This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2018/dec/18/labor-national-conference-day-three-politics-live

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Labor vows to restore penalty rates and address gender pay gap – politics live Labor vows to restore penalty rates and address gender pay gap – politics live
(35 minutes later)
Michael McCormack has issued a statement on Andrew Broad’s decision not to re-contest Mallee: The second half of the ‘don’t do a Melissa Price or Peter Dutton’ motion reads as:
I acknowledge Andrew Broad’s decision to not recontest the next Federal Election for the seat of Mallee and thank him for his service. In Government, Labor will:
Mr Broad has been a passionate advocate for regional and farming issues representing his Victorian electorate since 2013, which led to his promotion as the Assistant Minister, in September this year. ensure the Pacific is front and centre of our foreign policy;
Mr Broad has now made the right decision to stand aside and not re-contest the seat of Mallee and in doing so he has accepted the sort of behaviour, which has prompted his decision, is inappropriate and unacceptable. engage with the Pacific with respect, to promote the well-being of the entire region, for the benefit of both Australia and the ten million people of the Pacific islands themselves;
Matters regarding Mallee pre-selection as always are for the Nationals’ local branches to decide and a replacement will be determined, in time. establish a government-supported infrastructure financing facility and grow our aid commitment to the Pacific;
Wayne Swan has just started the final session by revealing he will put a motion allowing conference to conclude without announcing the result of the election for the national executive, and instead giving the returning officer until 9pm to declare the result. reconstitute the role of Minister for Pacific Affairs and International Development;
While we don’t know if the names of the 20 national executive members will be declared that late, anything after about 5pm would mean many delegates and pesky journalists will be leaving Adelaide, on flights bound for other national capitals. work closely with our friends and other partners to help the region meet its challenges, and support and create opportunities and possibilities for realising the Pacific’s own vision for the Blue Pacific continent;
Surely that wouldn’t be the intention of the motion – to make sure conference ends with a stitched-up whimper rather than a bang? build on the Defence Cooperation Programs to expand our engagement with the defence forces of the Pacific;
The motion wasn’t agreed (yet) – it will be put after the international chapter. explore opportunities with Pacific countries for more cost effective Australian government service delivery that is of benefit to the Pacific;
“Ah, it’s not a Christmas tie, Kristina. It’s obviously a ⁦@SSFCRABBITOHS⁩ tie,” says ⁦@AlboMP⁩ #LaborConf18 pic.twitter.com/D7Bqw7Xn1G coordinate and cooperate more to better leverage our engagement towards development outcomes and help reduce transaction costs for Pacific bureaucracies; and
The resolutions from the foreign affairs debate at the conference this afternoon have now lobbed. as a Pacific nation, work in partnership with Pacific island states to contribute to the security and prosperity of the entire region.
The aid resolution says: “Labor will, over time, achieve a funding target for the international development program of at least 0.5% of gross national income. Labor will increase aid as a percentage of gross national income every year that we are in office starting without first budget.” The conference moves on to the Pacific neighbours part of the platform. Which I think could also be known as the ‘don’t do a Melissa Price/Peter Dutton’:
The resolution on Palestine says: “The conference, 1. Notes previous resolutions on Israel/Palestine carried at the 2015 ALP national conference and the 2016 NSW Labor annual conference; 2. Supports the recognition and right of Israel and Palestine to exist as two states within secure and recognised borders; 3. Calls on the next Labor government to recognise Palestine as a state; and 4. Expects that this issue will be an important priority for the next Labor government.” Labor believes in a deep and comprehensive partnership with Pacific nations. We believe Australia should be a responsible and constructive partner. We want Australia to be the natural partner of choice for Pacific nations, and we know this has to be earned.
