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Labor conference: Chris Bowen says Myefo shows Coalition has 'given up' on budget repair – live Labor conference: Chris Bowen says Myefo shows Coalition has 'given up' on budget repair – live
(35 minutes later)
The caucus meetings are about to start.
The left meeting will attempt to resolve some of the remaining sticking points in the refugee policy. We’re told that is mostly about the “fast track” review process, which no one seems to really want, because it is not really a review process.
Labor is looking at a fresh merits review for people who had been assessed under the fast track review process. But that is still to be decided.
The Labor conference is on break, so there might be a slight break in posts.The Labor conference is on break, so there might be a slight break in posts.
We’ll do our best to find out what is happening in the afternoon sessions in this time for you.We’ll do our best to find out what is happening in the afternoon sessions in this time for you.
The protest from earlier was in relation to Newstart I believe.The protest from earlier was in relation to Newstart I believe.
“What do we want?“What do we want?
Raise the rate “Raise the rate.”
When do we want it? “When do we want it?”
Now.” “Now.”
There were about 30 or so people from what I could see and it was all over in about 10 or so minutes.There were about 30 or so people from what I could see and it was all over in about 10 or so minutes.
The Labor conference has adopted a motion to restore a system of “safe rates” in the road transport industry, restoring an independent body to set safety standards including pay and conditions.The Labor conference has adopted a motion to restore a system of “safe rates” in the road transport industry, restoring an independent body to set safety standards including pay and conditions.
The previous Labor government established a Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal to set pay rates due to a studied link between low rates of pay for owner-drivers and worse safety outcomes. The Turnbull government abolished the body when some owner-drivers complained that mandating certain rates of pay would put them at a competitive disadvantage.The previous Labor government established a Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal to set pay rates due to a studied link between low rates of pay for owner-drivers and worse safety outcomes. The Turnbull government abolished the body when some owner-drivers complained that mandating certain rates of pay would put them at a competitive disadvantage.
A motion moved by Michael Kaine, the Transport Workers Union national secretary, will see a very similar body restored.The platform states: “This task has become more pressing given the emergence of new technology and the gig economy in passenger and freight transport which has accelerated the downward spiral throughout the transport industry.”According to the platform, Labor will introduce a road pay regime with the following principles: A motion moved by Michael Kaine, the Transport Workers Union national secretary, will see a very similar body restored.
The platform states: “This task has become more pressing given the emergence of new technology and the gig economy in passenger and freight transport which has accelerated the downward spiral throughout the transport industry.”
According to the platform, Labor will introduce a road pay regime with the following principles:
This is a tweet from 2015.This is a tweet from 2015.
Never tweet.Never tweet.
The question of the day. #santaiscoming #Christmas pic.twitter.com/j7GuMvIiE9The question of the day. #santaiscoming #Christmas pic.twitter.com/j7GuMvIiE9
He continued:He continued:
And we do so in part because of our First Nations’ caucus.And we do so in part because of our First Nations’ caucus.
How lucky are we, all of us as Australians, to have leaders from our First Nations’ people like Pat, who came through the experience.How lucky are we, all of us as Australians, to have leaders from our First Nations’ people like Pat, who came through the experience.
Stories which children today would think would be more akin to a Mississippi or the stories of civil rights in other parts of the world, but it’s in our own country, in the lifetime of own people and the problems still persist right now.Stories which children today would think would be more akin to a Mississippi or the stories of civil rights in other parts of the world, but it’s in our own country, in the lifetime of own people and the problems still persist right now.
How lucky are we that we have the Father of Reconciliation, seeking to be part of the next Labor Government. How lucky are we that we have the father of reconciliation seeking to be part of the next Labor government.
How lucky are we also that he’ll serve alongside that remarkable Wiradjuri woman and leader, Linda Burney.How lucky are we also that he’ll serve alongside that remarkable Wiradjuri woman and leader, Linda Burney.
Linda has explained to us in the Parliament that she wasn’t counted in the Commonwealth Census until she was 14 years old. Linda has explained to us in the parliament that she wasn’t counted in the commonwealth census until she was 14 years old.
