SYDNEY: The Australian Labor party has unveiled a social media platform as it prepares for the imminent federal election.
The launch confirms observations that the forthcoming election could be Australia's first election in which the digital space is a major battlefield for the political parties, as they seek to emulate the successful digital campaign run by President Obama's Democrats more than two years ago.
Labor is claiming that the site is the first social media platform purpose built for an Australian political party.
Called Campaign iQ, the platform enhances an existing Labor portal. The party said it will enable them to form direct relationships with its members and supporters, facilitate online conversations and foster community advocacy through participation.
Australian Labor National Secretary Karl Bitar said: “This platform will enable the public to be at the centre of the political debate through increased participation, collaboration and a deeper level of engagement with the Party.”
The platform includes an interactive website; a grassroots social network tool that helps supporters to organise their local campaign, and an ideas incubator where the community can participate in policy formulation, consultation and debate.
“This is not about social gimmicks but about genuine engagement and lowering the barrier to participation in the Labor Party and Labor movement,” Bitar said.
Campaign iQ was developed by Campaigns & Communications Group (C&C Group) and Community Engine, the two Australian firms charged with engineering online social networking for Australian Labor.
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