The resolution on nuclear commits Labor in government to sign and ratify the nuclear ban treaty after taking account of the need to “ensure an effective verification and enforcement architecture; ensure the interaction of the ban treaty with the longstanding nuclear non-proliferation treaty; and work to achieve universal support for the ban treaty”. Labor:
Posts are going to slow while the conference is on break. Recognises that climate change is the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and well-being of the peoples of the Pacific;
The raid on the NSW Labor office has been confirmed by Labor peeps. They think it has something to do with issues which may have arisen in 2015 but, being an Icac investigation, there is nothing concrete at this stage. Understands that our credibility as a constructive international actor, and as a valuable Pacific partner, depends on our commitment to climate change;
The industrial relations chapter concludes with agreement on all motions. Understands the need to reflect our commitments to our Pacific neighbours in our actions;
And the conference breaks for lunch. Notes that the Pacific has felt the impact of the record $11 billion in aid cuts under this government;
Bill Shorten is still on stage and is yet to address the raid. Notes that development assistance will continue to be an important component of our engagement and cooperation, but recognises our relationships should not just be seen through this prism;
Labor’s NSW headquarters has been raided as part of an ongoing Icac investigation. Acknowledges the need to develop much deeper ties and connections between our peoples and recognises that our futures are intimately and irrevocably linked;
NSW Labor Party headquarters raided by ICAC https://t.co/f5VexbGRch @9NewsSyd Notes that labour mobility schemes are highly valued by our Pacific neighbours and contribute substantially to economic development;
The Labor leader says enterprise bargaining has failed Australian workers and a new system is needed. Recognises that Australia’s economy also benefits from the availability of Pacific workers and that our society benefits from the connections with Pacific communities;
This should include no more use of the term “permanent casual”. Notes the significant Defence Cooperation Programs with defence forces in the Pacific and the potential for far greater cooperation;
Bill Shorten says there is a “two class” job system in Australia, with a casual, part-time market, unable to assert better pay and conditions, and full-timers. Notes that where sought by Pacific island countries, Australian government services can be provided at little cost but to great benefit for the Pacific countries and there may be more opportunities for these initiatives;
He says stagnant wages growth is one of the biggest economic challenges facing Australia. Recognises the Pacific Islands Forum as the premier regional forum;
Bill Shorten says if elected, Labor will restore Sunday and public holiday penalty rates in the first 100 days. Recognises that quality infrastructure is also key to the economic development and future prosperity of the region and many of our neighbours have substantial unmet needs that are beyond the capacity of governments to fund directly through traditional grant aid alone; and
That’s in response to the Fair Work Commission cutting down on Sunday and public holiday rates, after an independent review. Acknowledges the need to develop and utilise more innovative financing mechanisms to enable Australia to work in partnership with Pacific nations to provide them with the ability to meet their development aspirations.
That motion also passes on the voices.
Anthony Albanese says the nuclear motion is not easy, but it is consistent with Labor values, and what the global community expects.
“It enables us to contribute to the debate in a constructive way, and move it forward,” he says.
Anthony Albanese is moving the nuclear weapon treaty motion:
Labor:
Labor in government will sign and ratify the Ban Treaty, after taking account of the need to:
Ensure an effective verification and enforcement architecture;
Ensure the interaction of the Ban Treaty with the longstanding Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; and
Work to achieve universal support for the Ban Treaty.
Labor will take urgent action to reduce the risk of nuclear war by continuing its proud record of seeking nuclear disarmament by:
Working to create the conditions necessary to achieve a pathway to universal support for the Ban Treaty;
Advocating to the United States and Russia for the renewal of the New Start (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) Treaty for the period beyond 2021;
Advocating to the United States that it actively negotiates with Russia, China and other nuclear armed states a follow on treaty to the New Start treaty with a view to realising the objective of Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT): a world free of nuclear weapons; and
Seeking to work with partners and allies to build upon the International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament and develop an initiative which proposes a way of working with states possessing nuclear weapons to realise the aspiration of Article VI of the NPT seeking to encourage transparency among all states with nuclear weapons over their doctrine and the composition of their arsenals, and continuing to strengthen non-proliferation goals in the Indo-Pacific region.
The motion is carried on the voices.
Penny Wong:
I move this motion – but the text is the work of many.
I want to acknowledge that the conflict between Israel and Palestine is an issue of great importance to many in our party.
It is of great importance because Labor is a friend of Israel. I am a friend of Israel.
It is of great importance because Labor is a friend of the Palestinians. I am a friend of the Palestinians.
It is of great importance because we, in Labor, not only deal with the world as it is, we seek to change it for the better.
And so all who have come to this debate do so in the hope of contributing to peace and to a just and lasting resolution of the conflict between these two peoples.
I thank everyone for the manner in which they have engaged to propose this resolution – which I am confident reflects the collective view of this conference.
This resolution makes clear the view of this conference is to continue to support the recognition and right of Israel and Palestine to exist as two states within secure and recognised borders.
