We will be back tomorrow with day two – when energy will be the big-ticket issue.
The delegates are working on the details now. We’ll bring you all the updates of that, and more, as the day rolls on. So we will see you back here at 10ish if Labor conference is your bag.
It’s been lovely hanging with you today – hope you have a lovely night, and please – take care of you.
Updated
Essentially – peace in our time. Or as close as the Labor party and its many, many factions can get.
Updated
Conference heads off union fight on trade agreements
OK, so that all got a little confusing there for a moment – which is the problem with watching something from another state.
So, basically, the big union fight with the free trade agreements was nullified with the conference delegates overwhelmingly voting to get rid of paragraph 12 of the draft policy platform and replace it with two other paragraphs. That is this amendment (the crossed out bit is the original one):
Amendment
Remove existing paragraph 12 and replace with two new paragraphs (to be inserted as paragraphs 9 and 10 as a result of the renumbering in the previous amendment):
Paragraph 12:
12. Labor believes that the process of developing, negotiating and finalising trade agreements should be transparent, consultative and subject to the processes of the parliament. However, under the current framework, trade agreements are the prerogative of executive government, and the parliament usually only determines enabling legislation. Labor in opposition will challenge agreements that do not meet the above criteria, but may vote for, or against enabling legislation.
9. Labor believes that the process of developing, negotiating and finalising trade agreements should be transparent, consultative and subject to the processes of the parliament. However, under the current framework, trade agreements are the prerogative of executive government, and the parliament only determines enabling legislation designed to give effect to certain limited provisions of the agreement.
10. Labor in opposition will:
(a) Seek written confirmation from the government that any trade agreement signed by the government does not violate clauses 7 and 8;
(b) Undertake formal consultation with affected unions about the impact of any proposed trade agreement;
(c) Labor will actively campaign against trade agreements that do not comply with clauses 7 or 8 above, including by making shadow ministerial statements, participating in public campaigns, demanding that the commonwealth conduct rigorous independent economic analysis and debating the merits of the agreement in the parliament and parliamentary committees.
(d) Amend parliamentary procedures to require an independent economic assessment of the impact of each agreement to be included in the report of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties to the parliament; and
(e) Vote against any enabling legislation for agreements, where the enabling legislation itself does not comply with clauses 7 or 8 above.
11. If prior to the election of a Labor government, trade agreements are signed which are not consistent with the above, Labor in government will seek the renegotiation of the agreement to ensure it is consistent with the above points before bringing any enabling legislation before the parliament.
So because that was passed by practically all but 30-something delegates, the further amendment the ETU and construction union wanted was deemed irrelevant – it was inconsistent with what the overwhelming will of the conference had just voted for.
Updated
There is an evening session, from about 7.30pm, but it is basically people in their PJs sitting at home, listening to Labor’s true believers give speeches.
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Here was Penny Wong on the foreign affairs platform:
I think our relationship with China is one we have to approach with discipline, with a great clarity about our national interest; with a willingness to recognise where we can engage but also where we will have differences. And I think this platform recognises that we will never walk away from those issues where it is clearly in Australia’s national interest to keep prosecuting, whether it’s on the South China Sea, on the principles of international law – which are reflected in the platform – whether they are on human rights or the Law of the Sea. These are matters in our national interest.
We also recognise the importance of continuing to engage with China notwithstanding those differences and the approach the Australian Labor party will take were we elected is one that would be characterised by maturity and by discipline.
And on Palestine:
Look, there’s been a lot written and a bit said about this provision for platform and I want to make this crystal clear. The platform now reflects precisely the same position as the Labor party national conference reached under Bill Shorten in 2018. There’s no lesser or greater weight and the position is replicated. It is a position which recognises the views of the conference in relation to statehood. It’s a position which recognises that any such decision would be made by a future Labor government. And it’s a position which reinforces our collective commitment to a just and fair two-state solution.
And on Labor not using the term ‘genocide’ in its resolution on Uighurs:
I recognise that that is an assessment some parliaments have made. Obviously, one of the answers in Senate estimates was “that’s a matter for international tribunals”. I think what is more important though is for us to say this: these are systemic and serious violations of human rights and they are not the actions of a responsible global power. And we would say to the Chinese government: having great power, with that comes some great responsibilities, including to respect the human rights provisions to which you have previously committed.
Updated
So the paragraph 12 amendment passed – emphatically.
The ETU amendment has not been supported - it is inconsistent with the amendment which was passed. So basically, the amendment which passed cancels the ETU vote out.
So there is still a fight to be had there. It means there will be a lot of back and forth tonight over it – which continues the fight the unions have wanted for the last five years or so, for another conference. But as far as the platform is concerned, the issue is settled. (rumble behind the scenes, but in public, the delegates have agreed)
There are no absolute majorities in this conference (in terms of the faction numbers), which make the disputed votes very difficult, if unions dig in. The ETU and the construction union rolled the dice - but the conference has decided their amendment isn’t needed.
