Its most public role is to act as the final arbiter of disputes about parliamentary candidacies (preselections).

[3] The power of the National Executive extends to the reorganisation of a State Branch.

For example, in 1970 to improve the party's chances of electoral success, the National Executive intervened in the Socialist Left controlled Victorian Branch, involving the sacking of State officers and dissolution of the Branch.

Less drastic forms of intervention are more common, such as the final arbiter of preselection disputes.

[4] The executive has authority over policy as it can interpret the party’s constitution, platform and conference decisions.