Ms Gillard also wants an end to the current one-year rotation of the party's national president and a move to them serving full three-year terms.
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Following last year's election, Labor stalwarts Steve Bracks, Bob Carr and John Faulkner undertook a review of the party's term in office and election campaigning.
They issued their report in February, after what they described as the largest ever review conducted by the ALP. When the report was issued, Senator Faulkner said the party needed to face up to some tough truths.
''Our membership is declining and ageing. Our local branches are closing across the country on a monthly basis,'' he said.
''If we do not take action now we risk a significant decline in the party's standing. We need to open the party to more members and give those members more of a say.''
Inviting people to participate in today's forum, ALP national president Jennifer McAllister said Ms Gillard would outline her vision for the Labor Party in a modern Australia.
''Her speech will focus on how our values drive our priorities in Government, such as reducing carbon pollution and making sure all Australians benefit from our strong economy,'' she said.