Herein I store essentially disparate reference material for my main blog socialistdystopia.blogspot.com CONTENTS OF THIS 'COGNATE' BLOG MAY BE REGULARLY INDEXED OR COMMENTED UPON IN THE 'DYSTOPIA" BLOG, MAKING IT EASIER TO READ.
This site could have value for casual readers: certainly context / purpose may or may not be obvious.
#################### Geoff Seidner
WHEN is a new Beth Din not a new Beth Din? When it is launched online.
The Mehadr Beis Din Tribunal announced on its website that it would start functioning in August with judges Yeshivah Centre’s Rabbi Zvi Hirsch Telsner, Melbourne Beth Din’s Rabbi Yacov Barber, Rabbi Shabsi Tayar and Rabbi Mendel Kaminetsky.
The website stated that going to a Beth Din will often save the litigants a lot of money and allows them to achieve finality within a more efficient and accurate framework.
“Additionally, Jews are expected to solve their disputes at a Din Torah and should only go to the court as a last resolve,” the site said.
The Beth Din’s website also questions the benefit of going to court.
“Court is not designed to resolve disputes, nor is it about justice.
“Court is there to interpret and apply the letter of the law, to pass judgement, make orders and/or impose a penalty.
“Often neither party is satisfied with the result and the real dispute escalates as a result.”
But within days the names of the rabbis were removed and two of the rabbis were distancing themselves from the organisation.
Rabbi Telsner initially told The AJN last week that he believed the Beth Din was needed to deal with monetary issues but on Monday backtracked and said: “I don’t need this and I won’t be a part of it.”
Rabbi Barber said he was interested in offering a service to allow people to settle disputes without going to court and incurring excessive amounts of legal fees, but said he didn’t realise it was a fully fledged Beth Din when he agreed to join.
Stating he was surprised to see his name and photo on the website, he said, “I am still interested in pursuing and establishing appropriate means of dispute resolution that will be in accordance with halachah for the wider community.”
“I am at present in discussion with various groups and organisations who are equally passionate about establishing such a process.”
Rabbis Tayar, who said he started the website, said the names of the rabbis were taken down when they changed their mind about being involved in the new Beth Din.
The website remains online, however the countdown to the “Beis Din Grand Opening” have been removed.
Chapter 12: ALP Constitution and rules debate – Sunday, July 26, 6.09pm
With that amendment passed, a motion is passed to finish the ALP 47th National Conference.
For those who missed it, Bill Shorten announced that he would bring marriage equality to a vote within 100 days of a Shorten-Labor Government being elected.
UPDATE 6.05pm
Following the amendment passing, a rainbow flag was brought onto the stage.
Senator Penny Wong catches a rainbow flag after the marriage equality debate at the ALP National Conference pic.twitter.com/fF6fMSQHuS
And the amendment has been carried, here’s the text of the amendment:
Conference resolves that the matter of same sex marriage can be freely debated at any state or federal forum of the Australian Labor Party, but any decision reached is not binding on any member of the Party. This resolution is rescinded upon the commencement of the 46th parliament.
UPDATE 5.59pm
Delegate Louise Pratt speaks on the amendment, followed by Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese.
The final speaker is Delegate Dermott Ryan.
UPDATE 5.50pm
Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Penny Wong receives another standing ovation as she finishes her speech on marriage equality
Delegate Pat O’Neill takes to the stage and asks all LGBTI members and their family to stand up.
“Everyone look around. We are your sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, cousins and nieces and nephews. We are parents but as yet we can’t be husbands and wives.”
UPDATE 5.44pm
Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Penny Wong tearfully steps up on stage to a standing ovation from conference floor:
Deputy Leader of the Opposition Tanya Plibersek is now on stage speaking in support of the amendment.
UPDATE 5.39pm
Bill Shorten has called upon Prime Minister Tony Abbott to give Liberal members a free vote on marriage equality.
UPDATE 5.36pm
Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten announces that within 100 days of a Shorten-led Labor government being elected he would move a bill in Australian parliament for marriage equality.
UPDATE 5.31pm
Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten is now speaking on an amendment which reads:
“Conference resolves that the matter of same sex marriage can be freely debated at any state or federal forum of the Australian Labor Party, but any decision reached is not binding on any member of the Party. This resolution is rescinded upon the commencement of the 46th parliament.”