But at the next election, if things go the way we hope, from someone not counted in our census she will be a cabinet minister in a Commonwealth Government. But, at the next election, if things go the way we hope, from someone not counted in our census she will be a cabinet minister in a commonwealth government.
And of course we’ve got our outstanding senator for the Northern Territory here with us on the stage. A Yanyuwa woman, Malarndirri McCarthy.And of course we’ve got our outstanding senator for the Northern Territory here with us on the stage. A Yanyuwa woman, Malarndirri McCarthy.
Anyone else in our caucus will tell you this, not only does she bring vibrancy and energy to our political discourse, she brings a marvellously fresh set of eyes to the old problems.Anyone else in our caucus will tell you this, not only does she bring vibrancy and energy to our political discourse, she brings a marvellously fresh set of eyes to the old problems.
Now, it has taken our party the best part of 120 years to have three First Nations’ members in our caucus. Now, it has taken our party the best part of 120 years to have three First Nations members in our caucus.
But sometimes at these conventions and in the gatherings of the ALP, the progressive party of Australian politics, there are moments which are even greater than the sum of the parts.But sometimes at these conventions and in the gatherings of the ALP, the progressive party of Australian politics, there are moments which are even greater than the sum of the parts.
And I feel this is such a moment.And I feel this is such a moment.
The fact that our party recognises and wants to be the party of choice for First Nations’ people, we understand the only way we can even begin to contemplate such a privilege, is by ensuring that in our ranks, we do have our First Australians. The fact that our party recognises and wants to be the party of choice for First Nations people, we understand the only way we can even begin to contemplate such a privilege, is by ensuring that in our ranks, we do have our First Australians.
Now some of the state parties have been very good and they have led the way, some perhaps need to do more work. But we are here now. Now some of the state parties have been very good, and they have led the way, some perhaps need to do more work. But we are here now.
And when you look at our movement’s contribution to equal rights and to Reconciliation, we can hold our head up - not exclusively - but we have been in the lead more often than not. And when you look at our movement’s contribution to equal rights and to reconciliation, we can hold our head up – not exclusively – but we have been in the lead more often than not.
It’s been ten years since Kevin Rudd delivered the apology to the Stolen Generations, an act of Labor leadership and national healing. It’s been 10 years since Kevin Rudd delivered the apology to the stolen generations, an act of Labor leadership and national healing.
The apology though wasn’t just the recognition of the wrongs of the past, it was a promise to do better in the future.The apology though wasn’t just the recognition of the wrongs of the past, it was a promise to do better in the future.
And later today, our discussion in our discussion of chapter 9, we will talk about our commitment to the unfinished business of Reconciliation: And later today, in our discussion of chapter nine, we will talk about our commitment to the unfinished business of reconciliation:
Enshrining a voice for First Nations’ people in the Constitution. Enshrining a voice for First Nations people in the constitution.
Establishing a Makarrata Commission, for truth-telling and treaty. Establishing a Makarrata commission, for truth-telling and treaty.
And genuine partnership and progress on Closing the Gap.And genuine partnership and progress on Closing the Gap.
Enshrining a voice for First Nations people in the constitution.
Establishing a Makarrata commission, for truth-telling and treaty.
And genuine partnership and progress on Closing the Gap.
Simply put, Labor believes that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples deserve equal opportunity and an equal share in our nation’s future.Simply put, Labor believes that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples deserve equal opportunity and an equal share in our nation’s future.
The equal right to a great education and a good job. The equal right to a great education and a good job. The equal right to be safe in their home and their community, to be healthy in their life. And an equal right to justice in the courts of the land.
The equal right to be safe in their home and their community, to be healthy in their life. And when we say this, we reject unequivocally the notion that by closing the gap we are somehow giving a special advantage to our First Australians. Right now, our First Australians do not start a equally in life – we are just redressing an imbalance.
And an equal right to justice in the courts of the land. And I say to those who complain about policies which want to close the gap: why are you so scared by providing an equal go to people who do not have an equal go to start with?
