined by the Central Committee in accordance with the numerical strength of the organisations electing delegates. The number of delegates at the Congress must be equal to or more than twice the number of members on the outgoing Central Committee. Preference should be given to representation from each Branch and their respective Executives, representing the most experienced and committed of the Party’s membership.
d. Delegates elected to both a National or Special Congress must have the status of Official, have a minimum six months’ continuous membership in the Party and be financial in accordance with the constitution both at the time of election and at the time of attending the Congress. Likewise, in accordance with Rule 3.1i, they must be members of their relevant trade unions. Prior to the Congress, the Branch Secretary must forward to the General Secretary certification of current membership, union membership and the financial status of delegates elected to Congress.
e. The General Secretary will furnish the list of delegates and their financial and membership details to a Credentials Officer, who shall be appointed by the Central Committee prior to the Congress. Delegates to the Congress must provide the Credentials Officer with proof of their financial standing and their length of membership prior to taking their seats as delegates. The Credentials Officer will issue each Congress delegate with an identification card to be used for entrance to the Congress and a voting card, if deemed to be required by the Central Committee, to be used on all occasions a vote is taken.
f. Where a Special Congress is being held with both remote and in-person options, the above processes will be adapted by the Credentials Officer to accommodate delegates who are attending remotely.
11.4 Congress Documents
a. The main document to come before the National Congress shall be prepared by the Central Committee and circulated throughout the Party for discussion in accordance with procedures set out in this rule. The document shall address the main problems which have confronted the Party since the previous Congress, problems currently confronting the Party and the problems that may potentially confront the Party before the next Congress. The document may also cover such other matters as the Central Committee considers proper for inclusion in a single Congress document.
b. The Central Committee shall complete the preparation of such a document in a manner and under circumstances that enable its distribution to Branches, not less than three calendar months before the month in which the Congress is due to commence.
c. The Central Committee shall take all necessary steps to ensure the convening of appropriate meetings of Branches for the purpose of considering the Congress document and deciding upon amendments, additions or deletions to the document. These revisions are to in turn be submitted by the Branches to the Central Committee through their respective representatives.
d. The Central Committee shall, two months before the opening date of the Congress, arrange such meetings as are required to enable it to consider the proposals submitted by Branches. Accordingly, the Central Committee shall then forward the final proposals to delegates of the Congress 14 days before its opening date.
e. In completing these processes, the Central Committee is to advise Branches of proposals which have not been accepted as amendments to the Central Committee document, so as to enable those Branches to press their amendments if need be, before the Party Congress.
11.5 Congress Preparatory Committee
a. The Central Committee shall fix the date and venue of the Congress at least six months before it is due to commence. The Central Committee, in fixing that date, shall make its decision so as to enable the steps provided for in Rule 11.4 in accordance with its provisions. At the same meeting, the Central Committee shall appoint a Congress Preparatory Committee. The number of persons comprising that Committee shall be decided by the Central Committee.
b. The Congress Preparatory Committee shall be responsible for implementing the steps necessary to prepare the Congress in accordance with the decisions of the Central Committee, and shall function under the direction of the Central Committee.
c. In addition to other necessary steps preparing for the Congress, the Congress Preparatory Committee shall take the following steps in connection with the election of the Central Committee:
i. Invite the leading committee of each of the Party organisations entitled to elect Congress delegates to consider and submit to the Preparatory Committee the names of those Party officials from each organisation which they believe should be submitted to the Congress as candidates for election to the Central Committee. To be eligible for such consideration, a person must have at least one year of continuous membership of the Party as an Official, and to be finally selected as a candidate must be financial in accordance with these rules at the time of such consideration.
ii. Each organisation must include with the names their reasons for submitting each individual. Each Party organisation shall also be invited to consider the work of any existing member of the Central Committee functioning in their area and submit to the Preparatory Committee any reasons why, in their opinion, any such member should or should not be considered for submission to the Congress as a candidate for election to the Central Committee.
iii. The Central Committee shall also be invited to make an analysis of its work and to reach conclusions concerning any member of the Central Committee who, in the opinion of the Committee, should or should not be considered as a candidate for election to the incoming Central Committee.