This motion is seconded by Deputy Leader of the Opposition Tanya Plibersek.
UPDATE 5.28pm
The affirmative action amendment has passed with a standing ovation. Bill Shorten and Tanya Plibersek are now on the conference floor.
UPDATE 5.22pm
Member for Griffith Terri Butler, Senator for New South Wales Deb O’Neill, AWU Victorian Vice President Benedict Davis have spoken on the amendment.
Member for Griffith Terri Butler
Currently up is Victorian Special Minister of State Gavin Jennings.
UPDATE 5.14pm
Delegate Natalie Hutchins is now speaking on the amendments.
UPDATE 5.12pm
Cheering and standing ovation in support of the rule change moved by Linda White to ensure 50/50 representation across the Labor Party by 2025.
5.08pm
Assistant National Secretary of the ASU Linda White is now speaking in support of a motion that will lift Affirmative Action from 40% where it currently sits. This refers to the amount of women required in Parliament which would lift from 40% to 50%.
“Minimum percentage” means 40%.
The resolution: From 2022 it means 45%; and from 2025 it means 50%.
UPDATE 5.07pm
President Mark Butler has now signalled the beginning of an omnibus series of amendments dealing with Affirmative Action.
UPDATE 5.06pm
President Mark Butler has reaffirmed this is a cognate debate of Amendments 396A and 311A.
He has declared 396A lost.
He has also declared 311A lost.
UPDATE 4.58pm
Delegate Mathew Hilikari is moving amendment 396A that would see Senators selected by a 50/50 ballot of ALP members and union delegates in each state.
Delegate Eric Dearricott:
“I came supporting Bill Shorten’s plans for party reform. For me that means members get at least 50% say in electing their senators.”
UPDATE 4.57pm
A procedural motion to delay the vote on the 70/30 preselection rule has been moved and carried.
UPDATE 4.46pm
Member for Scullin Andrew Giles has risen to speak against the amendment.
“Local members and a central panel like we have in Victoria gets the balance right.”
UPDATE 4.43pm
Delegate Anthony Chisholm has spoken in support of the following amendment:
To insert a new paragraph at 39(d) of the draft national constitution as follows:
(d) For House of Representatives preselections, if as at 24 July 2015 members who live in the electorate have less than 70% of the total votes, then for electorate with more than 150 members the state branch must increase the proportion of votes for those members by at least 20%.
UPDATE 4.42pm
The Prue Car motion has been declared carried.
UPDATE 4.40pm
The ABC is reporting that an agreement has been reached to have a conscience vote on same sex marriage for two terms of government.
The Guardian is reporting the motion will be moved by Labor leader Bill Shorten and seconded by Deputy leader Tanya Plibersek.
UPDATE 4.37pm
The vote will now will be conducted to decide which motion should be adopted. The motion moved by State Member for Londonderry Prue Car or the motion moved by the Assistant Secretary of NSW Labor John Graham regarding direct election of delegates to National Conference.
President Mark Butler declared it lost on the voices but a count has been requested.
UPDATE 4.36pm
Shadow Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese is now speaking.
” We, as a movement, have to modernise if we are to remain relevant. These things (he says holding a mobile phone) means people have instantaneous access to information.
Their participation must be more relevant and must be more real. That requires people like myself and others in this room to give up some of the power they have traditionally held.
“The future is direct participation. The future is increasing party membership. If we do that the future will be Labor.”
UPDATE 4.33pm
Member for Perth and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for WA Allanah McTiernan:
“The principle, I fundamentally support, but I object most strongly to these exemptions in Victoria and Western Australia.
I think it’s appalling that we are allowing the powerful groups in Western Australia to block the democratisation of our party being a national agenda.”
UPDATE 4.28pm
Queensland State Secretary Evan Moorhead:
“Fundamentally our party agrees that we don’t get stronger by getting smaller and whoever wants to be involved is welcome and direct election is an important part of giving people greater say.”
UPDATE 4.26pm
Delegate Michael Pilbrow has risen to speak in support of the amendment.