And when we say this, we reject unequivocally the notion that by closing the gap we are somehow giving a special advantage to our First Australians. Right now, our First Australians do not start a equally in life - we are just redressing an imbalance. So we will recognise, above all else, that these solutions and policies have to be authored and owned by First Nations people themselves.
And I say to those who complain about policies which want to close the gap: why are you so scared by providing an equal go to people who do not have an equal go to start with.
So we will recognise above all else, that these solutions and policies have to be authored and owned by First Nations’ people themselves.
We must, and we will, focus on local empowerment, on the principle of community control.We must, and we will, focus on local empowerment, on the principle of community control.
The Reconciliation Action Plan that we launch this morning is about what we can do to continue to improve our culture and our structures as the party for the advancement for First Nations’ people. The Reconciliation Action Plan that we launch this morning is about what we can do to continue to improve our culture and our structures as the party for the advancement for First Nations people.
This plan is not a nod to good intentions, it is not a tick-box exercise. It is a set of overdue concrete steps and clear goals.This plan is not a nod to good intentions, it is not a tick-box exercise. It is a set of overdue concrete steps and clear goals.
We want to see:We want to see:
More First Nations’ people as members of our partyMore First Nations’ people as members of our party
More First Nations’ people as members of a parliament and as senators.More First Nations’ people as members of a parliament and as senators.
And more First Nations’ people enrolled to vote, to make sure that their policy priorities are national political issues.And more First Nations’ people enrolled to vote, to make sure that their policy priorities are national political issues.
More First Nations’ people as members of our party
More First Nations’ people as members of a parliament and as senators.
And more First Nations’ people enrolled to vote, to make sure that their policy priorities are national political issues.
We want to deliver and make Labor the party of choice for the First Australians but we need to earn that right.We want to deliver and make Labor the party of choice for the First Australians but we need to earn that right.
So, delegates, for me - and I’m sure for all of us here - the First Nations’ members of our parliament and our party are simply an inspiration. So, delegates, for me – and I’m sure for all of us here – the First Nations members of our parliament and our party are simply an inspiration.
I acknowledge also the Reconciliation Working Group, the support and leadership of the National Executive, Karren Mundine and Reconciliation Australia who have worked to put this document together. I acknowledge also the Reconciliation Working Group, the support and leadership of the national executive, Karen Mundine and Reconciliation Australia, who have worked to put this document together.
And finally, I’d also like to give a shout-out to the artist, Elizabeth Close sitting up in front of us. We sometimes get a lot of speakers up the front but not a lot of artists…of sorts. And finally, I’d also like to give a shout-out to the artist, Elizabeth Close, sitting up in front of us. We sometimes get a lot of speakers up the front but not a lot of artists … of sorts.
So, we all have a part to play, from members of parliament, to branch members, to union delegates and to volunteers.So, we all have a part to play, from members of parliament, to branch members, to union delegates and to volunteers.
Reconciliation is Australia’s unfinished business. Reconciliation is Australia’s unfinished business. And, delegates, it is everyone’s business.
And, delegates, it is Everyone’s Business. I commend this marvellous plan to the conference.
I commend this marvellous plan to the Conference.
Bill Shorten’s speech from this morning has been transcribed by his office:Bill Shorten’s speech from this morning has been transcribed by his office:
When we think about where we sit in this hall, in this city, our nation stands on what is, was and always will be Aboriginal land and we acknowledge that today.When we think about where we sit in this hall, in this city, our nation stands on what is, was and always will be Aboriginal land and we acknowledge that today.
I was listening to Pat Dodson, as I know this whole gathering was. And like all of you I want to thank him him for his words, thank him for his wisdom, but I also want to thank him for making a decision, more than two-and-a-half years ago, to join our Labor family as our senator for Western Australia.I was listening to Pat Dodson, as I know this whole gathering was. And like all of you I want to thank him him for his words, thank him for his wisdom, but I also want to thank him for making a decision, more than two-and-a-half years ago, to join our Labor family as our senator for Western Australia.
Pat is like a lot of truly modest people. They don’t always realise how much they are loved by others.Pat is like a lot of truly modest people. They don’t always realise how much they are loved by others.