The conference has adjourned until tomorrow.
Updated
While we wait for the vote outcome, Sarah Martin has written up on this fight earlier:
Updated
The electronic voting is still going on.
Peter Ong from the Queensland Electrical Trades Union wants this bit added to the trade resolution:
Add the following after paragraph 10 in the statement in detail on trade:
10. Labor in opposition will oppose any enabling legislation for agreements, where that agreement does not comply with paragraphs 7, 8 and 9, or if that agreement would have the effect of not complying with those paragraphs through the conferral of most favoured nation status.
Basically, Ong doesn’t want Labor speaking out against free trade agreements that don’t meet the members’ resolutions in public, but then supporting it in private (ie when it comes to legislation/negotiations).
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I have been laughing at the last image, of the prime minister and the governor general standing next to a Zoom screen, for the past five minutes.
Your week might be bad, but is it ‘we have sworn in our new cabinet over teleconference and then had to pose with a screen like everything is totally normal for an official photograph’ bad?
It is with a great sense of honour and responsibility to become the first Women’s Safety Minister. Sadly violence against women and their children remains an unacceptable scourge in Australia and I believe this is an opportunity to put policies in place that say enough is enough. pic.twitter.com/JzpLeulswX
— Anne Ruston (@Anne_Ruston) March 30, 2021
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There has been a lot of angst over Labor’s support of free trade agreements in the past. This resolution is aimed at making sure everyone is on the same page, for when the next one comes up.
So the crossed out parts there are what the original paragraph says, and what is being crossed out.
Here are the agreed changes in fair trade negotiations:
Amendment
Remove existing paragraph 12 and replace with two new paragraphs (to be inserted as paragraphs 9 and 10 as a result of the renumbering in the previous amendment):
Paragraph 12:
12. Labor believes that the process of developing, negotiating and finalising trade agreements should be transparent, consultative and subject to the processes of the parliament. However, under the current framework, trade agreements are the prerogative of executive government, and the parliament usually only determines enabling legislation. Labor in opposition will challenge agreements that do not meet the above criteria, but may vote for, or against enabling legislation.
9. Labor believes that the process of developing, negotiating and finalising trade agreements should be transparent, consultative and subject to the processes of the parliament. However, under the current framework, trade agreements are the prerogative of executive government, and the parliament only determines enabling legislation designed to give effect to certain limited provisions of the agreement.
10. Labor in opposition will:
(a) Seek written confirmation from the government that any trade agreement signed by the government does not violate clauses 7 and 8;
(b) Undertake formal consultation with affected unions about the impact of any proposed trade agreement;
(c) Labor will actively campaign against trade agreements that do not comply with clauses 7 or 8 above, including by making shadow ministerial statements, participating in public campaigns, demanding that the commonwealth conduct rigorous independent economic analysis and debating the merits of the agreement in the parliament and parliamentary committees.
(d) Amend parliamentary procedures to require an independent economic assessment of the impact of each agreement to be included in the report of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties to the parliament; and
(e) Vote against any enabling legislation for agreements, where the enabling legislation itself does not comply with clauses 7 or 8 above.
11. If prior to the election of a Labor government, trade agreements are signed which are not consistent with the above, Labor in government will seek the renegotiation of the agreement to ensure it is consistent with the above points before bringing any enabling legislation before the parliament.
Updated
Justine Keay, who lost the Tasmanian seat of Braddon at the last election, has written a piece on why marginal seats matter, and why Labor’s platform needs to take that into account.
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Matt Burnett, the wildly popular mayor of Gladstone in central Queensland (and who Labor wants to take on Ken O’Dowd in Flynn) has moved a motion to have local councils included back on national cabinet.
Councils were part of Coag. But they have been left out of national cabinet. Burnett says it’s not much to ask that the 537 local councils across Australia have one seat at the national cabinet table.
Labor agrees.
Labor wants northern Australia construction, tourism and hospitality support
We’ve moved on to northern Australia – everyone wants more support for northern Australia, something the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility was supposed to do, but hasn’t really achieved in its seven or so years of existence.
Labor wants construction, tourism and hospitality also supported in those areas, rather than just a focus on bigger industries and projects.
Cathy O’Toole, the former member for Herbert, makes an appearance here.
Updated
Paddy Crumlin, speaking on the seafarers’ amendment, gets about three ‘delegate wind-ups’ but he doesn’t get muted.
It’s a very congenial conference.
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Very quick work from Jim Chalmers’ staff here.
We need a recovery, an economy, a society and a country worthy of Australians and the sacrifices we made for each other during the recession and its aftermath. My speech to @AustralianLabor National Conference. #auspol #ALPConf21 pic.twitter.com/YfAWLyMdV8
— Jim Chalmers MP (@JEChalmers) March 30, 2021
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Meanwhile, outside of conference.