The Central Committee shall be required to provide in writing reasons for submissions they make in relation to members or nominees of that Committee. All such proposals and the relevant reasons must be submitted in writing by the appropriate Party organisation and be in the hands of the Preparatory Committee at least one month before the commencement of Congress.
The leading committees referred to in this rule are the Executives of the Branches, which under this Constitution are entitled to elect delegates to the Congress. The invitation from the Preparatory Committee referred to in this rule may be acted upon by the Branch Executives existing at the time the invitation from the Preparatory Committee is received. Any such committee referred to here may, at its discretion, refer the invitation from the Preparatory Committee to any incoming committee which may be elected at a special Branch meeting convened for purposes including the election of delegates to the Congress.
iv. Prepare a complete list of the nominations together with the reasons for nomination as received from the relevant party organisations. This list, with the names in alphabetical order, is to be distributed at the first business session of the Congress to all Congress delegates.
11.6 First Session of Congress - At its first session, the Congress shall:
a. Decide the number of members to constitute the Central Committee in light of the recommendation made by the outgoing Central Committee;
b. Elect a Returning Officer and a Scrutineer. The Returning Officer and the Scrutineer shall be persons having at least one year’s continuous membership in the Party at the time of the election who are financial in accordance with the Party Constitution at that date, and who are available to function in the manner detailed in the following paragraphs.
c. Immediately following their election, the Returning Officer shall present the list of recommended candidates compiled by the outgoing Central Committee. They shall call for other nominations from the floor of Congress. Such additional candidates must be delegates to Congress and be present to confirm their availability for nomination. The full list is then accepted by the Congress. The opportunity is available for delegates to speak for or against the inclusion of the candidates presented on the initial list. Congress will then vote on the exclusion by show of hands of any candidates put forward on the list for the final ballot.
d. The processes referred to in this rule are related solely to determining which members of the Party, qualified in accordance with this Constitution, shall have their names included on the ballot paper for election to the Central Committee itself. The processes referred to in this rule are not the process of secret balloting for the Central Committee itself. Such processes are referred to in the next section.
e. Any member nominated for election or advancement within the Party must be financial and in good standing at the time of nomination.
11.7 Ballot for Central Committee
a. When the Congress has finalised the process of deciding which eligible members of the Party should be nominated to ballot as candidates for the Central Committee, the process shall be handed over to the Returning Officer. The Returning Officer shall then prepare a ballot paper containing the names of the candidates approved by the Congress. This ballot will first list the names of the candidates submitted to the Congress by the outgoing Central Committee and endorsed by the Congress in alphabetical order. These will then be followed by the names of other persons approved from the floor of Congress as candidates for the Central Committee by the Congress, also in alphabetical order.
b. A ballot in accordance with these rules must be conducted even in circumstances where the total number of candidates decided upon by the Congress equals the number to be elected to the Central Committee. Voting for election of the Central Committee shall be by striking out the names of candidates not preferred.
c. Where the number of candidates appearing on the ballot paper is equal to the number to be elected, any member entitled to vote may strike out the names of any number of those candidates. However, if they do so, they must then add further names to the ballot paper, irrespective of whether such names have been submitted to the Congress in accordance with earlier provisions of this rule. The total number of names submitted must equal the number of positions on the Central Committee. Any ballot paper which records a vote for more or less than the number to be elected to the Central Committee shall be treated as being invalid.
d. Where the number of candidates approved by the Congress exceeds the number to be elected, any member entitled to vote may strike out the names of candidates they do not prefer until they have reached the number of candidates required to fill the positions on the Central Committee. Any member striking out names in excess of the number to be elected must, however, write other names on the ballot paper in accordance with the earlier provision of this rule and the same provisions in respect to invalid voting shall apply as stated earlier in this paragraph.
e. To be elected to the Central Committee, a candidate must not receive less than 51 percent of the valid votes cast. In the event of two or more candidates recording a ‘tied’ vote for final positions and each of those candidates receiving not less than 51 percent of the valid votes cast, a further run-off election shall be conducted to decide the filling of the final positions.
f. In the event of the Congress electing with at least 51 percent of the valid votes cast less than the number required to fill the positions on the Central Committee, a further ballot shall be conducted and the candidates in such a ballot shall be all of those who in the first ballot received less than 51 percent of the valid votes cast. That process shall continue until the full number of candidates required for the Central Committee have been elected.
g. All steps involved in the preparation of the ballot paper and the counting of votes shall be overseen and approved by the Scrutineer.
