Australian Young Labor

{{Short description|Youth wing of the Australian Labor Party}} {{Hatnote group| {{Redirect|Young Labor|other youth organisations|Young Labour (disambiguation){{!}}Young Labour}} {{Distinguish|Child labour}} }} {{Use Australian English|date=April 2023}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2023}} {{infobox political youth organisation | name = Australian Young Labor | colorcode = {{party color|Australian Labor Party}} | logo = Australian Young Labor (2023) PNG VER2.png | president = Chris Hancock | national secretary = Louis Gordon | founded = {{ubl|'''Earliest state branch:''' {{start date and age|1920}}|'''National branch:''' {{start date and age|1971}}}} | headquarters = Canberra, Australian Capital Territory | membership = | ideology = Social democracy Democratic socialism | position = Centre-left to left-wing | colours = {{color box|{{party color|Australian Labor Party}}|border=darkgray}} Red | mother party = Australian Labor Party | international = | website = }} '''Australian Young Labor''' ('''AYL'''), also known as the '''Young Labor Movement''' or simply '''Young Labor''', is the youth wing of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) representing all party members aged between 14 and 26.<ref>[https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/nswlabor/pages/820/attachments/original/1534206677/Rules_Book_2018.pdf?1534206677 "A.5 Any person 15 years and over can join the Party"].</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://younglabor.org.au/|title=home|website=NSW Young Labor|language=en-AU|access-date=2019-05-19}}</ref> The organisation operates as a federation with independently functioning branches in all Australian states and territories which serve under the relevant state or territory branch of the federal Labor Party, often coming together during national conferences and federal elections. Young Labor is the oldest continuously operating youth wing of any political party in Australian history, being first founded in 1920.

Young Labor is very closely connected and integrated with its mother party, with many members of the organisation leading successful political careers after the fact. Former presidents of Young Labor have included former New South Wales Premier Bob Carr, current federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke, former Special Minister of State, Senator John Faulkner, former member for Maribyrnong and former federal Labor leader Bill Shorten, as well as various of state and federal ministers and MPs.

==Formation== The first officially sanctioned Young Labor group was formed in Western Australia in March 1920 as the ''Young Labor League''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Young Labor League of Western Australia |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/148253999 |access-date=22 April 2026 |publisher=Westralian Worker |date=5 March 1920}}</ref> The ''Labor Guild of Youth'' was established in Victoria in 1926,<ref>{{cite news |title=Labor Guild of Youth |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/161586205 |access-date=22 April 2026 |publisher=The Northern Champion |date=9 October 1926}}</ref> followed by the ''Labor Guild of New South Wales'' the following year.<ref>{{cite news |title=For Young Labor |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/236613073 |access-date=22 April 2026 |publisher=The Labor Daily |date=22 June 1927}}</ref> The first provisional meeting of the ALP's National Youth Council was held in 1948 as an effort to revitalise Young Labor branches that had become dormant during World War II. By the 1960s most states had created young labor organisations, usually called the Young Labor Association (YLA). In the early 1970s there was a move to set up a permanent national organisation. In 1971 leaders of several state YLAs met in Adelaide to constitute a national body and the first conference was held in Adelaide in early 1972 with future federal parliamentarian Bob McMullan elected as the first national president.<ref>{{cite news |title=Young Labor in street protest |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/102207261 |access-date=22 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=4 April 1972}}</ref> ''Australian Young Labor'' (AYL) was included in the constitution of the ALP in 1973.<ref>{{cite web |title=ALP Platform, Constitution and Rules as approved by the 30th Federal Conference, 1973 |url=https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/library/partypol/1052378/upload_binary/1052378.pdf |website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au |publisher=Parliament of Australia |access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref>

==Ideology== Australian Young Labor promotes a mix of social democracy and democratic socialism with a focus on issues relevant to younger Australians. AYL advocates for social justice, aiming to reduce inequality and improve access to essential services like healthcare and education. It supports progressive policies on LGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality, Indigenous reconciliation, and multiculturalism. Environmental sustainability is a key concern, with AYL pushing for strong climate action and a transition to renewable energy. The organization also champions economic justice, advocating for fair wages, job creation, and workers’ rights, as well as the protection and expansion of public services, particularly in education and healthcare. AYL seeks to increase the political participation of young people and supports progressive foreign policy grounded in human rights and global cooperation. Although it aligns with ALP values, AYL often takes more progressive stances, reflecting the priorities of its younger membership.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}

==National conference== Biennially Australian Young Labor holds a conference in a capital city, normally Canberra. The conference is usually held at a university campus and typically features guest speakers from the ALP. At the conference several positions are elected by delegates chosen from state branches. Fifteen executive positions are also elected. The Young Labor National President is a non-voting ex-officio representative on the Australian Labor Party National Executive.