Major union breaks away from NSW Labor over poor performance | @AlexSmithSMH https://t.co/cnyMXF0arc
— The Sydney Morning Herald (@smh) March 30, 2021
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In this chapter, it’s all about industry, construction and manufacturing – these are also agreed upon – the amendments are about making the policy platform clearer:
For example, on manufacturing:
Labor will employ a variety of means to provide a stronger future for Australian manufacturing.
These measures will include:
a. supporting the transition to modern clean forms of energy to deliver affordable, reliable and increasingly clean energy to Australian industry, while recognising the special requirements of energy-intensive forms of heavy manufacturing;
b. delivering high-quality skills and training for manufacturing workers through enhanced and secure funding for Tafe and universities through Jobs and Skills Australia;
c. the continuing use of taxation measures to foster research and development and investment in new plant and equipment;
d. procurement policies;
e. supporting specific policy interventions to grow our domestic supply chain and assist small businesses to become medium and large businesses;
f. fostering collaboration between industry, unions and research institutions through industry innovation councils; and
g. supporting Buy Australia programs.
The original paragraph read:
Labor will employ a variety of means to provide a stronger future for Australian manufacturing. These measures will include:
- supporting the transition to modern clean forms of energy to deliver affordable, reliable and increasingly clean energy to Australian industry;
- the continuing use of research and development tax incentives;
- procurement policies;
- fostering collaboration between industries and research institutions; and
- supporting Buy Australia programs.
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My colleague Elias Visontay is the latest to let me know about this account.
This Labor conference is so ‘peace in our times’ – meaning no argy-bargy – that someone has taken to rating the rooms the Labor delegates are presenting their motions from.
Well done, you. Thank you for your work.
*gasp* Painted bricks. Black and white with a pop of green. 10/10 for Delegate Stephens. #ALPConf21 #OnYourSide pic.twitter.com/sJ2HzzZVoU
— ALPConferenceRoomRater (@AlpRater) March 30, 2021
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Jim Chalmers is introducing this next chapter – building Australia’s prosperity.
He was meant to be doing it from Maryborough – where the trains Campbell Newman’s government ordered from India are being fixed (they didn’t fit the tracks) – but he is in lockdown in Brisbane.
Speaking of that lockdown, another case looks like it has been diagnosed in Bundaberg, which means Queensland is facing an extended lockdown (beyond the three days first slated).
I am so sorry, Queensland. I’m keeping it all crossed for you.
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The audio was really terrible for the Kristina Keneally and Penny Wong press conference, so we are chasing those questions and will bring you those answers when we can.
Updated
The ads are back on the Labor conference stream – which means we are back on deck.
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Scott Morrison’s Twitter account has not tweeted about the new cabinet now being sworn in – the most recent tweet is:
Over 69,000 disaster payments have now been paid out by our Government to support Australians impacted by the floods, totalling $86.9 million. In most cases these payments of $1000 for adults and $400 for children have been paid within an hour. To make a claim call ☎️ 180 22 66. pic.twitter.com/x4TI5pqBHF
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) March 30, 2021
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The conference resumption has been pushed back to 3.45pm.
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It’s not exactly Government House.
As Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business in @ScottMorrisonMP’s Govt, I look forward to continuing Australia’s comeback through building a workforce that can drive our prosperity. #jobs pic.twitter.com/urIsohgjuG
— Stuart Robert MP (@stuartrobertmp) March 30, 2021
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Kristina Keneally and Penny Wong will be holding a doorstop during the break. We’ll listen in for you.
The conference is now on break until 3.30.
So it is time for the ads again.
Scott Morrison isn’t listening. That is pretty much the Labor election campaign right there.
That whole chapter has been carried.
The debate around some of those resolutions was INTENSE, according to some of the delegates. It always is. But it also says something about the focus this time around that the fights have been carried out off-campus.
Partly that is down to having a slimmed-down platform. But it is also because Labor is staring down the barrel of more than a decade in opposition if it loses this next election, and that has a way of bringing even lifelong combatants together.
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Labor has also resolved to recognise Palestine as its own state:
The Special Platform Conference
- supports the recognition and right of Israel and Palestine to exist as two states within secure and recognised borders;
- calls on the next Labor government to recognise Palestine as a state; and
- expects that this issue will be an important priority for the next Labor government.
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Another interesting resolution in this chapter – Labor once again cares about the impact of national security incursions.
That’s nice.
Labor will always work responsibly and constructively to improve our national security laws and to ensure our security agencies and police can employ the powers they already have, and can acquire such additional powers they may need to meet the changing national security threats we face as a nation. Labor will ensure those powers are consistent with the long-standing values and hard-won liberties that help to define Australia as a democratic nation that always upholds the freedom and privacy of its citizens. Labor will enhance existing mechanisms to ensure parliamentary and statutory oversight of intelligence agencies is commensurate with their increasing responsibilities and powers. Powers exercised by security agencies which impinge on the fundamental rights of citizens should wherever possible be authorised by warrant and reviewable by a court.