11.8 Alternate Members of the Central Committee
a. In addition to electing members to the Central Committee the Congress may, at its discretion, elect alternate members to the Central Committee.
b. The number of alternate members to be elected shall be decided by the Congress on a recommendation from the Central Committee. The membership qualifications for alternate members of the Central Committee shall be the same as those for full members of the Central Committee.
c. Alternate members of the Central Committee shall be elected by the same processes as prescribed by this Constitution for the election of full members of the Central Committee.
d. Alternate members of the Central Committee shall have the same rights and obligations as full members of the Central Committee, except the right to vote and the right to be elected to either the Central Committee Executive or to be members of the Central Committee Secretariat.
e. In the event of a National Congress, alternate members of the Central Committee do not become delegates of the Congress unless elected as such by a Party body in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
f. The Congress may, at its discretion, elect alternate members to the Central Committee. The number of alternate members shall not exceed twenty per cent (20%) of the total number of full members of the Central Committee. Alternate members shall have the same rights and obligations as full members, except the right to vote or be elected to the Executive or Secretariat. Observers may be invited to meetings of the Central Committee at its discretion.
11.9 Special Congress
a. A Special Congress shall be convened by majority decision of the Central Committee or upon petition received by the Central Committee from Party organisations representing at least one third of the Party membership. In the case of a Special Congress called by majority petition, once a petition is received by the Central Committee from any lower Party organisations, the Committee is compelled to distribute it amongst remaining Party organisations, even if that petition at time of presentation does not represent one third of the total Party membership. Once a majority decision has been reached, a Special Congress shall be convened without delay by the Central Committee, with the appointment of a Preparatory Committee to oversee the process leading up to the Special Congress.
b. The agenda for a Special Congress shall be determined by the Central Committee and must include the purposes contained in either the decision of the Central Committee to convene a Special Congress or in the request received from Party organisations.
c. The basis of representation at a Special Congress shall be decided upon by the Central Committee and shall come from Party organisations as set out in Rule 11.3 for National Congresses.
11.10 National Conference
a. The Central Committee may convene a National Conference at any time it considers necessary. The National Conference is used to hold a national meeting of members for pressing and relevant matters when they arise. Such a Conference is not empowered to exercise any of the specific purposes prescribed for Congresses.
b. The Central Committee will decide the basis of representation to a National Conference, and will prepare a proposed agenda and other relevant matters. Central Committee members shall be entitled to attend and fully participate in National Conferences.
c. Decisions of National Conferences must be ratified by a subsequent meeting of the Central Committee before becoming operative and binding.
RULE 12 CENTRAL COMMITTEE
12.1 The Central Committee is the governing body of the Party between National Congresses. It is responsible for the implementation of the policies and other decisions adopted by National Congresses. It provides political leadership and helps to develop Party activities between Congresses, is responsible for upholding the Program and Constitution of the Party, is in charge of the national administration of Party affairs and the development of the Party’s organisational structures. The Central Committee shall meet at least six times a year.
12.2 The Central Committee shall both decide the size of and elect an Executive Committee from among its members. The Executive Committee, subject to the decisions of the Central Committee, leads the work of the Party and administers the affairs of the Party in between meetings of the Central Committee and, consistent with decisions of the Central Committee and the Congress, makes further necessary decisions in between meetings of the Central Committee. The Executive Committee is fully accountable to the Central Committee. The Central Committee may elect such other committees or departments as it considers necessary, determining their size, personnel and the area of their functioning. Such committees or departments are accountable for their activities to the Executive and the Central Committee.
12.3 The Central Committee shall decide upon the officers and staffing to carry out its functions. The Central Committee may elect its officers, an Executive and other Committees either at a meeting of the Central Committee following its election and during the period of the Congress, or at a subsequent meeting of the Central Committee held not more than 6 weeks after the Congress adjourns. In the event of the Central Committee deciding to adjourn the election of its officers and/or the Executive to a meeting following the Congress, the officers and the Executive previously existing, or those of them who are re-elected to the Central Committee by the Congress, shall continue in their positions until the adjourned meeting.