===Notable conference action=== * The inaugural Australian Young Labor Conference, held in Adelaide in 1972, drew controversy following the alleged surveillance of conference delegates by Australian Federal Police officers. The conference had suspended on the second day to vote on an urgency motion condemning the presence of police. The motion passed, and the conference adjourned to allow members to form a vocal and public protest against two federal police officers who had been stationed outside the conference venue.<ref>{{cite news |title=Young Labor in street protest |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/102207261 |access-date=23 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=4 April 1972}}</ref> The protest was ultimately peaceful and no arrests were made.

* At the 1973 AYL Conference and only months after the end of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War, delegates had voted for Australia to "become a sanctuary" for the world's military draft resisters. Delegates had alleged the federal government had recently denied entry into the country for infamous American draft resister and activist Steve Grossman, a claim the Whitlam government refuted.<ref>{{cite news |title=Allow draft resisters in: Young Labor |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/136971781 |access-date=23 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=24 April 1973}}</ref>

* Less than three months following the controversial dismissal of the Whitlam government by Governor-General Sir John Kerr, the Australian Young Labor conference passed a motion for Kerr to be disallowed entry back into Australia following completion of an overseas trip. The motion was submitted by the South Australian delegation, and called on Australian trade unions to use the power of their membership base to block Kerr's return, stating "if Sir John thought he had a democratic right to dismiss Mr Gough Whitlam as Prime Minister then trade unions also have the right to withdraw their labour."<ref>{{cite news |title=Young Labor Movement: Stop Kerr from entering Australia |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/250318020 |access-date=23 April 2026 |publisher=PNG Post-Courier |date=26 January 1976}}</ref>

* Following some division between left and right factions of the AYL in 2023 about the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism,<ref>[https://www.australianjewishnews.com/young-labor-embraces-definition-of-antisemitism/ "Young Labor embraces definition of antisemitism"] by Peter Kohn, 20 April 2023, ''The Australian Jewish News''</ref> New South Wales Young Labor adopted unanimously a motion in 2025 condemning antisemitism and promoting Jewish participation<ref>[https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tanna-klevansky_young-labor-to-stamp-out-internal-anti-semitism-activity-7401160268178755584-Jt6d "Our motion condemning antisemitism ,,,"] by Tanna Klevansky, 1 December 2025, LinkedIn</ref> in the ALP by establishing a working group to advise the executive on matters relating to anti-Semitism, inclusion and representation.<ref>[https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/nsw-young-labor-takes-action-to-combat-creeping-antisemitism/news-story/d7cadfeb961b9e581ea588ce26061925 "NSW Young Labor takes action to combat creeping anti-Semitism"] by Lachlan Leeming, 1 December 2025, ''The Australian''</ref>