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Kimberley Kitching is moving the chapter’s amendments, but we heard from the seconder, Janelle Saffin first, as Kitching wasn’t on the line.
Kitching is back now, and talking about what the Uighur communities are going through in China.
Here is that resolution:
- National Conference:
- Strongly condemns the human rights violations against the Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities in Xinjiang and across China.
- Notes:
- that there is a growing number of reports of the mass arbitrary detention of China’s minority Uyghur population and other violations of human rights including forced labour, forced sterilisation, sexual assault and restriction of movement in Xinjiang and across China. These are not the actions of a responsible global power.
- that China is a state party to the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
- Urges the Chinese government to uphold its international human rights obligations in Xinjiang and across China and allow unfettered access to Xinjiang by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
- Notes that the US government and the Parliaments of Canada and the Netherlands have labelled the human rights violations in Xinjiang as genocide, and that Human Rights Watch has labelled them as crimes against humanity.
- A future Labor government will ensure that Australia stands up for human rights in China and work with the international community to hold China to account for its international commitments.
- Calls on the Australian government to:
- provide its assessment of what is happening in Xinjiang and how it characterises the human rights violations that are taking place – based on all of the information available to its agencies.
- explain what actions it is taking to address the situation in Xinjiang and to provide support to Uyghur communities in Australia.
Updated
There are about 35 amendments in this chapter – they are all agreed though, so all that work has been done behind the scenes ahead of the conference.
If you look at the amendments, you can see some of that work – bits have been crossed out – it’s just a few words, but it matters in this stuff. For example, in one of the climate change amendments, the word ‘objective’ has been crossed out, meaning that the delegates wanted it stronger – not an objective, but a stated fact.
That Amendment 071A to Chapter 7 to the introduction to Paragraph 44 be modified to read:
Labor believes that working to ensure global action on climate change and the protection of the global environment is a vital foreign policy objective should be a new pillar core objective of Australia’s foreign policy. Climate change represents an existential threat to humanity and is the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the peoples in the Pacific. Environmental degradation contributes to social and political conflict and undermines regional and international security. Labor will lead in multilateral forums to achieve global action on climate change, environmental protection and sustainable development. Ensuring traditional owners as well as the entire community are included in program design and implementation will be a priority. Labor will:
- support implementation of the Paris Accord, with the goal of limiting global warming to less than 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels and taking efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels and be an active participant in the UNFCCC;
- work to further strengthen the Antarctic Treaty System with particular emphasis on enhancing environmental protection;
- drive diplomatic engagement with like-minded nations on international instruments to better protect the world’s oceans; and
- work through international forums to address unsustainable fishing practices worldwide with the establishment of protected areas a particular priority. We will energetically seek to combat unsustainable, illegal and unregulated fishing in the Southern Ocean and work to strengthen the law of the sea to improve sustainable ocean management.
Updated
Delegate Nizza Siano has put forward this one:
Labor’s policy should be framed to provide a positive and compassionate approach by a Labor government to the treatment of refugees, rather than a reaction to the punitive and cruel approach of the Coalition government. Refugees and those seeking asylum in Australia are to be welcomed under a Labor government as assets who enhance this nation and our economy and provide positive contribution to our strong multicultural society.
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In this chapter, Michael Danby will move this motion:
Labor calls on China to abide by its own constitution and laws, which expressly allows for the cultural autonomy of the Tibetan people within the People’s Republic.
Tibetans must be allowed, as they are under Chinese law, to freely practice their religion, to learn and speak their language and to have official documents in the language of the vast majority of people living in the Tibetan autonomous zone.
Updated
Penny Wong:
Our world is being reshaped and Australia has to work harder to secure our interests.
We have to act to shape the world in the region – we want one that not only respects sovereignty, but is stable and prosperous.
We have to return to our leadership role, being the partner of choice in our region and helping our neighbours, but we have a prime minister who only governs for himself, and who puts his own domestic political interests ahead of the national interest, who is mired in political crisis.
He makes the biggest government spend in Australian history on defence equipment, but hasn’t delivered on our security requirements and hasn’t increased our home-grown defence industry capability. A prime minister who talks tough on China, but has overseen Australia becoming even more dependent on China for our exports, and who leaves that hundreds of thousands of Australians whose jobs depend on trade and whose ministers blame farmers for their exports not making it to market.
Brendan O’Connor seconds this motion.
Updated
Penny Wong introduces this one.
She is at the conference (in Bankstown) so there is no video here.
Updated
All those amendments have been carried – there was no disagreement there – or surprises. (It’s about improving the justice system, and access to justice).
So we move on to chapter seven – Australia’s place in the world.
This is about foreign affairs.
The main issue was with China – that has mostly been worked out, I hear. But still, always worth watching.
Updated
We are motoring through these amendments – most of the delegates seem to have waived their right to speak. That’s what happens when everyone agrees – you don’t have anyone left to convince.