And to all of you here in the Labor family and movement, and to Australians watching today, when Pat speaks in the parliament and when he speaks in our caucus and our meeting rooms, he has this almost magical effect of making the rest of us feel better about ourselves. And that has been a journey of teaching and learning that Pat has been on his whole life.And to all of you here in the Labor family and movement, and to Australians watching today, when Pat speaks in the parliament and when he speaks in our caucus and our meeting rooms, he has this almost magical effect of making the rest of us feel better about ourselves. And that has been a journey of teaching and learning that Pat has been on his whole life.
I first met Pat 14 or 15 years ago when I was with the Australian Workers’ Union, and he took me through the Kimberley and to Fitzroy Crossing and he showed me parts of Australia that I didn’t realise existed.I first met Pat 14 or 15 years ago when I was with the Australian Workers’ Union, and he took me through the Kimberley and to Fitzroy Crossing and he showed me parts of Australia that I didn’t realise existed.
And I remember thinking back then, wouldn’t it be good if this outstanding leader, a leader of all Australians, could make it through our Labor process and end up as one of our senators.And I remember thinking back then, wouldn’t it be good if this outstanding leader, a leader of all Australians, could make it through our Labor process and end up as one of our senators.
I wasn’t quite sure then how that would happen but it has. And Pat joining his story with the Labor story enhances and enriches the Labor story.I wasn’t quite sure then how that would happen but it has. And Pat joining his story with the Labor story enhances and enriches the Labor story.
Thinking about his journey and his teaching of all of us, I went with our caucus committee, our ATSI caucus committee, Warren Snowdon the local member, we visited Katherine, in the Northern Territory, where Pat spent some of his young years.Thinking about his journey and his teaching of all of us, I went with our caucus committee, our ATSI caucus committee, Warren Snowdon the local member, we visited Katherine, in the Northern Territory, where Pat spent some of his young years.
And he took me along a road, Fourth Street, and he pointed to scrub near where he grew up, in the house he grew up.And he took me along a road, Fourth Street, and he pointed to scrub near where he grew up, in the house he grew up.
And he explained to me that in 1960, in his lifetime, his beloved sister took him from the house and hid him in the scrub because welfare were coming down Fourth Street to take the children away and to send them out to Croker Island.And he explained to me that in 1960, in his lifetime, his beloved sister took him from the house and hid him in the scrub because welfare were coming down Fourth Street to take the children away and to send them out to Croker Island.
And then he told me about his first night, the next year, when he went to boarding school in Casteron, a very well regarded school – a lot of champion footballers. Pat said he was a Collingwood six-footer, which means not quite.And then he told me about his first night, the next year, when he went to boarding school in Casteron, a very well regarded school – a lot of champion footballers. Pat said he was a Collingwood six-footer, which means not quite.
But he did tell me about his first night there, which perhaps is not as amusing.But he did tell me about his first night there, which perhaps is not as amusing.
Because of his skin colour, his was the only bed in the boarding school without sheets on it.Because of his skin colour, his was the only bed in the boarding school without sheets on it.
Then he comes back from school to visit his family back up in Katherine. There was a “rights for whites” meeting, as if the white people of Katherine were being put upon.Then he comes back from school to visit his family back up in Katherine. There was a “rights for whites” meeting, as if the white people of Katherine were being put upon.
Now, he says that we was approached by the local Jawoyn people and they said: “You’ve been to school, you go and tell them why they’re wrong.”Now, he says that we was approached by the local Jawoyn people and they said: “You’ve been to school, you go and tell them why they’re wrong.”
Pat said, “I’ll do a couple more years of schooling and then I’ll tell them why they’re wrong.”Pat said, “I’ll do a couple more years of schooling and then I’ll tell them why they’re wrong.”
These are just little snippets of an amazing story and the reason why I perhaps focus on his story is this: it really shouldn’t have taken us 48 national conferences to develop a reconciliation action plan. But we have one now.These are just little snippets of an amazing story and the reason why I perhaps focus on his story is this: it really shouldn’t have taken us 48 national conferences to develop a reconciliation action plan. But we have one now.