12.4 Special levies may be struck by the Central Committee when required to address pressing matters and raise the necessary funds required to facilitate this. These levies are compulsory, and failure to pay a levy in full and on time will render the member unfinancial. No levy shall be struck by any other Party organisation except with the permission of the Central Committee. Those who are in financial duress or circumstances can approach the Treasurer to discuss any issues regarding levies.
12.5 The Central Committee may, by resolution, from time to time appoint one or more persons to receive on behalf of the Republican Workers Party any property donated to, or the subject of any testamentary disposition in favour of the said Party or of any Branch, or committee or organisation thereof. The receipt of such person or persons shall constitute a full and proper discharge to the person, or persons, responsible for the taking of any such gift, or the carrying into effect of any such testamentary disposition. The Central Committee may also resolve from time to time, to revoke the appointment of any such person, or persons, and make new appointments in their place.
12.6 The Central Committee may from time to time authorise persons as trustees for the Party to borrow, mortgage and purchase property on behalf of the Party.
12.7 . The Central Committee shall in all respects be responsible for the management of the Party press.
12.8 Central Committee Membership
a. In circumstances where an elected Central Committee member resigns from the Central Committee, is expelled, or for any other reason ceases to be a member of the Central Committee, the Central Committee has the right to appoint a new Central Committee member in their place from either the pool of Alternate Central Committee members or from the pool of Official members of the Party in between National Congresses.
b. Any changes in Central Committee membership must be announced to the membership as soon as reasonably possible.
12.9 Central Committee Duties
a. The Central Committee shall uphold a number of duties to Party membership. These are as follows:
i. To provide regular reports on the state of Party affairs to lower organisations, whether as response to a direct request from a lower organisation, or as result of a regular reporting schedule determined by the Committee itself.
ii. To maintain and enforce activity of Committee members to the duties and responsibilities outlined in this section or as determined by the demands of the offices or departments of the Committee itself.
iii. To ensure Committee members are actively involved with the local concerns of their relevant Branch, chartered or not, to the best of their capacities.
RULE 13 CHARTERED BRANCHES AND BRANCHES
13.1 The base organisations of the Republican Workers Party are the Party Branch (simply: Branch) or Chartered Branch. Branches and Chartered Branches are established by the decision of the Central Committee on the basis of locality, industry, type of activity or other consideration that advances the work of the Party. An unchartered Branch is normally a newer and smaller organisation that is not yet ready to maintain autonomous activity by comparison to a larger, more established Chartered Branch.
13.2 Chartered Branches have greater responsibility to administer finances and meet commitments to support the centre. They are comprised of a majority of Officials relative to the total of Members and those on probation. The specific financial obligations of a Chartered Branch, such as the quota due to the central funds and the membership threshold for a Branch to become chartered, will be set out annually by the Central Committee. A Chartered Branch that does not meet its obligations may be directed to function as an unchartered Branch until the required criteria are reached.
13.3 All Party members shall be attached to and function in a Party Chartered Branch or unchartered Branch, except where special permission is given in accordance with Rule 2. It is the responsibility of the Central Committee to allocate members to Branches during the recruit induction process. Where a Branch, chartered or not, does not exist or special circumstances prevail, every effort is to be made for members to participate in the life and work of the Party and meet other membership obligations.
13.4 The governing body of a Branch is the annual general meeting of members. Annual general meetings of Branches shall be held in the months of November, December or January each year. The business of such meetings is to hear reports of the year’s work, to consider proposals for future activities, to elect a Branch Executive, to issue new membership cards and such other business as the Branch decides.
13.5 The Branch Executive shall be responsible for implementing decisions of the organisation, preparing the business for each meeting, as well as for the expansion, development and strengthening of the base organisation. It is also charged with the responsibility of taking the necessary steps to encourage the maximum participation of members in the activity of the Branch in a proactive manner that develops members of the organisation.
13.6 Except in the case of newly established Branches, members must have at least six months’ membership of the Party to be eligible for office on the Executive of their base organisation.