UPDATE 4.24pm
State Member for Londonderry Prue Car is moving the following amendment.
“For the first time ever this conference includes delegates like myself elected directly by branch members. I will be directly accountable to these branch members when I return from this conference. This model assures that all regions have opportunities to at this supreme national decision making body of our party.”
Insert the following after clause 31 of the draft national constitution and renumber accordingly:
Election of delegates to National Conference
31 (a) State branch delegates to National Conference (including proxy delegates) must be elected in accordance with the rules of that state branch, subject to clause 15.(b) A proportion of those delegates must be directly elected by local branch members, and include delegates from outside metropolitan areas.
UPDATE 4.20PM
Clarification of the rules for electing the parliamentary Labor leader was just moved by the General Secretary of NSW Jamie Clements and seconded by Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen (433A).
UPDATE 4.17pm
The following motion was just carried.
That the motion be referred to committee made up of the President, Chair of the Women’s Network and the National Returning Officer for drafting of a charter of members rights for incorporation in the National Constitution to be considered at the next National Conference.
UPDATE 4.16pm
The amendment was carried.
UPDATE 4.13pm
Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen is now speaking.
“Our objectives should reflect our party’s objective for our country. Our party’s objective should be for a better, fairer country.
That every child regardless of where they come from… should be able to grow, should be invested in so they can reach their absolute potential as an Australian.”
“How about an objective that says every Australian worker should be able to go to work and know that they will come home safely?
How about an objective that says we will not tolerate racism in Australia? That we will be the party of multiculturalism?
How about an objective that says we will not rest until we have a modern, fair multicultural and egalitarian nation?”
UPDATE 4.09pm
Shadow Minister for higher education Senator Kim Carr has risen to speak against the resolution.
UPDATE 4.06pm
National Secretary of the TWU Tony Sheldon is speaking in support of the resolution.
“The party’s principles and objectives was last reviewed in 1981. The world has changed a lot in that time.
We must ensure that workers and the community are at the centre of this conversation.”
Big corporations payed less tax than the average working family. Precarious working conditions, part time work, labor needs to highlight this… If we want to stop the slide in inequality we must give working families back their voice.
The socialist objective is a critical way of giving back these people their voice.”
UPDATE 4.04pm
ALP Conf getting rowdy an hour and a half from close as Luke Foley advocates the removal of the socialist objective from the ALP platform
Leader of the Opposition in NSW Luke Foley:
“No one in the party today argues that state ownership is Labor’s central objective. Above all else our party stands for a just and equitable society. That is the outcome.”
“We should be concerned with the end that we are all working for, the achievement of a just and equitable society.”
UPDATE 4.01pm
Leader of the Opposition in NSW Luke Foley has risen to speak in support of the resolution to commence a review of Labor’s Socialist Objective. It proposes to replace the current language with a ‘modern’ set of principles and objective for the Australian Labor Party.
UPDATE 3.57pm
Delegate Elise Wall is speaking in favour of the resolution.
“I am a 26 year old…an ALP member for 6 years.”
“In my lifetime I want to make a difference… importantly I want more mob to be in parliament.”
We need Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in this party, we need diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander views. This always was and always will be Aboriginal land.”
UPDATE 3.54pm
ACT Labor Government Whip Chris Bourke is speaking on the resolution which includes the 5% affirmative action rule for indigenous representation. He says 7 indigenous MPs out of 800 across Australia is not enough.
“Not enough for us to be true to our values.”
UPDATE 3.52pm
ACT Labor Government Whip Chris Bourke is moving the following Resolution 327R.
That this Conference:
The ALP is committed to increasing the representation of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders in public office positions the Party holds. To achieve this National Conference empowers State and Territory branches to make affirmative action rules, in consultation with their State or Territory Indigenous Labor Network, for the preselection of public office holders that require a minimum of relevant positions to be held by Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders. The minimum level that can be set by such affirmative action rules is 5%.
To support State and Territory branches in the implementation of this strategy National Conference requires State and Territory branches to:
Ensure that application and renewal forms ask prospective and existing ALP members whether they are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
Maintain a contact list of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members that can be provided their Indigenous Labor Network.
UPDATE 3.51pm
The following amendment has also been carried.