==National Executive==

===National Presidents=== {{Incomplete list|date=March 2026}} {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center" |- ! Name ! State ! Term start ! Term end ! Other offices held ! Ref |- | Bob McMullan | Western Australia | 1972 | 1973 | ALP National Secretary (1981–1988) Senator for the Australian Capital Territory (1988–1996) Member of the Australian House of Representatives for Canberra (1996–1998) and Fraser (1998–2010) Minister in the Keating government (1993–1996) | <ref>{{cite news |title=New chums in class: rash of fresh faces in ministry |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/127203945?searchTerm=%22young%20labor%22 |access-date=6 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=24 March 1993}}</ref> |- | Pam Allan | New South Wales | 1975 | 1976 | Member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for Wentworthville (1988–1991, 1999–2007) and Blacktown (1991–1999) Minister in the Carr government (1995–1999) | <ref name="CT1975">{{cite news |title=Woman to head body |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110634585 |access-date=7 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=28 January 1975}}</ref> |- | Arch Bevis | Queensland | 1978 | 1979 | Member of the Australian House of Representatives for Brisbane (1990–2010) | <ref name="Handbook 46th"/> |- | Terry Connolly | South Australia | 1979 | 1980 | Member of the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly (1990–1996) Minister in the Follett government (1991–1995) Judge of the Australian Capital Territory Supreme Court (2003–2007) | <ref>{{cite news |last1=Lombard |first1=George |title=Newest politician is a man to watch |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122102064 |access-date=6 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=22 April 1990}}</ref> |- | Glenn Bachelor | New South Wales | 1980 | 1981 | | <ref>{{cite news |title=ALP accuses socialists |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/137011620 |access-date=7 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=28 January 1980}}</ref> |- | Paul Pearce | New South Wales | 1981 | 1982 | Australian Young Labor Secretary (1980–1981) Mayor of Waverley (1997–2004) Member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for Coogee (2003–2011) | <ref name="CT1981"/> |- | Steve Bartos | Australian Capital Territory | 1983 | 1984 | ACT Young Labor President (1981–1982) | <ref>{{cite news |title=Young Labor conference: support for blockade at Roxby Downs |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/116388538 |access-date=6 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=6 February 1984}}</ref> |- | Joanne Scard | New South Wales | 1986 | 1987 | | <ref name="CT 1986"/> |- | Ian Rogers | New South Wales | 1987 | 1988 | | <ref>{{cite news |title=Meeting with PM |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/102082096 |access-date=6 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=23 April 1988}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title='No Way' says Young Labor |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122114455 |access-date=6 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=11 November 1987}}</ref> |- | Janelle Howe | Queensland | 1988 | 1989 | | <ref>{{cite news |title=Young Labor Movement to fight tax |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/111971557 |access-date=6 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=8 May 1988}}</ref> |- | Sue Thompson | Australian Capital Territory | 1990 | 1991 | | <ref>{{cite news |last1=Seidel |first1=Helen |title=Young Labor row prompts report |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122307451 |access-date=6 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=29 August 1990}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Seidel |first1=Helen |title=Canberra student is the new head of Young Labor |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122307093 |access-date=6 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=27 August 1990}}</ref> |- | Tony Burke | New South Wales | 1993 | 1994 | Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council (2003–2004) Member of the Australian House of Representatives for Watson (2004– ) Minister in the Rudd (2007–2010, 2013), Gillard (2010–2013) and Albanese (2022– ) governments. | <ref name="Directory 1993-94"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Hon Tony Burke MP |url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=DYW |website=aph.gov.au |publisher=Parliament of Australia |access-date=14 March 2026}}</ref> |- | Tim Holding | Victoria | 1994 | 1995 | Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly for Springvale (1999–2002) and Lyndhurst (2002–2013) Minister in the Bracks and Brumby governments (2006–2010) | <ref name="Directory 1994-95"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Timothy James Holding |url=https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members/tim-holding/ |website=www.parliament.vic.gov.au |publisher=Parliament of Victoria |access-date=14 March 2026}}</ref> |- | Cherie Burton | New South Wales | 1995 | 1996 | Member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for Kogarah (1999–2015) Minister in the Iemma government (2005–2007) | <ref>{{cite news |title=Taking on the house work |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/taking-on-the-house-work-20060225-gdn1hs.html |access-date=12 April 2026 |agency=Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=25 February 2006}}</ref> |- | Ben Hubbard | Victoria | 1996 | 1997 | Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister (2011–2013) | <ref>{{cite news |last1=Robin |first1=Myriam |title=As Labor prepares for office, Ben Hubbard's a free agent |url=https://www.afr.com/rear-window/as-labor-prepares-for-office-ben-hubbard-s-a-free-agent-20190506-p51kgs |access-date=14 March 2026 |agency=Australian Financial Review |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=6 May 2019}}</ref><ref name="Directory 1996-97">{{cite web |title=ALP Communications Directory 1996-1997 |url=https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/library/partypol/1543633/upload_binary/1543633.pdf |website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au |publisher=Parliament of Australia |access-date=14 March 2026}}</ref> |- | Milton Dick | Queensland | 1997 | 1998 | Queensland Labor State Secretary (2004–2008) Brisbane City Councillor (2008–2016) Member of the Australian House of Representatives for Oxley (2016– ) Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives (2022– ) | <ref name="Directory 1997-98">{{cite web |title=ALP Communications Directory 1997-1998 |url=https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/library/partypol/1543612/upload_binary/1543612.pdf |website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au |publisher=Parliament of Australia |access-date=14 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Hon Milton Dick MP |url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=53517 |website=www.aph.gov.au |publisher=Parliament of Australia |access-date=14 March 2026}}</ref> |- | Daniel Cook | New South Wales | 1998 | 1999 | Councillor for the City of Gosford (1999–2004) | <ref name="Directory 1998-99">{{cite web |title=ALP Communications Directory 1998-1999 |url=https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/library/partypol/1556356/upload_binary/1556356.pdf |website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au |publisher=Parliament of Australia |access-date=14 March 2026}}</ref> |- | Jacki O'Mara | Queensland | 1999 | 2000 | | <ref name="Directory 1999-00">{{cite web |title=ALP Communications Directory 1999-2000 |url=https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/library/partypol/1556243/upload_binary/1556243.pdf |website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au |publisher=Parliament of Australia |access-date=14 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=New female National Young Labor president - 'Women must make it on their own merits' |url=https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/media/pressrel/2014HNC03074271/upload_binary/2014HNC03074271.pdf |website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au |publisher=Parliament of Australia |access-date=14 March 2026}}</ref> |- | Amanda Rishworth | South Australia | 2000 | 2001 | Member of the Australian House of Representatives for Kingston (2007– ) Minister in the Albanese government (2022– ) | <ref name="Handbook 46th"/> |- | | | 2001 | 2002 | | |- | | | 2002 | 2003 | | |- | Alex Dighton | South Australia | 2003 | 2004 | Member of the South Australian House of Assembly for Black (2024– ) | <ref name="Directory 2003-04"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hough |first1=Andrew |title=Alex Dighton pays tribute to son, Clancy, who died last year aged nine weeks |url=https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/sa-premier-peter-malinauskas-warns-against-labor-complacency-arrogance-after-black-byelection-win/news-story/546431752777a97a09399be7f5d29ad1 |access-date=14 March 2026 |agency=The Advertiser |publisher=News Corporation |date=17 November 2024}}</ref> |- | | | 2004 | 2005 | | |- | | | 2005 | 2006 | | |- | | | 2006 | 2007 | | |- | Sam Crosby | New South Wales | 2007 | 2008 | | <ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilson |first1=Ashleigh |title=Young Labor votes to reject charter of rights |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/nation/young-labor-votes-to-reject-charter-of-rights/news-story/ac581b85e437d7f034b61506ab3070e8 |access-date=14 March 2026 |agency=The Australian |publisher=News Corporation |date=7 June 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Massola |first1=James |title=Labor rising star Sam Crosby ready to run in Reid against Craig Laundy |url=https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6020707/labor-rising-star-sam-crosby-ready-to-run-in-reid-against-craig-laundy/ |access-date=14 March 2026 |agency=Canberra Times |publisher=Australian Community Media |date=17 June 2019}}</ref> |- |Ben Rillo |South Australia |2015 |2017 | | |- |Jack Boyd | |2017 |2019 | | |- |Jason Byrne |South Australia |2019 |2021 | | |- |Ali Amin |South Australia |2021 |2023 | | |- |Manu Risoldi |New South Wales |2023 |Mid-2025 | | |- |Eloise Atterton |South Australia |Mid-2025 |2025 | | |- |Chris Hancock |Queensland |2025 |Incumbent | | |}

