STATEMENT FROM ALP NATIONAL SECRETARY PAUL ERICKSON
Election of the ALP National President and Two Vice Presidents
The Australian Labor Party has concluded elections for ALP National President and two Vice-Presidents.
Kate Ellis has been elected as ALP National President and will assume the role at the commencement of the 50th ALP National Conference, which will be held in Adelaide in July 2026.
Kate served in the Federal Parliament as the Member for Adelaide for 15 years, from 2004 to 2019. Kate was a Minister for six years from 2007 to 2013.
Since leaving Parliament, Kate’s work has focused on eliminating intergenerational poverty. She has led charities that work to reform early childhood development and reducing substance abuse in the community.
Kate will take over from Wayne Swan, who has stepped down after serving as ALP National President since 2018.
Wayne brought the same passion and commitment to his Presidency of the ALP that has been a hallmark of his public life. His leadership and mentorship across the Party have been invaluable, and he played a huge role in Labor’s victories at the 2022 and 2025 federal elections.
Mich-Elle Myers has been re-elected as ALP National Vice-President, a position she has held since 2018.
Mich-Elle is the Assistant National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia.
Since being elected as ALP Vice President in 2018, Mich-Elle has worked tirelessly to ensure members’ voices are not only heard but respected at every level of the Party.
Rhiannyn Douglas has also been elected as ALP National Vice-President.
Rhiannyn is a high school teacher who hails from Brisbane’s outer suburbs and brings a lived experience shared by many Australians to the role. Rhiannyn ran for Labor in the seat of Longman at the 2025 Federal Election.
Outgoing ALP National Vice-President Susan Close has also stepped down. Over the last three years Susan has worked with party members around the country to deliver Labor’s vision for a better Australia.
I would like to congratulate Kate, Mich-Elle and Rhiannyn on their election, and thank both Wayne and Susan for their service.
The 50th ALP National Conference will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from July 23rd to July 25th, 2026. The term of office for all three positions will commence at the beginning of the National Conference.
Quotes for attribution to incoming ALP National President Kate Ellis:
“I am honoured to be elected as the next ALP National President.
“I want to thank Wayne for his leadership over the last seven years and for his ongoing friendship and support as I embark on this role.
“I am looking forward to directing my efforts towards ensuring that Labor remains strong, energised and focused on the challenges ahead.”
Quotes for attribution to outgoing ALP National President Wayne Swan:
“This year’s federal election result was a historic moment in reshaping our nation as a prosperous, egalitarian and forward-looking society.
The Party has now elected a President in Kate Ellis who I know will continue the vital work of lifting party membership, activism and involvement.
“It’s been a great honour to serve our 130-year-old Party over the past 7 years.”
Quotes for attribution to ALP National Vice-President Mich-Elle Myers:
"I am proud to be re-elected as Vice-President for a third term representing the union movement and workers on the National Executive."
“I want to thank Wayne Swan for his leadership and partnership on the Executive. Together we’ve helped keep the Party grounded in its values.
"My priority has always been to make sure members’ voices shape the policy-making process.
"The strong, principled and progressive views of the rank-and-file are Labor's greatest strength."
Quotes for attribution to ALP National Vice-President-elect Rhiannyn Douglas:
“As a teacher from the outer suburbs in Brisbane I’m excited to bring my voice to the role of Vice President.”
“I look forward to working with rank-and-file members and hardworking Australians that call our outer suburbs home to make sure we continue to have strong Labor Governments that deliver for our community.”
THURSDAY, 30 OCTOBER 2025