13.7 The duties of a Party Branch shall include the following:
a. To organise among the working class and other exploited peoples in order to take action in support of their political, economic and cultural needs, to popularise the Party’s Program and policies and to engage working people to support them through education and action, to endeavour to unite working and other exploited peoples in pursuit of their needs and demands, and to strengthen unity between the Party and the masses of the people.
b. To encourage Party members to participate in non-party organisations, to help those organisations fulfil their objectives and strengthen the organisation, to introduce and win support for relevant party policies and to recruit members to the Party and its campaigns.
c. To strengthen the Party’s organisational and leadership capacities through education, skill development, practical experience and critical reflection.
d. To regularly monitor and review the implementation of decisions and to strengthen Party discipline through proactive intervention and education.
e. To win new members to the Party through our external organising work, education, events and propaganda. To incrementally involve members of the broader working class in our organising and to develop their class consciousness and engagement in the work of the Party and the pursuit of its aims.
f. To organise the political education of Party members through regular education sessions, practical training exercises and other similar ventures, including attention to individual study and critical review.
g. To develop constructive criticism and self-criticism in a manner aimed at strengthening the political understanding and unity of both members and the Party’s organisations.
h. To raise finances for the Party to allow for our expansion and to strengthen the organising capacity and resources of the Party as a whole.
i. To distribute and sell Party publications and materials to educate the public, develop their class consciousness and channel this into material support of the Party and its objectives.
RULE 14 BREACHES OF RULES AND DECISIONS
14.1 It should be noted that in sections referring to breaches of decisions, discipline and rights of appeal that the term ‘member’ is applied in the broad sense to include Members and Officials.
14.2 Where breaches of rules or decisions have occurred, Party organisations at all levels may take disciplinary action against any member of that organisation where it is warranted. Where a member subject to disciplinary action is also a member of another Party organisation, the disciplinary action should be taken in consultation with that organisation. Disciplinary action against a member of the Central Committee may only be taken by that Committee. The Central Committee may take disciplinary action against any member of a Party organisation under its direction.
14.3 Disciplinary action may be taken for breaches of this Constitution, for refusing to carry out decisions properly made, for actions which, in the opinion of the Party organisation considering the matter, have or are likely to harm the Party, bring the Party into disrepute or weaken support for it. Disciplinary action includes: warning, reprimand; removal from assigned work; suspension from official positions and/or from attending Party meetings pending investigation of charges; removal from office; suspension of Party membership; lapsing of Party membership; and expulsion from the Party.
14.4 Any suspension from membership or suspension from attending Party meetings pending investigation of charges, shall be for a period not exceeding three months.
14.5 Any decision taken for disciplinary action by a Party organisation must be reported to the next higher Party organisation which may ratify, reject, amend, replace or take no action on the decision reported to it. Likewise, members subject to disciplinary proceedings are able to appeal to the next highest body, proceeding up to the Central Committee, whose decision shall be operative until and unless it is set aside by successful appeal at the next National Congress.
14.6 The decision made by a higher Party organisation on a disciplinary action replaces the decision referred to it by the lower organisation. Any appeal as provided for in this Constitution shall be in relation to the decision of the higher Party organisation. In the event of the higher Party organisation deciding to take no action on the matter at all, an appeal shall be in relation to the decision of the lower Party organisation.
14.7 Any decision taken for disciplinary action operates from the date of the decision, until and unless it is superseded by a decision of the Central Committee or is set aside on appeal. Any decision of the Central Committee in relation to any disciplinary matter shall be final and binding except where the matter involves expulsion from membership of the Party.
14.8 Disciplinary actions may be taken by the Central Committee against a Party organisation under its authority. Such action may be taken for failure or refusal of the Party organisation to carry out properly made decisions, or if the organisation makes decisions or carries out activities which, in the opinion of the higher organisation, are likely to bring the Party into disrepute, weaken support for it or cause disunity. Disciplinary action includes reprimand, dismissal of its leading organisation and appointment of an interim leading organisation, dissolution of the organisation and reorganisation of its membership. The procedures for appealing these decisions are the same as those relating to individual party members.
