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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)
So the 48th Labor conference ends.
It’s been described as both the most “disciplined” conference since 2009 or the most “boring” conference since the same year (depending on which side of delegates you are talking to. But it has got the job done).
“If we trust Australians, our fellow Australians will trust us,” Bill Shorten says.
“ ... We believe this nation needs a change, we believe Australians deserve a change, my team and I understand that millions of Australians are counting on us. We do not intend to fail or disappoint the Australian people. We leave here today more united, more energised and more determined than ever. We are ready to win the trust of the Australian people at the next election.”
Shorten and the senior members of his shadow bench join hands and raise them above their heads and We Take Care of Our Own by the Boss (the Wrecking Ball album Paul Karp informs me) plays as they leave the stage.
Smiles all round, and not just because we can all finally leave the conference centre.
Wayne Swan thanks all the staff, as well as delegates and observers – and he gets into the ditches, thanking stall hosts, security, the national office, volunteers and a partridge in a pear tree.
Bill Shorten comes to the stage to make the final remarks.
Labor’s foreign policy platform has been decided, all of it carried on the voices.
And that is it. Labor has its policy platform for the next election and term of government.
Which means it doesn’t look like we will need Wayne Swan’s resolution, because I think it has all been resolved.
And it’s official – the national executive is a 10/10 split between the left and the right faction, meaning balance has been restored.
The federal executive looks like being finalised – 10/10 split is the tip, with the right’s attempt for an 11/9 split looking like having failed.
Oh apparently no conspiracy - just to allow the result to come after conference in case the count is not finished and conference breaks super early.
Oh apparently no conspiracy - just to allow the result to come after conference in case the count is not finished and conference breaks super early.
Pat Conroy and his linen jacket: a modern love story:
Pat Conroy and his linen jacket: a modern love story:
Marvellous speech that @PatConroy1 pic.twitter.com/IDbPgQhPb2
Marvellous speech that @PatConroy1 pic.twitter.com/IDbPgQhPb2
NSW Labor has responded to the Icac-related raid earlier today. As we reported earlier, it is about something alleged to have occurred in 2015.
NSW Labor has responded to the Icac-related raid earlier today. As we reported earlier, it is about something alleged to have occurred in 2015.
NSW Labor is aware of extensive media coverage today of an investigation into historic political donation matters.
NSW Labor is aware of extensive media coverage today of an investigation into historic political donation matters.
The donations in question were received in 2015 and have been fully investigated by the NSW Electoral Commission with the full cooperation of NSW Labor, including the provision of all relevant documents.”
The donations in question were received in 2015 and have been fully investigated by the NSW Electoral Commission with the full cooperation of NSW Labor, including the provision of all relevant documents.”
Pat Conroy has taken to the floor to show off his linen jacket, because that is what the linen jacket lifestyle demands.
Pat Conroy has taken to the floor to show off his linen jacket, because that is what the linen jacket lifestyle demands.
He also wants to second Penny Wong’s motion on doing something about climate change for our Pacific neighbours, while his jacket has a great opportunity it would love to speak to you about, when you catch up next week.
He also wants to second Penny Wong’s motion on doing something about climate change for our Pacific neighbours, while his jacket has a great opportunity it would love to speak to you about, when you catch up next week.
Despite my earlier cynicism that the motion to allow the national executive result to be declared after conference – apparently this is not a bid to block transparency but rather a procedural fix in case conference finishes early.
Given the rules debate has been shelved, conference will finish early and the motion is needed in case the national executive count is not finished by then.
Apparently the count is not far off though, in which case the result would be announced to conference.
There are 20 national executive spots – the left is expecting a 10/10 split between left and right but putting it to a vote gave the right an outside chance at grabbing an 11th spot.
Labor also wants to change the way we commit to go to war:
Conference resolves that a Shorten Labor government will refer the issue of how Australia makes decisions to send service personnel into international armed conflict to an inquiry to be conducted by the joint standing committee on foreign affairs, defence and trade. This inquiry would take submissions, hold public hearings and produce its findings during the term of the 46th parliament.
Speaking on a motion urging Labor to toughen its position on the Cambodian government, Julian Hill quotes that great foreign policy strategist, Warwick Capper.
“I’m not going to tell you my other favourite Warwick Capper quotes after Sugarbaby.com,” he tells the room.