A refugee protest has kicked off outside of the conference centre.A refugee protest has kicked off outside of the conference centre.
Labor plans on introducing a national office of road safety.Labor plans on introducing a national office of road safety.
From the resolution:From the resolution:
After decades of decline, the road toll is again heading in the wrong direction.After decades of decline, the road toll is again heading in the wrong direction.
59. Labor will establish a national office of road safety. This dedicated unit within the Department of Infrastructure will be tasked with improving data collection, promoting best practice research, and leading the development of the next 10-year national road safety strategy, which will commence in 2021. Labor will ensure the strategy draws on the findings of the Inquiry into the National Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020, and is developed in partnership with state and territory governments, law enforcement, motoring organisations, experts, research bodies and other relevant stakeholders.59. Labor will establish a national office of road safety. This dedicated unit within the Department of Infrastructure will be tasked with improving data collection, promoting best practice research, and leading the development of the next 10-year national road safety strategy, which will commence in 2021. Labor will ensure the strategy draws on the findings of the Inquiry into the National Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020, and is developed in partnership with state and territory governments, law enforcement, motoring organisations, experts, research bodies and other relevant stakeholders.
60. Labor will ensure that the national safety standards applying to motor vehicles are up to date and fit for purpose. The role of the national government is to ensure the latest road safety technology features are in new vehicles, including electronic stability control and autonomous emergency braking. Labor will work with industry and stakeholders to promote vehicle safety ratings and to amend the Australian design rules to mandate proven vehicle safety technologies in new vehicles.60. Labor will ensure that the national safety standards applying to motor vehicles are up to date and fit for purpose. The role of the national government is to ensure the latest road safety technology features are in new vehicles, including electronic stability control and autonomous emergency braking. Labor will work with industry and stakeholders to promote vehicle safety ratings and to amend the Australian design rules to mandate proven vehicle safety technologies in new vehicles.
Labor is moving its regional and agricultural policies.Labor is moving its regional and agricultural policies.
There are not a lot of changes and can be summed up by this resolution:There are not a lot of changes and can be summed up by this resolution:
Labor will work with states, territories and local government to:Labor will work with states, territories and local government to:
Invest in properly integrated transport systems involving public transport and roads;Invest in properly integrated transport systems involving public transport and roads;
Invest in active transport solutions which connect with public transport, education and employment hubs closer to where people live;Invest in active transport solutions which connect with public transport, education and employment hubs closer to where people live;
Invest in communities struggling with the shift away from traditional manufacturing in partnership with business and those affected to develop a strategic vision that will unlock future industries, jobs and learning opportunities;Invest in communities struggling with the shift away from traditional manufacturing in partnership with business and those affected to develop a strategic vision that will unlock future industries, jobs and learning opportunities;
Improve housing affordability through the use of urban planning, land supply and incentives;Improve housing affordability through the use of urban planning, land supply and incentives;
Drive alignment of funding for smart and sustainable urban infrastructure;Drive alignment of funding for smart and sustainable urban infrastructure;
Align greater housing density with public transport corridors;Align greater housing density with public transport corridors;
Encourage the best practice urban designs outlined in Creating Places for People: An Urban Design Protocol for Cities;Encourage the best practice urban designs outlined in Creating Places for People: An Urban Design Protocol for Cities;
Promote jobs growth in outer and middle ring suburbs, by investing in research precincts around universities and hospitals, considering incentives for the location of business, and supporting innovative funding models for local governments in high growth areas;Promote jobs growth in outer and middle ring suburbs, by investing in research precincts around universities and hospitals, considering incentives for the location of business, and supporting innovative funding models for local governments in high growth areas;
Work with states, territories and local government to support connectivity and productivity through a fibre national broadband network;Work with states, territories and local government to support connectivity and productivity through a fibre national broadband network;
Earlier integration of water, wastewater and stormwater into urban planning to improve overall (including health and liveability) outcomes for our cities and regions.Earlier integration of water, wastewater and stormwater into urban planning to improve overall (including health and liveability) outcomes for our cities and regions.
