Young Labor is very closely connected and integrated with its mother party, with many members of the organisation leading successful political careers after the fact.

The organization also champions economic justice, advocating for fair wages, job creation, and workers’ rights, as well as the protection and expansion of public services, particularly in education and healthcare.

AYL seeks to increase the political participation of young people and supports progressive foreign policy grounded in human rights and global cooperation.

The article, authored by Aubrey Belford, then a member of the ALP and former editor of the Sydney University student paper, Honi Soit, laments a Young Labor dominated by factional infighting, "Put simply, the party culture encourages young people to devote their energy to pursuing objectives that ultimately have no impact on the real world, and to pursue them through ritual political violence.

"[4] On 23 January 2012, President of Queensland Young Labor, Chaiy Donati came under significant criticism following links to the United States Republican Party.

Online news source Crikey reported that he helped anti-war and pro drug legalisation Republican candidate Ron Paul in his fight for the primaries in New Hampshire.

Despite this Chaiy Donati remained the rights factional leader and in 2013 secured Queenslands Kerrie Kahlon the Australian Young Labor Presidency.

[6] Douros was formerly a staffer for David Smith (Australian Capital Territory politician)[7] and ACT Young Labor President but resigned from both roles amidst allegations of bullying which were upheld by an internal disputes tribunal.