Due to these legal rules, the ALP is strongly influenced by its affiliated trade unions.

Of the five governance layers, the State Executive is notable for having the primary responsible for candidate preselection.

Mostly for this reason, its control is the primary objective of party factions attempting to exert their influence.

Annually, each branch will elect a delegate to attend their relevant 'Federal Electorate Campaign Committee' this person will then vote on their behalf at FECC meetings.

Each branch of the party elects a representative at their Annual General Meeting, and that delegate will attend the FECC covering their federal electorate.

Decisions of the State Executive are often determined by whichever ALP factional combination is able to dominate the floor at a given point in time.

The conference comprises delegates from Branches, affiliated unions, and ALP Parliamentary representatives.

[7] As the ultimate governing body, it has the power to overrule decisions of the State Executive, although this rarely occurs in practice.

In recent history the WA State Conference floor has been dominated by the labor left faction, however, this is not always so.

Decisions of the State Conference are often determined by whichever ALP factional combination is able to dominate the floor at a given point in time.