Insert the following at 33b of the draft national constitution:
Members of the Party are encouraged to be members of a union or to employ union labour. However, state branch rules must not require members of the Party to be members of a union or to employ union labour.
UPDATE 3.51pm
The following amendment has just been carried.
In part B, amend paragraph 5 (p) to read as follows, with new text highlighted below in bold:
5. (p) elimination of discrimination and exploitation on the grounds of class, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status, religion, political affiliation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, regional location, economic or household status;
UPDATE 3.41pm
NSW Secretary of the AMWU Tim Ayres is also speaking to open the chapter on the ALP Constitution.
UPDATE 3.39pm
General Secretary of NSW Labor Jamie Clements has risen to open the chapter.
UPDATE 3.37pm
Labor’s platform position is to support marriage equality. The chapter being discussed now will deal with whether or not Labor MPs are required to vote according to their conscience or according to the party platform (which supports marriage equality).
Chapter 6: New opportunities for an ageing Australia – Sunday, July 26, 3.36pm
The amendment has been carried.
Chapter 6 has been carried.
UPDATE 3.35pm
Deputy NSW Labor leader Linda Burney is the final speaker for this chapter.
“This additional paragraph goes to the heart of what Labor stands for – Labor will protect the right to a dignified retirement.”
UPDATE 3.14pm
The Guardian is reporting that Labor leader Bill Shorten is attempting to find a compromise on the conscience vote on same sex marriage with the left leadership.
We will be live blogging until the close of conference. Coming up after this chapter will be discussion about whether MPs and Senators will have a conscience vote on marriage equality in Parliament.
UPDATE 3.11pm
The following amendment is now being moved on the Conference floor.
Add a new paragraph after paragraph 5, and renumber subsequent paragraphs accordingly
6. There is more to planning for the future than legislating an older retirement age. Senior Australians in physically demanding job, those working in industries in transition, and those who have been out of the workforce for an extended time face extended periods of unemployment and underemployment well before they reach Age Pension age leading to seriously depleted financial resources as they age. Labor will protect their right to a dignified retirement.
UPDATE 3.06pm
Delegate Marilyn Dodkin has spoken on the amendment.
UPDATE 2.52pm
The next amendment 026A on ageing and aged care services reads as follows.
Amend paragraph 23 to read as follows with new text highlighted in bold:
23. Labor recognises the need to provide culturally appropriate aged care, including strategies that address:
The propensity of older Australians from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds experiencing dementia to revert to their first language;
The need for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to maintain contact with their culture and country; and
Discrimination against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex senior Australians. Accordingly, Labor has amended the Sex Discrimination Act to cover sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status, removed exemptions to this law in aged care facilities and implemented strategies that recognise the special needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex senior Australians in aged care facilities. Labor will continue to respond to the needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex senior Australians.
To help promote a genuinely inclusive aged care environment, Labor will work with the aged care sector to assist in eliminating any discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.
UPDATE 2.49pm
The following amendment is now being moved by delegate Jo-Anne Schofield.
Amend existing paragraph 8 to read as follows, with new text highlighted in bold:
8. Older Australians are entitled to affordable, accessible and high quality aged care services that are delivered by a professionally trained and dedicated workforce. Australia has the skills, talents and abilities to protect and grow aged care services and expertise as trade and export opportunities emerge.
Insert new paragraph after paragraph 11 and renumber accordingly:
12. Labor is committed to ensuring good quality working conditions and working environments and investing in a stable and professional workforce.
Insert new paragraphs after existing paragraph 13 and renumber accordingly:
14. Labor believes in pursuing proactive policy settings in superannuation and financial services that equitably maximise retirement incomes, particularly for women and low and middle income earners.
15. Labor believes in policy settings in superannuation and financial services that improve retirement incomes, particularly for women and low and middle income earners.
Insert new paragraph after existing paragraph 18 and renumber accordingly:
19. Labor recognises the many benefits of in-home and consumer directed care and strongly supports the increased choice and flexibility for all Australians in the care they receive and the environment in which it is delivered. Labor is committed to working with stakeholders to help ensure that the aged care workforce adapts sustainably as consumer directed care becomes a larger part of the aged care system.