Updated
This chapter is about services, treatment and the justice system.
Updated
All of those amendments have come through – so we are now at strengthening Australia’s democracy.
Kristina Keneally is introducing the chapter from “regional Australia” – outside the North Sydney olympic pool which received a $10m regional Australia grant for upgrades.
It’s all part of a bit meant to highlight the scandals of the Morrison government’s spending.
In the years since Scott Morrison made that announcement, the need for an integrity commission has only grown stronger.
Integrity in politics matters.
It matters to the health and strength of our democracy.
But how can Scott Morrison look after you, how can he look after our jobs, prosperity and democracy, when he is so busy looking after himself?
Australians deserve a government that is on their side.
Anthony Albanese and Labor will deliver a national integrity commission, a federal anti-corruption body, powerful, transparent and independent.
Labor will fight for transparency and integrity in government.
And that’s why, today, I’m proud to move chapter six of this conference – Strengthening Australian Democracy.
I welcome the support of delegates and look forward to a spirited debate on how Labor can bring accountability to the Australian people.
Updated
So far, the amendments we have seen as part of the Labor conference are all part of the areas most of Labor (give or take a line or two) agree on.
One of the sessions where a little more fire is expected is coming up in chapter seven – Australia’s Place in the World. That’s about foreign affairs and relations, including China.
Updated
All the ministers are being sworn in remotely. They then have to hold up and show the governor general their signed statement, like they are waving a participation award around at assembly.
Christin Porter is now being sworn in. He is back in his office – today is his first day back at work.
Updated
Scott Morrison's new cabinet sworn in
The new cabinet is being sworn in.
Michaelia Cash, your new attorney general, is doing it remotely from WA.
Updated
It is back to gender equality and women’s safety, including unpaid care work and other issues that impact women.
These amendments all have support (as you would expect).
Updated
And after a quick sojourn into another amendment, on women’s safety, we are back with the Pat Dodson amendment, with Malarndirri McCarthy back on the line.
Yes, I certainly support and endorse the words of my colleagues Linda Burney and Pat Dodson. We are incredibly pleased to be able to come before the national Labor conference in support of improving the lives of First Nations people right across the country.
We certainly want to focus on many things in particular through our First Nations caucus. And also, if I may, acknowledge the Indigenous Labor network members right across the Labor party here in Australia.
We have many things that we wish to work on and we certainly know that improving the lives of First Nations peoples, a critical component of the Labor party’s platform, closing the gap in health, education, but also when you’re living [within the] system.
We have raised concerns, continuously, in terms of the deaths of First Nations people in custody, but also as we come to the 30th anniversary of the royal commission into Aboriginal deaths in custody.
Land, life, culture and kinship is critical to First Nations people, and it’s also critical to embracing a better and holistic relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians.
Updated
Malarndirri McCarthy’s connection has dropped out, so we will return to that one.
Updated
Pat Dodson has the first amendment. He brings up Rio Tinto and Juukan Gorge. His amendment to the platform, seconded by Malarndirri McCarthy is:
In recognition of the centrality of land and water to First Nations people’s spirituality, law, culture, economy and wellbeing, Labor supports land rights and Native Title as property rights under Australian law and will work to accelerate the resolution of outstanding land and Native Title claims in partnership with other stakeholders. Labor will work with First Nations people and organisations on reforms to address unfairness in Native Title agreement making. We believe land use and ownership issues should be resolved by negotiation wherever possible.
Updated
Linda Burney is introducing this chapter:
Opportunity must be more equally shared. We are a better nation because we embrace the diversity of faith, beliefs and world views. We must remain vigilant against racism and extremism, which diminish and divide, friends and delegates. I am proud and thankful for all the work that has gone into this chapter, in particular from the grassroots of our party. This work and amendments are reflected in this chapter.
Updated
The ALP conference is back in session.
It is time for chapter 5 – an equal and inclusive nation.
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While we are waiting for the Labor conference to begin again, this story from the Sydney Morning Herald’s Shane Wright is worth a read, if you haven’t seen it yet:
A pay rise that means a woman earns more than her male partner increases her chance of domestic violence by 35%, ground-breaking Australian research has revealed, suggesting men struggle to deal with not being the family breadwinner.
Based on surveys done by the Australian Bureau of Statistics over more than a decade, the same research shows as soon as women earn more than half a couple’s income they face a 20% increase in the chance of suffering from emotional abuse.
Updated
Nope – we are going back to the conference at 1.40pm.
Updated
The governor general (remember him – he’s apparently still around, despite not being exactly visible lately) will swear in the new Morrison ministry very soon.
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And here is Mark Butler’s amendments:
Move that proposed resolution 168R is amended in the following terms:
Labor notes that Australians expect our public health system to provide for their health needs from birth to death. Public health infrastructure, as it exists, has been paid for by taxpayers. The operation of the existing public health system is paid for by taxpayers. Ongoing improvements and expansion of the existing public health system must be paid for by taxpayers. There is no justification for supporting a private sector health system with taxpayers’ money when most Australians will not have (nor want) access to it. Labor also notes that private health providers should not be subsidised or supported by the Australian government.
