ALP rejects funding for East Timor
The Victorian branch of the ALP has voted against a proposal to provide the National Council of Timorese Resistance (CNRT) with $5000 for urgent reconstruction work in East Timor.
The motion, proposed by the Labor Left (Pledge) faction, was opposed by the Labor Unity and Socialist Left faction leaders at the party's administrative committee meeting on November 26. Even an amended motion for a collection to occur at the upcoming state conference was deferred.
Labor Left policy convener Lev Lafayette said: "After years of having a disturbing and opportunistic record on East Timor policy, the ALP began to make amends at the last national conference. It was hoped by many that the policy changes at that conference would lead to accepting principles of self-determination for the Timorese and a foreign aid policy built on compassion.
"The decision ... is contrary to these principles. The East Timorese ... desperately require food, clothing, housing and medicines — necessities of life."
The ALP national office and the NSW branch have provided CNRT with financial assistance.
Labor Left will appeal direct to party branches and members for funds, which will be directed to the CNRT. For more information, contact Frans Timmerman, Labor Left administrative convener, on (03) 9326 0328.