===National Secretaries=== {{Incomplete list|date=March 2026}} {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center" |- ! Name ! State ! Term start ! Term end ! Other offices held ! Ref |- | Gillian Currie | Australian Capital Territory | 1979 | 1980 | | <ref name="CT1979">{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Paul |title=Young Labor Movement in disarray |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/136977400 |access-date=7 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=28 January 1979}}</ref> |- | Paul Pearce | New South Wales | 1980 | 1981 | Australian Young Labor President (1981–1982) Mayor of Waverley (1997–2004) Member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for Coogee (2003–2011) | <ref name="CT1981">{{cite news |title=Juniors ask ALP to back marihuana |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/125649224 |access-date=7 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=27 January 1981}}</ref> |- | Shane Maddick | Victoria | 1981 | 1982 | | <ref name="CT1981"/> |- | Mark Cuomo | Western Australia | 1983 | 1984 | | <ref name="CT1983">{{cite news |title=Young Labor was change to policies |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/116446846 |access-date=6 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=31 January 1983}}</ref> |- | Mark Kenny | South Australia | 1985 | 1986 | | <ref>{{cite news |last1=Conkey |first1=Howard |title=Young Labor meeting on ice |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122423801 |access-date=6 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=31 January 1986}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mark Kenny joins cousin Chris, both from Adelaide, in high-profile media politics careers from different stances |url=https://adelaideaz.com/articles/mark-kenny-joins-cousin-chris--both-from-adelaide--in-building-high-profile-media-politics-careers-from-difference-stances |publisher=AdelaideAZ |access-date=6 April 2026}}</ref> |- | Grant Fitsner | South Australia | 1986 | 1987 | | <ref name="CT 1986">{{cite news |last1=Fraser |first1=Andrew |title=Flying visit to ensure Labor's left-wing win |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/118201610 |access-date=6 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=29 April 1986}}</ref> |- | Sue Thompson | Australian Capital Territory | 1992 | 1993 | | <ref>{{cite news |last1=Lamberton |first1=Hugh |title=Labor platform 'ignored' |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/126928343 |access-date=6 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=12 June 1992}}</ref> |- | Liam McKay | Queensland | 1993 | 1994 | | <ref name="Directory 1993-94">{{cite web |title=ALP Communications Directory 1993-1994 |url=https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/library/partypol/1545564/upload_binary/1545564.pdf |website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au |publisher=Parliament of Australia |access-date=14 March 2026}}</ref> |- | Eddie Husic | New South Wales | 1994 | 1995 | Member of the Australian House of Representatives for Chifley (2010–''present'') Minister in the Albanese government (2022–2025) | <ref>{{cite news |title=The Who’s Who of National Conference |url=https://www.crikey.com.au/2004/01/29/the-whos-who-of-national-conference/ |access-date=14 March 2026 |agency=Crikey |publisher=Private Media Pty Ltd |date=29 January 2004}}</ref><ref name="Directory 1994-95">{{cite web |title=ALP Communications directory 1994-1995 |url=https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/library/partypol/1545567/upload_binary/1545567.pdf |website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au |publisher=Parliament of Australia |access-date=14 March 2026}}</ref> |- | | | 1995 | 1996 | | |- | Justin Jarvis | South Australia | 1996 | 1997 | | <ref name="Directory 1996-97"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Academic predicts ALP may win Stuart |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-03-17/academic-predicts-alp-may-win-stuart/820806 |access-date=14 March 2026 |agency=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=17 March 2006}}</ref> |- | Aaron Gadiel | New South Wales | 1997 | 1998 | | <ref name="Directory 1997-98"/> |- | Paul Bini | Tasmania | 1998 | 1999 | | <ref name="Directory 1998-99"/> |- | Jamie Driscoll | Australian Capital Territory | 1999 | 2000 | | <ref name="Directory 1999-00"/> |- | | | 2000 | 2001 | | |- | | | 2001 | 2002 | | |- | | | 2002 | 2003 | | |- | Lambros Tapinos | Victoria | 2003 | 2004 | Councillor for the City of Merri-bek (2008–2024) | <ref>{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Mark |title=Labor’s Tapinos defeated in bid for fifth council term |url=https://brunswickvoice.com.au/green-wave-sweeps-through-brunswick/ |access-date=14 March 2026 |date=30 November 2024}}</ref><ref name="Directory 2003-04">{{cite web |title=ALP Communications Directory 2003-2004 (9th) |url=https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/library/partypol/1543524/upload_binary/1543524.pdf |website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au |publisher=Parliament of Australia |access-date=14 March 2026}}</ref> |- | | | 2004 | 2005 | | |- | | | 2005 | 2006 | | |- | | |2015 |2017 | | |- |Gemma Paech |South Australia |2017 |2019 | | |- | | |2019 |2021 | | |- |Ella Gvildys |Victoria |2021 |2023 | | |- |Isabella Scattini |Queensland |2023 |2025 | | |- | Louis Gordon | Australian Capital Territory | 2025 | ''Incumbent'' | | <ref>{{cite web |title=National Executive |url=https://www.alp.org.au/about/national-executive/ |website=alp.org.au |publisher=Australian Labor Party |access-date=23 April 2026}}</ref> |}