The ALP and a future Labor government will prioritise support for the public health system in all Australian states and territories. A future Labor government will commit to investing Australian taxpayers’ money in public health services that provide equity and access to the Australian people. World-class health services will not be provided by way of extra fees and charges, but as a right as an Australian citizen.
The ALP and a future Labor government will have, as a core pillar of its policy and national platform, a commitment to not privatise or outsource public health institutions, jobs, or services. or departments of institutions or services.
The ALP and a future Labor government will not subcontract public health services to private entities unless the contractual arrangements include a guarantee that employees for the private entity will be provided with equal (or better) pay and conditions to those included in the relevant state and territory’s public health system enterprise agreement/s (the industrial instrument that would otherwise apply to employees but for the subcontracting out of services) and their successor documents.
Updated
The amendments are up!
Here is what Diana Asmar put forward:
Labor notes that Australians expect our public health system to provide for their health needs from birth to death. Public health infrastructure, as it exists, has been paid for by taxpayers. The operation of the existing public health system is paid for by taxpayers. Ongoing improvements and expansion of the existing public health system must be paid for by taxpayers. There is no justification for supporting a private sector health system with taxpayers’ money when most Australians will not have (nor want) access to it. Labor also notes that private health providers should not be subsidised or supported by the Australian government.
The ALP and a future Labor government will prioritise support for the public health system in all Australian states and territories. A future Labor government will commit to investing Australian taxpayers’ money in public health services that provide equity and access to the Australian people. World-class health services will not be provided by way of extra fees and charges, but as a right as an Australian citizen.
The ALP and a future Labor government will have, as a core pillar of its policy and national platform, a commitment to not privatise or outsource public health institutions, jobs, services or departments of institutions or services.
The ALP and a future Labor government will not subcontract public health services to private entities unless the contractual arrangements include a guarantee that employees fo the private entity will be provided with equal (or better) pay and conditions to those included in the relevant state and territory’s public health system enterprise agreement/s (the industrial instrument that would otherwise apply to employees but for the subcontracting out of services) and their successor documents.
Updated
Let’s take a look at what else is happening in politics, shall we?
The Australian Academy of Science has just apologised for sending this tweet after members of the scientific community challenged Christian Porter’s record on his new portfolio:
We thank @karenandrewsmp for her leadership and long-term commitment to science and technology over the past two years.
— Australian Academy of Science (@Science_Academy) March 29, 2021
We look forward to working with incoming Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Christian Porter @cporterwa.https://t.co/FifA1baomH
Here is the apology which has just been posted:
Last night we posted a poorly worded tweet about working with the incoming Minister for Industry, Science and Technology.
— Australian Academy of Science (@Science_Academy) March 30, 2021
We apologise. We are deeply aware of the challenging circumstances created by the reshuffle. We will always work to advance science in Australia for all.
Everyone is voting electronically, which is why there is a bit more of a delay in the votes than usual.
It looks like Mark Butler will prevail on this one though, which is essentially agreeing with the spirit of the motion (public hospitals should be public) without the wording of the motion (which Butler says would mean public hospitals couldn’t do private procedures, and also, he says, it is mostly a matter for the states).
Then we go back to the fun and games at 1.25pm.
Updated
We have finally run out of policy ads.
It is just a blank screen now as the vote is carried out.
Updated
This is a photo taken from Anthony Albanese’s speech just a little while ago, if you needed any indication of how fast the social media team is turning things around today:
Victory over the pandemic, followed by victory for those whose sacrifices made it possible.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 30, 2021
I am determined to repay our frontline workers – underpaid and undervalued – with a better future.
Only a Labor Government can make that happen. pic.twitter.com/6CQ5T6Gfud
Updated
It is very strange hearing the ads as the national conference goes to vote.
Usually the stage is just empty.
Now we are hearing about the campaigns that some of the unions have run. But in that official “Australian government” voice.
Updated
While the vote has caused a break in proceedings, we are being shown ads – for policies.
It’s like those Australian government ads you see at the beginning of a movie, about washing your hands or something, but for Labor policies.
Updated
'Our public hospitals should stay public hospitals'
Diana Asmar from the Health Workers Union brings the first non-agreed to motion:
Firstly, it calls on the ALP and a future Labor government to [rule out] privatisation or outsourcing our public health institutions and jobs.
Our public hospitals should stay public hospitals, and secondly, that our future Labor government will not subcontract public health services to the private sector unless it guarantees the pay, conditions and jobs of affected health workers.
There is nothing controversial about these … yet I note that this motion does not have the typical approval from the relevant Labor shadow minister, in this instance Mark Butler, as much as I tried to reason with his office.
I can only assume that the future Labor government does not want to be bound by these principles.
