So called "grass roots" democracy, where parliamentary leaders are elected by the rank and file does not work. It has broadly been abandoned in most political systems around the world , including in this country.

There is nothing more dysfunctional than a parliamentary party or government being led by someone lacking the confidence of their colleagues in circumstances where change is beyond the control of those elected members.

< Kevin Rudd's move to give to ordinary ALP members a say in deciding the Federal parliamentary leader is without doubt a move in the right direction for a party long viewed as being in the hands of a bunch of ruthless oligarchs. >

I disagree.

It could be good or bad. If it had been in place at the time of Rudd’s deposing, it would have been bad…. because he NEEDED TO GO!!

His party didn’t dump him lightly. It was done with very good reason.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if Rudd was to implement some mechanism whereby leaders who stuffed up terribly never got a second chance at the leadership!

There is simply no way in the world that Rudd should be our PM, after his monumental stuff-up with asylum seeker policy, amongst other things!

As far as increasing party membership goes, this move to include the rank and file in leadership decisions is also a mixed bag. It might be good for Labor, but not for the country.

It would be good for the country if it led to more members supporting the likes of Bob Carr and Kelvin Thomson and Julia Gillard, all of whom wish to see a sustainable Australia, not a big and continuously growing Australia. But if it supports the continuous-expansion no-thought-of-sustainability Ruddite mindset, then it would definitely be a bad thing.

It amazes me that the polls show that Rudd has enormous support yet most of the commenters on OLO seems to deny it. Why such myopia?

For three years, Julia got poor polling yet nothing was done to remove her. Abbott likewise has pathetic polls. Yet Rudd, a poll winner, is denigrated constantly.

Why are most commenters out of step with the Australian public?

Are they willfully blind or just stupid?

Rank and file to elect leader?
Well let's see what happens when and if that actually ever occurs?
More importantly, let's see if Labour does actually follow through with the promised primaries and internal democratisation; and or, whether the unions or factions, will let go of their perceived (self appointed) power.
As others have commented, union power is only worth as much as the percentile of the workforce they now represent or advocate for!
And they are very well represented in the branches, which they still try to stack/control/silence?
Meaning, they should not also have another additional say, in who is Leader!
Perhaps then we might just see some growth in party membership; regardless of whether or not the unions and their (undemocratic) appointed power base, continues to decline?
One thing is certain, doing nothing or the current status quo is not an option!
Rhrosty.

There is an interesting contradiction showing up here?
The people who are close to Kevin Rudd or know him best, often seem to dislike him intensely.
In fact, some former ministers, as promised, are retiring rather than work under him?
Even so, the public who do not know him but rather the persona he projects, like him or that persona immensely?
As Former Premier Bettie has commented, "it's not whether he is a bar steward or not, but rather whether he can do the job or not; and or, serve Australia"?
And to be fair, he has had and has some good ideas.
Conversely, those close to and knew her best, liked or loved Julia Gillard! Some even cried at her removal/undeserved betrayal?
Whereas, the voting public who know her not and have their opinions of her formed by shock jocks, the Murdoch controlled (hatchet job) media and misogynists, do not!
As others have said, who knew her well and far better than the hatchet wielding media, "her Father would be proud"!
Rhrosty.

What a joke!