RULE 14.9 CONDUCT AT MEETINGS
a. Disciplinary action may also be taken by any meeting of Party organisations constituted by this Constitution against any member attending that meeting for behaviour or conduct which the meeting deems to be in breach of this Constitution and the principles of the Party. Such conduct constitutes special circumstances warranting disciplinary action without adherence to the procedures provided for in Rule 14 and in the by-laws of this Constitution.
b. These circumstances shall include, but not be limited to disruption of any meeting, behaviour which, in the opinion of the majority of the members attending the meeting, is offensive to the meeting, or detrimental in any way to the Party, refusal to carry out decisions of the meeting requiring implementation at the meeting and any form of misdemeanour which the meeting considers lowers standards necessary for the proper conduct of the business and the meeting concerned.
c. Disciplinary action under this rule may include any of the penalties prescribed by Rule 14, disallowance of any further participation in the meeting concerned and/or suspension from further attendance at the meeting.
d. A decision in accordance with this rule may be made by a majority vote of Party members attending the meeting.
e. Nothing contained in this rule shall enable the penalty of expulsion from the Party to be applied to any member except in accordance with Rule 14 and the By-laws to this Constitution.
f. Where a meeting makes any decision in accordance with the provisions of this rule, the person presiding at that meeting must immediately report the matter to the next higher Party committee. Except in the case of further participation in, or further attendance at the particular meeting, the higher Party committee may, for reasons it sees fit, review any decision made under this rule and replace it with a decision of its own.
g. The latter decision shall then supersede the previous decision and will guide all further processes under the rule.
h. Any member against whom disciplinary action is taken in accordance with this rule may exercise rights of appeal, as provided elsewhere in this Constitution. During this time, disciplinary action shall apply until and unless it is set aside on appeal.
i. An appeal shall not lie against any decision made under this rule in relation to further participation in, or further attendance at, any particular meeting.
j. Any decision by the Central Committee in relation to any matter provided for by this rule shall, unless subsequently rescinded by the Central Committee, be final and binding.
RULE 15 RIGHTS OF APPEAL
15.1 Any member against whom disciplinary action is taken, and any organisation against which disciplinary action is taken, has the right to appeal to the Central Committee of the Party. Only in the case of expulsion does this right include appeal to a National Congress. At each stage, an appeal must be lodged within 28 days of the date on which the previous decision was made.
15.2 The process of appeals by organisations against disciplinary action shall be by way of appeal to the next highest body above the body that ratifies any decision. Where the disciplinary action involves expulsion and appeal rights are exercised up to and including the Central Committee any further appeal shall be dealt with at the next Party National Congress.
RULE 16 RETURNING OFFICERS AND SCRUTINEERS
16.1 In any ballot conducted to elect any committee provided for in these rules, no person who is a candidate for election shall act as a Returning Officer or Scrutineer.
RULE 17 CONTROL COMMISSION
17.1 At the first meeting of the Central Committee following each National Congress, the Control Commission shall be elected.
17.2 The number to constitute the Control Commission shall be decided by the Central Committee meeting making the election, and decided before the election is conducted. The Central Committee may elect to the Control Commission any member of the Party with a minimum of two years continuous membership in the Party and who is, at the time of the election, a member in good standing.
17.3 The Control Commission shall have the following duties and, subject to ratification of its decisions by the Central Committee, exercise all the authority necessary to fulfil those duties:
a. To protect the unity and ideological purity of the Party, and to fight against hostile influences and against factional activity. It shall fight against opportunist, revisionist, sectarian and dogmatic distortions and misrepresentations of the Party’s Program. It shall uphold democratic norms of Party life, Party morality and the rights of members. It shall check on the maintenance of Party discipline and the fulfilment of decisions.
b. To supervise, and for that purpose investigate, the proper payment of Party dues, the honouring of other financial obligations of Party membership, the fulfilment of properly made decisions of constituted Party bodies in relation to Party finances, to supervise methods of, and proportionate expenditures of, Party bodies. To make such recommendations and/or decisions on these matters as the Commission considers necessary for the Party’s interests.
c. To hear, and to adjudicate, appeals against decisions of Branches relating to expulsion from the Party and in relation to other disciplinary measures. In dealing with appeals the Control Commission shall act for, and on behalf of, the Central Committee.
17.4 In carrying out its duties the Control Commission may make such recommendations and/or decisions as it sees fit in the interests of the Party, except that it may not initiate disciplinary action. It may recommend to the appropriate Party organisation that disciplinary action be taken based on its investigations. In carrying out its duties, the Control Commission may act on its own initiative or on matters referred to it by any constituted Party body or any member of the Party that falls within its jurisdiction. All decisions and recommendations of the Control Commission shall require ratification by the Central Committee and shall not be operative until such ratification.