Butler says while he agrees that public hospitals should stay public, he can’t support the parts of the motion:
But there are a couple of elements of the original motion that’s just been moved by Diana, that I can’t support, for example the sentence that says private health providers will not be supported by Australian governments. With a health system that depends so clearly on private general practitioners’ private conditions, in part, private hospitals and private health insurers, I simply can’t support a statement like that.
He says some of the issues are for the states and territories.
Asmar asks for people to support that the public health system should stay public. It moves to a vote.
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We are now moving on to the resolutions which are not agreed upon – these are the motions which have not been settled beforehand, and there is a bit of fight about them.
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Jason Clare is now talking about social housing as part of the national housing and homelessness plan Labor is endorsing.
It has support.
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There is a slight issue where the actual amendments the conference is looking at can’t be seen.
I am assured the tech people are on the case.
The Labor left have put out their magazine this morning – featuring more young Albo.
It’s obviously been timed to coincide with the conference but if you are interested in one of the faction’s takes on everything Labor is looking at, take a look:
Check out the Special Conference Special Challenge in it's entirety at the link! - https://t.co/NCeR5drajf #ALPConf21 #auspol pic.twitter.com/QwNpYT5M9w
— ChallengeMag (@challengeAU) March 30, 2021
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The first lot of amendments is in and they are on the NDIS – everyone is in agreement here.
The NDIS and aged care need more money is the main agreement.
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Amanda Rishworth is now seconding the motion that Labor endorses a “strong and healthy society”.
One would think that is a given, but you know. It’s their show, so they get to name the things what they want.
(It’s basically health and childcare policies.)
Right after that, we are going to endorse an “equal and inclusive nation”.
Another thing no one is arguing against.
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It’s Mark Butler video time.
We are whipping around the country.
The conference is now seeing a video from Jude, an aged care worker.
Jude gets quite upset in the video as she speaks about her job:
The government doesn’t care about me, doesn’t care about the elderly, and it doesn’t give a shit about aged care.
We just need to be respected.
We need to be able to raise our heads and say I’m an aged care worker and I’m proud of what I do.
I’m proud every day that I get to work with these people that are vulnerable – with more funding, with better funding and with more people coming into the industry and staying in the industry, you know, that, that can be fixed [clicks fingers] like that.
And it’s not happening.
We are a very very special bunch, and we deserve the respect and the pay from the federal government that we need to do our job.
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Everyone agrees to the rules.
Wayne Swan is now giving his (remote) address. “Labor is not just a party, it’s a movement,” he says.
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Mich-Elle Myers of the MUA is reading the riot act about how the conference is going to work.
Delegates are getting the very strong word they must check the session times. As in – WE ARE NOT GOING OVER, PEOPLE.
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Wayne Swan, the federal president, is not in Bankstown – he was meant to be there but the Queensland lockdown has put a kibosh to that. Swan, like most of us, is following along from home.
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And the video is up.
It’s as you expected. What ever that means to you
Some people go through life not picking sides.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 30, 2021
I get that – but it’s not me.
So a long time ago, I did pick a side. Yours. pic.twitter.com/76lBwbbkyX
It’s time for the Richard Marles video.
The fun just never stops.
In case it is not yet clear, the national platform is shaping up to be: Labor will bring the party you need to rebuild, and also we are not Scott Morrison.
That’s pretty much the election campaign right there.
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It’s now Penny Wong’s time on the stage:
Anthony was right when he said Labor values were the right ones for the crisis and they’re the right ones for the recovery in the crisis of a pandemic.
It was clear to Australians that we failed or succeeded together. The same realisation that grounds Labor’s project, the same principle that drives Anthony.
The pandemic made us see more clearly than ever, the weaknesses in our society and in our economy.
We saw Australia’s most valuable resource – our people – were being held back and left behind without thought as to the cost without recognising what that does to the fabric of families and the fabric of our nation, without counting the wealth we would share if everyone had the chance to be their best.
Well, as we emerged from the pandemic, we can’t go back to that.
We can’t go back to the real Scott Morrison.
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'After triumph, something better,' Albanese says
Anthony Albanese:
Over more than a century, our policies have evolved, and they’ve modernised with the times. Our cause though, has not changed.
To build our nation and shape it to the benefit of the Australian people, for all our people.
That’s because we understand that no one should be left behind.
And no one held back by a lack of opportunity for a better future.
And no matter what situation Australia is in, no matter what crisis we face, our approach is the same – we get through it together.
And then plan for a brighter tomorrow.
We’re never satisfied with simply muddling through and returning to how things were.
In Australia’s moment of greatest crisis at the height of the second world war, John Curtin led the nation out of military danger then Ben Chifley led into reconstruction.
Their motto – victory in war and victory in peace.
Remember, victory in war and victory in peace.
After triumph, something better.
And I want those inspiring words to be the theme of this conference, as a new world crisis hopefully nears its end.
