New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has declared that the Labor party must 'climb Everest' to stay in power, addressing the rising threat of One Nation ahead of next year's state election. Speaking at the NSW Labor state conference in Sydney on Saturday, Minns received a standing ovation but also faced protests over the Gaza conflict.
Protests and disruptions
As Minns approached the stage, two men unfurled a Palestinian flag from the balcony and were quickly removed by NSW police. The premier acknowledged the protest group outside the town hall, stating they were not the first to try disrupting the conference and likely won't be the last. Outside, protesters, including members of Labor Friends of Palestine, were kept away by security fencing and police.
Economic and jobs plan
Minns announced plans to extend the state's apprenticeship program and bring train manufacturing back to the Hunter region. The government has identified potential sites in Teralba or Broadmeadow for a state-owned, privately operated facility. The $12 billion commitment over 15 years is expected to provide 780 jobs in site construction and 550 in manufacturing, drawing cheers and applause from delegates.
Internal party issues
Fifty-six Labor branches have passed motions calling for controversial anti-protest laws to be repealed or reviewed, backed by the entire left faction. Members are concerned they won't be able to debate protest laws, gambling reform, and the Aukus nuclear agreement, as social justice and global affairs platforms were placed last on the agenda. However, a potential fight over the eight-person upper house Labor ticket was resolved ahead of time, avoiding a conference-wide ballot. The ticket is led by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, followed by Penny Sharpe, with Anthony D'Adam, a vocal critic of protest laws and Aukus, in fourth place.
One Nation threat
Minns addressed the rising threat of Pauline Hanson's One Nation party, which was frequently referenced in speeches. According to a Resolve poll in the Sydney Morning Herald in May, Labor's primary vote was at 32%, the Coalition at 26%, and One Nation at 22%. Minns warned against complacency, emphasizing the need to 'beat back that darkness at the ballot box.' He noted that with politics changing quickly, Labor must 'climb Everest just to stay where we are.' The premier also criticized leaders who promote an 'Australian monoculture' and defended Muslim families against declarations that there are 'no good Muslims.'
Coalition reference
Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey made a rare reference to the Coalition, stating they will never see the Liberals, One Nation, or the Nationals stand up for working conditions. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is scheduled to address the conference on Sunday.