Amend existing paragraph 21 to read as follows, with new text highlighted in bold:
21. Labor will hear the voice of residents of aged care facilities, their families, the aged care workforceand other interested parties about the quality and nature of care and maintain a strong and robust complaints process.
Add new sentence to paragraph 27:
Aged care workers deserve a quality, professional, safe and stable working environment.
UPDATE 2.46pm
Member for Lalor Joanne Ryan has taken the stage to speak in further support.
UPDATE 2.38pm
Shadow Assistant Treasurer Andrew Leigh is speaking on the chapter.
“We stood as one to protect the pension.”
We will be live blogging until the close of conference. Coming up after this chapter will be discussion about whether MPs and Senators will have a conscience vote on marriage equality in Parliament.
UPDATE 2.32pm
Member for Blair Shayne Neumann is speaking about Labor’s commitment to high quality aged care services and independent living.
An amendment is coming up on ‘Retirement Incomes’ to include mention of the “..development of products that maximise income streams for senior Australians in retirement.” (Amendment 378A).
Chapter 5: Decent jobs with fair pay and conditions – Sunday, July 26, 1.17pm
This conference condemns Martin Ferguson whose self-serving public commentary is not in the interest of the party, party members or the Labour movement.
Debate and disagreement is critical in any political party, but that debate must occur at the appropriate Labor forums not in the public domain.
Martin Ferguson has repeatedly spoken publicly against ALP policy and in the case of the NSW election, his actions damaged the party’s chances of success.
Martin Ferguson does not deserve to be considered a Labor elder and must be condemned as a disgraced former Labor politician.
UPDATE 12.45pm
Joe Mcdonald from the CFMEU has given a passionate speech.
UPDATE 12.34pm
National Junior Vice President Jane Garrett has spoken. The amendments have been carried.
“We are very proud of our longstanding and ongoing links with the industrial wing of this movement.”
UPDATE 12.28pm
National Senior Vice President Tim Hammond has taken the stage to propose amendments to the platform concerning making sure every Australian has decent jobs, pay and working conditions. He has praised “the invaluable contribution of the trade union movement” in ensuring worker safety in Australia.
UPDATE 12.20pm
The following amendment on the retirement age will be discussed.
Amendment 097A
Insert a new paragraph into Chapter 5 after paragraph 46, and renumber subsequent paragraphs accordingly
47. Labor recognises the physical toll on men and women employed in physically rigorous occupations that leads to earlier than average retirement ages. In this context, Labor supports exploring the introduction of early access to preserved superannuation accounts for these workers.Insert two new paragraphs after paragraph 58, and renumber subsequent paragraphs accordingly.
59. Labor recognises that firefighters workplace is an unpredictable, volatile and dangerous workplace and is to be recognised as a high risk occupational in health and safety legislation.60. Labor believes in achieving the highest level of workplace safety and that workers rights to a safe workplace should be enshrined in legislation. Labor recognises that that firefighters face extraordinary hazards and the importance of a regulated requirements of safe crewing on the fireground which includes the principle of two-in two-out.
UPDATE 12pm
ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver says when you want to start questioning the relationship between Unions and the Labor Party just have a look at the outcomes [for workers].
“Make no mistake we’re standing up for working people and their families.”
“This Chapter recognises the right of workers with carer responsibilities…and a 26 week paid parental leave scheme.”
UPDATE 11.54am
Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Shadow Minister for Employment Services Julie Collins has risen to speak.
UPDATE 11.46am
Shadow Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations Brendan O’Connor is opening the chapter.
Coming up in this chapter are amendments that confirm a commitment to 26 weeks paid parental leave and the addition of language to ensure that people with a disability receive a fair wage.
“Labor believes in a strong and vibrant manufacturing industry, which supports 1000s and 1000s of jobs.”
Chapter 11: Australia’s place in a changing world – Sunday, July 26, 11.44am
The resolution has been carried.
The chapter has been carried.
UPDATE 11.39am
Delegate from Queensland Wendy Turner has risen to second the resolution.
“Delegates, the recognition of Palestine is the right thing to do….Israel has sadly continued to sabotage peace talks by the US by continuing to announce settlements on occupied land.”