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From Anthony Albanese’s video (which includes a lot of photos of young Albo, for those not watching):
Some people go through life, not picking sides, I get that, but it’s not me.
I learned from a young age, watching my mum deal with the health and welfare system that wasn’t always on our side, just how that can hurt people.
So a long long time ago, I did pick a side. I chose to side with those who believed every Australian should have access to health and education, and affordable housing.
I chose to side with working people who wanted to be day’s work for the day’s pay.
I chose to side with NGOs who know the action on climate change is urgent, and economically smart.
I chose a side that believes everyone should have the same opportunities, regardless of their postcode and I’ve spent my life fighting on the side of those Australians.
As a member for Grayndler, and as deputy prime minister, and now as leader of the great Australian Labor party. I did pick a side. Yours.
Bill Shorten: “Introducing the next prime minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese.”
Albanese: “Well, thanks very much, Bill.”
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Bill Shorten is introducing Anthony Albanese.
But first – it’s time for the video introduction.
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Bill Shorten is speaking about how “effectively” the Morrison government is in minority – “one more scandal” away from losing the numbers on the floor.
He mentions “one more backbench troll, sent off to study how to be a human being” before moving on.
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Bill Shorten is now giving a speech, as the leader who rebuilt the party after the 2013 election loss and brought the party “so close” to winning, twice.
You are going to hear ‘On your side’ A LOT in the next couple of days. It is Labor’s slogan for the upcoming election, it’s in every press release, and you may have noticed it is in almost every speech as well.
The conference opening has been under way – Linda Burney is speaking about the importance of truth telling.
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A conference with a mute button …
The other thing that is very different about this conference is that there is a mute button.
So previously, when someone got up to say something which, as Tony Jones used to quip, ‘We’ll take that as more of a comment,’ people had to listen, until that person was shouted down/supported.
Now they can just hit mute.
As Jason Clare told Sky this morning:
Reminds me of when I was crook and I had to miss a week from parliament a couple of years ago, and I was sitting in the lounge room. I was able to mute Josh Frydenberg and Scott Morrison when they droned on with those long Dorothy Dixers. So, you can do that. But the whole idea here is to make the party platform shorter and simpler and get us ready for the next election. And hopefully, by doing this online, it’ll mean that a lot of party members and a lot of people that are interested in the development of public policy will be interested in tuning in over the next two days.
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Session one is about to kick off – and that is when things will start rolling faster on here.
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What’s a policy to keep an eye on?
Anything to do with tax and franking credits. I think we all know there isn’t a lot of time left on those policies.
Vale, franking credits. We barely knew thee.
For those wondering about one of the policies Anthony Albanese is most excited about, Sarah Martin had a look at the national reconstruction fund:
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One of the policies Labor does want to keep, is the paid parental leave – at full pay – for six months (does anyone remember that one?)
Anthony Albanese spoke to the Seven Network about why the party wants to keep it in the platform:
This is the same policy in the platform that we had at the last election. It is an aspiration of where we want to go to in the medium term. We will fully cost out that policy and put a time frame on it in government. But we have always said that paid parental leave is so important. For example, if you have six months you could have three months for both parents to have off. And that is a policy that I think will resonate with Australians. We also have a fixed timetable to bring in cheaper childcare for 97% of families. That would kick in from the first of July 2022.
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Good morning
Welcome to coverage of Labor’s national conference.
It’s a weird one this year – we are all remote, watching via screens, which means we won’t have access to where all the actual action happens – the side rooms and little nooks and crannies, but we will do our best to bring you all the conversations which matter.
For those new to Labor conference, it happens once a term, before an election, where the Labor caucus in all its many and varied parts – grassroots members, unions, MPs and power brokers gather to nut out what Labor’s election policy platform will look like. As the party of the collective, the policies are meant to be a collective undertaking. So here is where the deals are made, the speeches are thrown and the battles are won and lost. Once agreed upon, even those who wanted something different have to swing behind the party’s decision. It’s why you have heard Labor MPs defend some positions that seem counter-intuitive – the delay in pushing for marriage equality, for one.
For the most part, given the year that was and the year that is, most of the decisions seem made. But that doesn’t mean there still won’t be ... discussions. There may not be as many fireworks as usual (I won’t forget one of my first state Labor conferences and the choice words shadow cabinet colleagues were throwing across at each other on the floor) but that doesn’t mean we still won’t see how the sausage is made. It’s not always pretty but it’s important.
Labor wants a slimmed-down election platform this year – so you’re about to learn what policies will be officially dumped. I think most of you can guess what those are, but still. We’ll bring you the ins and outs over the next two days, and we are working the phones to keep you informed of what is happening behind the screens.
You’ve got Amy Remeikis on the blog, with Katharine Murphy, Sarah Martin, Paul Karp and Daniel Hurst on the detail.
It’s going to be an ... interesting 48 hours.
So grab your coffee and let’s get into it!
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