The Labor national conference, once a stage for settling the party's most vexed debates with resolutions, amendments, and factional deals, is expected to be a largely harmonious affair next week. Factional heavyweights predict a deliberate demonstration of 'constructive unity' to entrench the public's perception of Labor stability amid major political disruption.
Background of past conflicts
In 1982, the battle was about whether to ban new uranium mines. The 2015 conference featured an emotion-charged debate on asylum seeker boat turn-backs, ending with Anthony Albanese's left faction on the losing side. In 2023, the party agreed to back the Aukus nuclear submarine program after an acrimonious debate that included shouts of 'appeasement' from supporters to critics.
Expected debates at the 50th conference
As Labor MPs, trade unions, and rank-and-file members prepare to descend on Adelaide for the party's 50th national conference, debates are expected on gambling advertising, artificial intelligence in the workplace, fuel rebates for mining companies, interest rates, and Israel and Palestine. The public arguments will expose internal divisions, but a repeat of hugely divisive fights is not anticipated.
'It is better to be boring than chaotic,' says one MP, reflecting the sentiment that showcasing solidarity is key during a period of political disruption, including the rise of One Nation, the collapse of the Coalition, and the stagnation of the Greens.
Platform signposts and policy direction
The conference aims to update Labor's national platform, which sets out core beliefs, values, and policy priorities with broad-brush statements. Albanese's caucus is not bound to follow or immediately act on the platform or resolutions. The 126-page draft platform, developed by Labor's National Policy Forum co-chaired by Albanese and outgoing president Wayne Swan, includes a mix of federal MPs, trade unionists, and branch members. Most language has already been settled through rounds of consultation, avoiding messy contests on the conference floor.
Gambling advertising and AI fears
Debate is expected on gambling advertising legislation. The draft platform commits Labor to cracking down on online gambling inducements, a key recommendation of the Murphy report that was omitted from the government's draft laws. The position was endorsed at this month's New South Wales Labor conference. Guardian Australia spoke to several federal Labor MPs who support stronger action; one describes inducements to gamble as 'pretty egregious'. If the draft amendment is agreed, the government will face immediate pressure to insert anti-inducement measures into the draft bill.
After the prime minister outlined a more interventionist approach to managing the AI boom, unions are expected to push for stronger commitments to protect workers and requirements for datacentre operators to hire apprentices in construction.
Fuel rebate and gas tax campaigns
A campaign by pro-environment grassroots members to wind back the diesel fuel rebate for Australia's biggest miners faces uncertainty. The Labor Environment Action Network's proposal to commit to axing 'disincentives for decarbonisation' was not adopted in the draft platform, despite more than 350 local branches passing motions in support. Left faction delegates and pro-nature MPs, such as Jerome Laxale, are expected to try again at the conference. However, the US and Israel's war in Iran and ensuing global fuel shock has killed any prospect of imminent changes. One right faction powerbroker says the push for a 25% gas export tax is 'probably a step too far' due to Middle East uncertainty.
Disconnect between government and membership
About 150 of the 400 conference delegates who vote on the platform are chosen by local branches. If neither a gas tax nor a fuel tax credit-related proposal is endorsed, it will indicate a disconnect between the government and Labor's membership base, where both policies are broadly supported. This disconnect is apparent with Aukus: motions condemning the submarine pact have been passed at dozens of Labor branches and at Victoria's state conference, but anti-war campaigners are pessimistic that any statement of resistance will be debated. According to a senior figure from the left: 'We have all admitted that we have lost; we need to stop flogging a dead horse.' Aukus will be aired away from the conference floor, with Labor Against War and the Australian Institute hosting events on the sidelines.
Fringe program
Organised by the Chifley Research Centre, Labor's official thinktank, the 'Fringe' program provides a forum for debates on topics from an Australian republic to the rise of the far right. Emma Dawson, executive director of the thinktank, says: 'I think it demonstrates Labor's interest in the views of all Australians, its appetite for discussion and debate around not just current policies, but what issues might face us in the future.'