===Other notable former officeholders=== * Sam Dastyari | New South Wales Young Labor President (2005–2006)<ref>{{cite news |title=Compulsory community service plan gets mixed reaction |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-01-07/compulsory-community-service-plan-gets-mixed/774472 |access-date=14 March 2026 |agency=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=7 January 2006}}</ref> * Prue Car | New South Wales Young Labor Secretary (2004–2005)<ref name="NSWYL">{{cite web |title=Past Leaders |url=https://www.nswyounglabor.com/past-leaders |website=www.nswyounglabor.com |publisher=NSW Young Labor |access-date=14 March 2026}}</ref> * Chris Minns | New South Wales Young Labor President (2002)<ref name="NSWYL"/> * David Bradbury | New South Wales Young Labor President (1998)<ref name="NSWYL"/> * Matt Thistlethwaite | New South Wales Young Labor President (1997)<ref name="NSWYL"/> * Michelle Rowland | New South Wales Young Labor Secretary (1996),<ref name="NSWYL"/> Australian Young Labor Senior Vice-President (1996–1997)<ref name="Directory 1996-97"/> * Linus Power | Australian Young Labor Senior Vice-President (1998–1999)<ref name="Directory 1998-99"/> * Duncan Pegg | Australian Young Labor Executive Committee (2003–2004)<ref name="Directory 2003-04"/> * Jo Haylen | Australian Young Labor Executive Committee (2003–2004)<ref name="Directory 2003-04"/> * Amanda Rishworth | Australian Young Labor Vice-President (1999–2000)<ref name="Directory 1999-00"/> * Andrew Barr | Australian Young Labor Executive Committee (1998–1999), ACT Young Labor President (1998–2000)<ref name="Directory 1998-99"/> * Nick Champion | Australian Young Labor Executive Committee (1994–1995)<ref name="Directory 1994-95"/> * Luke Foley | Australian Young Labor Executive Committee (1993–1994)<ref name="Directory 1993-94"/> * Mark Arbib | New South Wales Young Labor President (1995)<ref name="NSWYL"/> * Carmel Tebbutt | New South Wales Young Labor President (1990)<ref name="NSWYL"/> * Anthony Albanese | New South Wales Young Labor President (1985–1986)<ref name="NSWYL"/> * John Faulkner | New South Wales Young Labor President (1978)<ref name="NSWYL"/> * Bob Carr | New South Wales Young Labor President (1970–1971)<ref name="NSWYL"/> * Paul Keating | New South Wales Young Labor President (1967–1968)<ref name="NSWYL"/> * Ryan Batchelor | Australian Young Labor National Conference Delegate (2004)<ref name="Directory 2003-04"/> * Reba Meagher | New South Wales Young Labor President (1992–1993)<ref name="NSWYL"/> * Pam Allan | New South Wales Young Labor President (1975), New South Wales Young Labor Secretary (1974)<ref name="NSWYL"/> * Laurie Brereton | New South Wales Young Labor President (1967–1968)<ref name="NSWYL"/> * Christian Zahra | Victorian Young Labor Secretary (1996)<ref>{{cite web |title=Mr Christian Zahra AM |url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=84H |website=www.aph.gov.au |publisher=Parliament of Australia |access-date=16 March 2026}}</ref> * Julie Collins | Tasmanian Young Labor President (1996)<ref name="Handbook 46th">{{cite web |title=Handbook 46th Parliament |url=https://www.aph.gov.au/-/media/05_About_Parliament/54_Parliamentary_Depts/544_Parliamentary_Library/Handbook/handbook_46th_parliament_part_2b.pdf |website=aph.gov.au |publisher=Parliament of Australia |access-date=16 March 2026}}</ref> * Pat Conroy | Australian Young Labor Vice-President (2003–2004), New South Wales Young Labor Vice-President (2003–2004)<ref name="Handbook 46th"/> * Patrick Gorman | Western Australian Young Labor Secretary (2007–2008)<ref name="Handbook 46th"/> * Matt Keogh | Western Australian Young Labor President (2007)<ref name="Handbook 46th"/> * Murray Watt | Queensland Young Labor President (1998)<ref name="Handbook 46th"/> * Daryl Melham | New South Wales Young Labor Assistant Secretary (1978)<ref name="Handbook 46th"/> * Barry Jones | Victorian Young Labor Chairman (1955–1956)<ref name="Handbook 1978">{{cite web |title=Parliamentary Handbook 1978 |url=https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/library/prspub/9162870/upload_binary/9162870.pdf |website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au |publisher=Parliament of Australia |access-date=16 March 2026}}</ref> * Kerry O'Brien | New South Wales Young Labor Vice-President (1975)<ref>{{cite web |title=Parliamentary Handbook 2008 |url=https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/library/prspub/9169428/upload_binary/9169428.pdf |website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au |publisher=Parliament of Australia |access-date=16 March 2026}}</ref> * Tony Lamb | Victorian Young Labor President (1969–1970)<ref name="Handbook 1978"/> * Clyde Holding | Victorian Young Labor Secretary (1955–1956), Victorian Young Labor