And it recognises the desire of this conference to recognise Palestine as a state.
Labor has long supported, and continues to support, a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
We support Israel’s right to exist within secure and recognised boundaries and the creation of a Palestinian state.
We recognise that a just two-state resolution will require recognising the right of both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples to live in peace and security.
The hallmark of Labor’s approach has been our even-handedness, and our acceptance of the legitimate claims by both parties.
Labor has been consistent in its approach to working towards the resolution of conflict between Palestine and Israel.
We have been consistent in our criticism of actions that undermine progress.
The resort to violence or the use of disproportionate response.
The construction of new settlements in areas that will become part of a future Palestinian state and the retrospective legalisation of settlements.
Labor will continue to call on both sides of the conflict to refrain from any actions that hamper peaceful outcomes for both the Israeli and Palestinian people.
And we will continue to ensure that any decision we take contributes to peaceful resolution of the conflict and to progress towards a two-state solution.
It is an approach, which until recently, had been largely bipartisan.
But, in a shameful act five days before the Wentworth byelection, Scott Morrison put his own domestic political interest before the national interest.
He made a decision to junk longstanding bipartisan foreign policy in a cynical attempt to win votes.
It was a desperate political tactic.
It was a decision made against the longstanding advice of agencies, without cabinet consideration, and without properly consulting Australia’s partners and allies.
Astonishingly, it was a decision made without consulting either the Israelis or the Palestinians themselves, whose agreement must be the foundation of any lasting peace.
The result of the chaos and confusion has been clear.
Mr Morrison has caused offence to some of our nearest neighbours, harmed Australia’s international reputation, and our nation’s interests.
Ever since, the prime minister has been trying to escape the problem of his own creation.
It is a clear example of what happens when domestic politics is put before national interest.
Unlike Scott Morrison and his government, Labor in government will take a responsible approach to our foreign policy.
We will seek and consider the advice of our agencies.
We will work with our partners and allies.
We will always put the national interest first.
This motion makes clear Labor’s commitment to progressing lasting peace and a two-state solution.
It makes clear that it will be an important priority for the next Labor government.
As Labor’s shadow minister for foreign affairs, I commend the resolution to the conference.
And as earlier flagged, the Palestine motion is now being put to the floor:
Penny Wong says it is part of a “just” two-state solution and Labor has been “consistent” with its view.
This motion has passed on the voices:
128. Labor will rebuild and grow Australia’s international development program and increase official development assistance to internationally accepted levels in a timely manner. Australia should do its fair share internationally, and work with the international community to achieve the longstanding funding targets reiterated by the SDGs. Labor will, over time, achieve a funding target for the international development program of at least 0.5% of gross national income. Labor will increase aid as a percentage of gross national income every year that we are in office starting with our first budget.
It continues:
Trade
“We are pleased the ALP has reaffirmed its commitment to boost transparency and analysis of free trade agreements (FTAs) including by introducing legislation to establish a system of accredited trade advisors and independent national interest assessments, which we have long called for.
“However, we are disappointed the ALP is opposed to signing FTAs that provide exemptions from labour market testing requirements and include Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provisions. ISDS protects Australian businesses overseas from adverse decisions where their investments might be expropriated.
“Big unions have created a paper tiger in opposing FTAs that exempt employers from labour market testing provisions. They claim that exempting labour market testing is ‘dangerous’ to Australian workers, even though the evidence does not support this view.
“It’s in our national interest for all political parties to support policies that take us forward, not backwards, in trade.”
Energy
“The best way to secure significant investment in less expensive and more reliable power is to provide the private sector with the certainty it requires to invest with confidence in the energy sector.
“Affordability and reliability of energy must be at the heart of policy solutions to the energy crisis. And we need a long term, bipartisan, nationally agreed solution to meet Australia’s emissions reduction commitments and guide investment in the electricity generation sector. We need to deliver lower costs for consumers and ensure reliability in both the short and the long term.
“The National Energy Guarantee (Neg) is the only long-term policy that has overwhelming support across the business community.
““NEG plus” combines measures recommended by the ACCC to encourage competition and drive prices down in the short term, plus measures in the NEG to deliver greater reliability while meeting our national emissions reduction target.
“Policies to reduce emissions must not harm Australia’s international competitiveness.