Incorporate action on climate change into major urban strategic plans (mitigation and adaptation)Incorporate action on climate change into major urban strategic plans (mitigation and adaptation)
Facilitate the transition to renewable energy by supporting urban innovation and green urban growth e.g. net zero carbon and liveable precincts.Facilitate the transition to renewable energy by supporting urban innovation and green urban growth e.g. net zero carbon and liveable precincts.
So far, all have been carried without going to the vote.So far, all have been carried without going to the vote.
Serious inquiry – are there any Nationals left to take over from Andrew Broad?Serious inquiry – are there any Nationals left to take over from Andrew Broad?
But Michael McCormack does not believe the National party has a problem with women. He can even name two women, so that’s how you know there are no problems at all:But Michael McCormack does not believe the National party has a problem with women. He can even name two women, so that’s how you know there are no problems at all:
Not at all, and I have spoken to Bridget McKenzie a number of times today. She is appalled at what has happened over the last couple of days but Bridget McKenzie and Michelle [Landry] are outstanding female representatives of the constituencies that they serve.Not at all, and I have spoken to Bridget McKenzie a number of times today. She is appalled at what has happened over the last couple of days but Bridget McKenzie and Michelle [Landry] are outstanding female representatives of the constituencies that they serve.
We have a strong women’s council doing wonderful things to make sure that women are encouraged to join our party and encouraged to run as members of parliament and, on Saturday, I was in Wagga Wagga for the preselection of an outstanding candidate for that state seat.We have a strong women’s council doing wonderful things to make sure that women are encouraged to join our party and encouraged to run as members of parliament and, on Saturday, I was in Wagga Wagga for the preselection of an outstanding candidate for that state seat.
I want to encourage any women to not only join our party, but indeed, to run for political office. It is a tough job running for political office and making sure that we do the right thing to serve the people who we do.I want to encourage any women to not only join our party, but indeed, to run for political office. It is a tough job running for political office and making sure that we do the right thing to serve the people who we do.
It is tough to put your hand up public life and I’m glad that so many women are putting their hand up public life and I’m glad the National party is doing things to encourage more women to do just that.It is tough to put your hand up public life and I’m glad that so many women are putting their hand up public life and I’m glad the National party is doing things to encourage more women to do just that.
I have got the member for Cootamundra in my own electorate doing outstanding things for the people of the Riverina in south-west New South Wales.I have got the member for Cootamundra in my own electorate doing outstanding things for the people of the Riverina in south-west New South Wales.
We will continue to encourage women if you have a look at the sorts of things that we have done to encourage more women to join our party, they are very admirable and we continue to do that.We will continue to encourage women if you have a look at the sorts of things that we have done to encourage more women to join our party, they are very admirable and we continue to do that.
Well, [these issues] are an unfortunate distraction, yes. I will agree to that and I’m doing my very best as leader to ensure that we are focused on the people we serve to ensure that we stop focusing on ourselves, we do the right thing, we make sure that we are answerable and accountable and that is why I have taken swift and decisive action I have over the past 24 hours, and I will continue to make sure that I lead a party that encourages women to not only join our party but also put their hand up for public life.Well, [these issues] are an unfortunate distraction, yes. I will agree to that and I’m doing my very best as leader to ensure that we are focused on the people we serve to ensure that we stop focusing on ourselves, we do the right thing, we make sure that we are answerable and accountable and that is why I have taken swift and decisive action I have over the past 24 hours, and I will continue to make sure that I lead a party that encourages women to not only join our party but also put their hand up for public life.
Given that McCormack said earlier that he learnt about this issue “a couple of weeks ago” the “swift and decisive action” seems to have been taken when it became obvious New Idea magazine was about to publish.Given that McCormack said earlier that he learnt about this issue “a couple of weeks ago” the “swift and decisive action” seems to have been taken when it became obvious New Idea magazine was about to publish.
Bit more on the looming refugee debate: @gedkearney will move the motion this afternoon critical of the government's handling of offshore detention @AmyRemeikis #auspolBit more on the looming refugee debate: @gedkearney will move the motion this afternoon critical of the government's handling of offshore detention @AmyRemeikis #auspol