President (1956–1957)<ref>{{cite web |title=Parliamentary Handbook 1996 |url=https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/library/prspub/9169410/upload_binary/9169410.pdf |website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au |publisher=Parliament of Australia |access-date=16 March 2026}}</ref> * Con Sciacca | Queensland Young Labor President (1972)<ref>{{cite web |title=Parliamentary Handbook 1988 |url=https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/library/prspub/9162884/upload_binary/9162884.pdf |website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au |access-date=16 March 2026}}</ref> * Fatima Payman | Western Australian Young Labor President (2021)<ref>{{cite web |title=Senator Fatima Payman |url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=300707 |website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au |publisher=Parliament of Australia |access-date=16 March 2026}}</ref> * Denis Murphy | Queensland Young Labor President (1965–1967)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Saunders |first1=Kay |title=Denis Joseph Murphy (1936–1984) |url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/murphy-denis-joseph-15064 |website=Australian Dictionary of Biography |publisher=Australian National University |access-date=16 March 2026}}</ref> * Dorothy Tangney | Western Australian Young Labor President (1929–1930)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lawrence |first1=Carmen |title=Dame Dorothy Margaret Tangney (1907–1985) |url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/tangney-dame-dorothy-margaret-14913 |website=Australian Dictionary of Biography |publisher=Australian National University |access-date=16 March 2026}}</ref> * Joe Tripodi | New South Wales Young Labor Secretary (1992–1993)<ref>{{cite news |title=NSW Young Labor expels secretary |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/127248665?searchTerm=%22young%20labor%22 |access-date=6 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=20 September 1993}}</ref> * Mike Kaiser | ACT Young Labor Secretary (1986–1987)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fraser |first1=Andrew |title=Factions fighting in Young Labor |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/130632505 |access-date=6 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=3 December 1986}}</ref> * Paul O'Grady | Australian Young Labor Assistant National Secretary (1983–1984)<ref name="CT1983"/> * John Quiggin | ACT Young Labor President (1978–1979)<ref>{{cite news |title=PM rejects Haslem dole proposal |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110947850 |access-date=7 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=24 May 1979}}</ref> * Barbara Wiese | South Australian Young Labor President (1974–1975), Australian Young Labor Vice-President (1975–1976)<ref name="CT1975"/> * David Smith | ACT Young Labor President (1995)<ref>{{cite news |title=Right selects its candidates |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/128285911 |access-date=7 April 2026 |publisher=The Canberra Times |date=7 July 1995}}</ref> * Tania Mihailuk | New South Wales Young Labor Secretary (2000)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Baden |first1=Samantha |title=Downgrade relations, rally urges |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/262555979 |access-date=7 April 2026 |publisher=The Australian Jewish News |date=18 February 2000}}</ref> * Verity Firth | New South Wales Young Labor Vice-President (1996–1997)<ref>{{cite web |title=Left to Boycott Young Labor Conference |url=https://library.parliament.nsw.gov.au/jspui/retrieve/f1a159fb-cb43-41f1-9da3-7ef4531536e8/VOL_28_L-Z_1997_MISCELLANEOUS_Young_Labor29081997.pdf |website=NSW Parliamentary Library |publisher=Parliament of New South Wales |access-date=7 April 2026}}</ref> * Frank Crean | Victorian Young Labor President (1948–1949)<ref>{{cite web |title=Frank Crean (1916–2008) |url=https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/crean-frank-32948 |website=People Australia |publisher=Australian National University |access-date=12 April 2026}}</ref> * Charlotte Walker | South Australian Young Labor President (2024–2025)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-27 |title=Meet Charlotte Walker, the youngest senator in Australia's history |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/charlotte-walker-youngest-senator-elected/dpejvioe4 |access-date=2026-03-10 |website=SBS News |language=en}}</ref> * Richard Dowling | Australian Young Labor International Secretary (2006–2007)<ref>{{cite web |title=Senator Richard Dowling |url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=55842 |website=aph.gov.au |publisher=Parliament of Australia |access-date=30 April 2026}}</ref>