Kelly O’Dwyer was sent up by the government to talk about how bad unions are, but, also being the minister for women, was forced to address Andrew Broad, and the Nationals. From the official transcript:
Journalist: But is the behaviour good enough? Shouldn’t your male colleagues be behaving a bit better?
O’Dwyer: Well I’ll let you ask them that question.
Journalist: But is it disappointing for you to see them behave that like?
O’Dwyer: Well as I said that is a question better posed to my male colleagues.
Journalist: But as a leading female in parliament – it’s rarely ever women ever who get caught out behaving like this – as a senior woman in parliament would you like to see them behaving better?
O’Dwyer: I think there should be high standards in parliament for all members of parliament whether they be male or female. We should have high standards in parliament and frankly we want to encourage people to commit themselves to a life in public service, to be able to put up their hand and know that they will be respected and know that they will be able to go about doing an important job on behalf of their local community and in the national interest. I’m interested in getting good people into parliament whether they are men or women. I am also particularly interested in getting more women into parliament and I’ve long been on the record in relation to that.
Coming up is this motion, which addresses the encryption bill Labor recently helped pass:
That national conference:
Condemns the appallingly inadequate process for consideration of the telecommunications and other legislation amendment (assistance and access) bill 2018 rushed into the parliament by the Morrison government, and the politicisation of national security. This has undermined public confidence in parliament’s ability to legislate in this important area.
Affirms that it is possible to protect the safety of Australia and its people, including by equipping our law enforcement and security agencies with appropriate powers, while fostering a vibrant IT sector and protecting citizens’ data and privacy.
Recognises that necessary powers for law enforcement should not unduly: impinge on the rights, freedoms and values that define us as a democratic nation; or undermine Australia’s economic security or cyber-security which are a critical part of an holistic understanding of the concept of national security.
Notes the 173 amendments to the government’s original bill won by Labor, which:
a. constrain the scope of these powers;
b. introduce new oversight arrangements; and
c. provide for further scrutiny of the legislation including public input via an inquiry to examine the need for further changes.
Calls upon the federal parliamentary Labor party (FPLP) to further engage and work with industry and civil society and economic regulators to resolve outstanding concerns raised including:
the security and safety of the internet;
Australian industry including technology, defence and businesses relying on encryption; and
civil liberties and transparent public reporting.
Acknowledges that there has been misinformation regarding the operation of the bill – which does not displace existing requirements for agencies to obtain a warrant to access information from any Australian – but calls upon the FPLP to pursue:
further safeguards and oversight, including requirements for a judicial warrant where technical assistance is sought or required;
stronger oversight and public reporting arrangements for the powers contained in the bill, either through this parliament or by a Labor government; and
a comprehensive assessment of the industry and economic impact of the new laws and action to restore business and public confidence.
The second half of the ‘don’t do a Melissa Price or Peter Dutton’ motion reads as:
In government, Labor will:
ensure the Pacific is front and centre of our foreign policy;
engage with the Pacific with respect, to promote the wellbeing of the entire region, for the benefit of both Australia and the 10 million people of the Pacific islands themselves;
establish a government-supported infrastructure financing facility and grow our aid commitment to the Pacific;
reconstitute the role of minister for Pacific affairs and international development;
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;
build on the defence cooperation programs to expand our engagement with the defence forces of the Pacific;
explore opportunities with Pacific countries for more cost-effective Australian government service delivery that is of benefit to the Pacific;
coordinate and cooperate more to better leverage our engagement towards development outcomes and help reduce transaction costs for Pacific bureaucracies; and
as a Pacific nation, work in partnership with Pacific island states to contribute to the security and prosperity of the entire region.
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’:
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.
Labor:
Recognises that climate change is the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the peoples of the Pacific;
Understands that our credibility as a constructive international actor, and as a valuable Pacific partner, depends on our commitment to climate change;
Understands the need to reflect our commitments to our Pacific neighbours in our actions;
Notes that the Pacific has felt the impact of the record $11bn in aid cuts under this government;
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;
Acknowledges the need to develop much deeper ties and connections between our peoples and recognises that our futures are intimately and irrevocably linked;
Notes that labour mobility schemes are highly valued by our Pacific neighbours and contribute substantially to economic development;
Recognises that Australia’s economy also benefits from the availability of Pacific workers and that our society benefits from the connections with Pacific communities;
Notes the significant defence cooperation programs with defence forces in the Pacific and the potential for far greater cooperation;
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;
Recognises the Pacific Islands Forum as the premier regional forum;
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
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.