Vocational Education and Training
“The business community remains very concerned by the decline in the number of apprentices and trainees. The ALP’s plan to put in place an apprenticeship advocate is positive, and we encourage them to go further to establish a national apprenticeship advisory board, which gives industry, who provide jobs and training to apprentices, a seat at the decision-making table.
“We support the opposition’s policy to review the tertiary education system, and we have participated in the terms of reference panel to help guide the review.
“We need action from the commonwealth and all states and territories, and we need it now to get projects off the ground. We encourage the ALP to look at strategies to deliver better outcomes for VET through Coag.
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released a very thorough statement on Labor’s policy announcements:
Role of business
“The Australian business community is part of our broader community. It provides jobs, creates wealth and gives opportunities. For example, one in three small businesses in Australia are started or run by migrants. More than eight out of every 10 Australians with a job is in a business.
“There are over two million Australian businesses of all sizes, providing jobs and goods and services to communities in all corners of the country, and keeping every sector of our economy moving. Most Australian businesses are small businesses, and nearly 60% of small business operators are paid $50,000 or less per year – that’s well under the average Australian wage.
“There is nothing to ‘trickle down’ from small businesses, who are overwhelmingly the businesses that rely on minimum and award wages, casual employment and whose people are not members of big unions. Small businesses can’t pass on increased wage costs to customers any more than they can cope with incessantly high power bills.
“If a business isn’t profitable, and if a business can’t afford a wage rise or manage its workforce in the way that works best, then the risk is that it will go out of business – and jobs will be lost, not won.”
Industrial relations
“The next steps for Australia’s industrial relations system will be important for continued prosperity, living standards and opportunities for all Australians.
“Parts of our IR system need to be fixed, but we have to get the solutions right and pursuing the wrong ideas will leave the people who depend on businesses worse off.
“We need to deliver policies that sustainably support jobs, help companies become more competitive and return towards longer-term trend wages growth, and do so without risking our reputation as a place to invest and do business.”
Enterprise bargaining
“Australia should be trying to fix problems in the enterprise bargaining system, not go back to industry bargaining, which big unions will flock to because it will be easier and cheaper for them.
“There should not be a perverse incentive for big unions to prolong bargaining needlessly and manipulate the bargaining process, seeking the reward of arbitration. If Labor is to consider industry bargaining, it needs to explain how it will prevent bad bargaining behaviours.
“Australia already has the world’s second highest minimum wage. The minimum wage and the flow on to award wages have grown by more than prices for nine straight years.
“Many small businesses depend on award wages to pay their people. They can’t pass on increased costs to their customers. It is hard to believe that minimum wages could be raised even further ahead of prices without costing jobs and driving many small businesses out of business.”
Gender pay gap
“The gender pay gap has narrowed, but more needs to be done.
“There are many reasons why people are paid differently, but gender should not be one of them.
“We need to ensure women have equal opportunity to gain the skills and get the experience they need to compete for the jobs they want. More Australian women are already being educated for a more diverse range of professions and vocations.
“We need to ensure more women can continue their careers, if they wish, when they start a family. Women need more options to maximise their earnings.This includes the flexibility that casual work and labour hire work, for example, can provide.
“The worst pay gap is the gap between having a job and no job. Pay, regardless of gender, should be driven by productivity and affordability – that’s the sustainable path towards equal pay.”
Lol Wayne Swan reveals he'll put this motion to allow conference to break without announcing national exec result which could come as late as 9pm!! #auspol #ALPconf18 @AmyRemeikis pic.twitter.com/piOE3hHuCH
The motions have been closed to public view on the Labor conference website, for some strange reason, but we are attempting to get that fixed.
Meanwhile, in the Victorian parliament:
Statement from Senator Hinch on Catherine Cumming pic.twitter.com/GuXYNlCWqv
Michael McCormack has issued a statement on Andrew Broad’s decision not to recontest Mallee:
I acknowledge Andrew Broad’s decision to not recontest the next federal election for the seat of Mallee and thank him for his service.
Mr Broad has been a passionate advocate for regional and farming issues representing his Victorian electorate since 2013, which led to his promotion as the assistant minister, in September this year.
Mr Broad has now made the right decision to stand aside and not recontest the seat of Mallee and in doing so he has accepted the sort of behaviour, which has prompted his decision, is inappropriate and unacceptable.
Matters regarding Mallee preselection as always are for the Nationals’ local branches to decide and a replacement will be determined, in time.