==Criticism and controversy== On 8 December 2004, ''The Sydney Morning Herald'' published allegations that factional leaders within the Labor Party in New South Wales were "petty, faction obsessed and vindictive". The article, authored by Aubrey Belford, then a member of the ALP and former editor of the Sydney University student paper, ''Honi Soit'', laments a Young Labor dominated by factional infighting, "Put simply, the party culture encourages young people to devote their energy to pursuing objectives that ultimately have no impact on the real world, and to pursue them through ritual political violence."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2004-12-08|title=Labor's bloody rituals lead to a dead end|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/labors-bloody-rituals-lead-to-a-dead-end-20041208-gdk9sn.html|access-date=2021-01-18|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122054017/https://www.smh.com.au/national/labors-bloody-rituals-lead-to-a-dead-end-20041208-gdk9sn.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 23 January 2012, president of Queensland Young Labor, Chaiy Donati came under significant criticism following links to the United States Republican Party. Online news source ''Crikey'' reported that he helped anti-war and pro drug legalisation Republican candidate Ron Paul in his fight for the primaries in New Hampshire. Ron Paul came second to Mitt Romney on the Republican Party ballot, and, as a write-in candidate, second to Barack Obama on the Democratic Party ballot in New Hampshire.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2012-01-23|title=While Labor fights in Qld, its young leader joins GOP campaign|author=Andrew Crook|url=https://www.crikey.com.au/2012/01/23/while-labor-fights-in-qld-its-young-leader-joins-gop-campaign/|access-date=2025-12-02|website=Crikey}}</ref> On his return to Queensland, numerous factional rivalries emerged between members. Despite this, Chaiy Donati remained the right's factional leader and in 2013 secured Queensland's Kerrie Kahlon the Australian Young Labor presidency. Chaiy Donati returned to the United States in April 2016, this time working on the Democratic primaries for Bernie Sanders in a close run against Hillary Clinton.<ref name=":0" />