17.5 Notwithstanding other clauses contained in these rules, the Control Commission may, whenever it considers it necessary for purposes of protecting the Party, exercise disciplinary action prescribed elsewhere in this Constitution. Any decision taken in accordance with this clause shall be final and binding until and unless set aside by the Central Committee. The Central Committee shall, in consultation with the Control Commission, decide the methods of the functioning of the Control Commission.
RULE 18 PARTY GROUPS IN NON-PARTY ORGANISATIONS
18.1 Where three or more Party members are active participants in the work of a non-party organisation, a Party group of the members concerned must be formed by the appropriate Party body for the purpose of strengthening the work of the organisation and the influence of the Party among the members of the organisation concerned. The Party groups are subordinate to the Central Committee and, where appropriate, to Branch organisations.
RULE 19 DISSOLUTION
19.1 The Republican Workers Party may be dissolved on a recommendation from the Central Committee to a Special Congress called for that purpose or by a majority vote of members assembled at special Branch meetings called to consider such recommendation. In the event of the Party being dissolved, the finances and assets that remain after such dissolution and the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities shall be transferred to any association with similar purposes and is not carried on for the profit or gain of its individual members.
By-Laws
BY-LAW 1 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
The process of disciplinary action against individual Party members and/or Party organisations is as follows: (Note: In the following clauses the singular may also be read as the plural where appropriate).
a. Disciplinary action against an individual Party member or a Party organisation may be initiated by an individual Party member or by an appropriate Party organisation.
b. The person making the charge and calling for disciplinary action must provide to the appropriate Party organisation in writing a statement setting out the grounds on which disciplinary action is called for.
c. The Party organisation receiving the statement of charges and grounds must take the necessary steps to provide a copy of that statement to the members of the organisation concerned or to the individual being charged.
d. The appropriate Party organisation must make arrangements for a meeting at which the charges are to be considered. The person or members of the organisation being charged must be given the opportunity to attend this meeting. For this purpose, the meeting to deal with the charges must be held under circumstances where there is not less than seven days between the date on which the copy of the charges is handed to the person or the members of the organisation concerned.
e. In addition to or instead of attendance at the meeting arranged to hear the charges, the person or organisation being charged may submit a statement in writing and such statement shall be given full and proper consideration at the meeting arranged to hear the charge.
f. At the meeting in which the charges are dealt with, the person or organisation making the charges, or somebody acting on behalf of the organisation, must state their grounds and submit reasons why the disciplinary action should be taken and those against whom the charges are levelled must be given ample opportunity to rebut the charges if they are not admitted to.
g. After the charges have been heard, the person or members of the organisation being charged or their representatives must leave the meeting while the meeting hearing the charge makes its decision.
h. The decision made must be notified in writing to the person or members of the organisation making the charges, to the person or members of the organisation against whom the charges are made, and to the Central Committee.
i. The absence of any person or the members or representative of any Party organisation against whom charges are made must not prevent the Party organisation concerned from proceeding to deal with the charges and from making a decision thereon.
j. Furthermore, there must be no delay in initiating the process of meeting and dealing with charges after the charges have been formally laid and no delay on the part of the Party organisation concerned in reaching a decision on the charges.
k. The procedures to be followed at any meeting dealing with charges made in accordance with this Constitution are to be determined by the Party organisation dealing with the charges.
l. Nothing contained in these By-laws, or elsewhere in this Constitution shall be read as requiring the Party to meet any costs associated with the processes of disciplinary action or appeals against any decisions arising out of these processes.
m. Insofar as they are applicable the provisions of these By-laws shall with any modifications required by the Party committees concerned apply to the hearing of appeals by members of Party organisations against decisions in the form of disciplinary action.
BY-LAW 2 FINANCIAL AUDIT
Every Party organisation which establishes books of account shall establish processes for an annual financial audit following the below steps:
a. At the conclusion of the financial year, that is, June 30th, the organisation is to arrange for the conduct of an internal audit of the books of account.
b. The audit shall be undertaken by a competent person appointed by the organisation concerned and shall be undertaken before July 31st in the following financial year.
c. The auditor is to report the results of the audit to the Party organisation in writing. A copy of the Auditor’s report accompanied by the organisation’s financial statement is to be forwarded to the next higher Party organisation.