In August 2018, Federal Labor staffer and ACT Young Labor member Nick Douros was suspended from his role in the party and quit as a staffer to Senator David Smith.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Whyte|first=Sally|date=2019-02-21|title=David Smith staffer resigned after bullying investigation|url=https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/5994916/david-smith-staffer-resigned-after-bullying-investigation/|access-date=2021-01-18|website=The Canberra Times|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122054452/https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/5994916/david-smith-staffer-resigned-after-bullying-investigation/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author1=Emily Baker|author2=Michael Inman|date=2018-08-26|title='I'm going to make her life hell': ACT Young Labor bullying complaint|url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/act/i-m-going-to-make-her-life-hell-act-young-labor-bullying-complaint-20180826-p4zzux.html|access-date=2021-01-18|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122024402/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/act/i-m-going-to-make-her-life-hell-act-young-labor-bullying-complaint-20180826-p4zzux.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-02-20|title='Bully the f*** out of her': ACT Young Labor president resigns after workplace allegations|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-21/young-labor-staffer-resigns-after-bullying-former-member/10831082|access-date=2021-01-18|publisher=ABC News (Australia)|archive-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107233229/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-21/young-labor-staffer-resigns-after-bullying-former-member/10831082|url-status=live}}</ref> The party's internal disputes tribunal upheld an allegation he and ACT Young Labor conduct contact officer Francis Claessens, and Niall Cummins — had contravened the party's code of conduct for bullying a fellow member, calling her a "rat" and saying they would make her life hell. All three men were ordered to attend mediation and undergo respectful behaviour training. The victim alleged she was targeted as a result of an internal party stoush during the pre-selection process for seats.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-02-24 |title=Young ACT Labor staffer resigns after bullying former member, calls her a rat|author=Michael Inman|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-21/young-labor-staffer-resigns-after-bullying-former-member/10831082|access-date=2 December 2025|publisher=ABC News (Australia)}}</ref> In 2019, Nick Douros was elected national secretary of AYL.<ref>{{Cite web|last=White|first=Daniella|date=2019-09-16|title=Former ACT Young Labor president accused of bullying made national secretary|url=https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6388429/former-act-young-labor-president-accused-of-bullying-made-national-secretary/|access-date=2021-01-18|website=The Canberra Times}}</ref>

==References== {{reflist|30em}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Young Labor, Australian}} Labor Australian Young Labor Category:Australian Labor Party Australian Young Labor Category:1926 establishments in Australia