“135 nations including the Vatican have moved to recognise Palestine.”
“Now its time, and its long overdue, for the international community along with Australia, to step up and recognise Palestine.”
UPDATE 11.38am
Shadow Minister for Finance and Manager of Opposition Business Tony Burke:
“Any Australian government has to arrive on a position on these issues in international for a and when it does so it has to speak the truth about what is going on there….The settlement activity which was described when we were in government as illegal cannot continue.”
“We are all aware of the comments by Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu during the last election that there would never be a Palestinian state.”
“I respect how emotional and direct family ties affect people on this issue and everyone can point to wrong doing on both sides.
But it has to be resolved, unlike our opponents who argue East Jerusalem is not occupied we are a party that will speak the truth about what’s happening.”
UPDATE 11.36am
And it’s in – a single resolution on Israel and Palestine. Shadow Minister for Finance and Manager of Opposition Business Tony Burke has taken the stage.
Mover:
Tony Burke (NSW)
Seconder:
Wendy Turner (QLD)
Resolution 446R
The Australian Labor Party Conference:
AFFIRMS Labor’s support for an enduring and just two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the right of Israel to live in peace within secure borders internationally recognised and agreed by the parties, and reflecting the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to also live in peace and security within their own state.
DEPLORES the tragic conflict in Gaza and supports an end to rocket attacks by Hamas and the exercise of the maximum possible restraint by Israel in response to these attacks.
SUPPORTS a negotiated settlement between the parties to the conflict, based on international frameworks, laws and norms
RECOGNISES in government Labor retained its commitment to two states for two peoples in the Middle East and specifically
Did not block enhanced Palestinian status in the General Assembly;
Restated the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is occupied territory;
Opposed Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land, recognising that a just, peaceful and enduring resolution will involve a territorial settlement based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps;
Held that the settlements are illegal under international law.
RECOGNISES that any resolution will be based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps, a timeframe to end Israeli occupation, demilitarization of Palestinian territory, agreement on a solution to Palestinian refugee issues, and resolution of the issue of Jerusalem’s final status.
RECOGNISES that settlement building by Israel in the Occupied Territories that may undermine a two-state solution is a roadblock to peace. Labor CALLS ON Israel to cease all such settlement expansion to support renewed negotiations toward peace.
REJECTS the boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel.
CONDEMNS the comments of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu during the recent elections where he ruled out a Palestinian state and further condemns his appeals to race during the campaign.
RECOGNISES a lasting peace will require a future State of Palestine to recognise the right of Israel to exist and the State of Israel to recognise the right of Palestine to exist.
RECOGNISES the special circumstances of the Palestinian people, their desire for respect, and the achievement of their legitimate aspiration to live in independence in a state of their own. This is a cause Labor is committed to.
If however there is no progress in the next round of the peace process a future Labor government will discuss joining like minded nations who have already recognised Palestine and announcing the conditions and timelines for the Australian recognition of a Palestinian state, with the objective of contributing to peace and security in the Middle East.
UPDATE 11.28am
President Mark Butler “Jennifer I think it would be appropriate if we now hear some words from your co-deputy chair..” Senator Deborah O’Neil has taken the stage to speak.
UPDATE 11.27am
“There is a question how many of these delegates have been to cyprus..” (laughter from the crowd).
Senator McAllister has been speaking for 8 minutes (usual speaking time is 2 minutes).
UPDATE 11.21am
Senator Jenny McAllister has risen mid-chapter to speak on the ‘National Policy Forum’ (the body that meets to help shape the draft platform that comes to conference).
UPDATE 11.18am
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese speaking of Cyprus motion at length while final negotiations on the Israel and Palestine resolution underway in the wings at National Conference.
President Mark Butler: “Wind up please delegate Albanese.”
Albanese: I voted for you (to be National President)
(Cheers and laughter from the crowd).
UPDATE 11.14am
BREAKING: Another speaker has been added to the list to speak in support of the resolution to demilitarise and reunify Cyprus while discussion on the Israel and Palestine resolutions continue to be debated. They are the next resolutions on the agenda.
UPDATE 11.12am
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese has risen to second the motion.
UPDATE 11.09am
Delegate Michael Forshaw has moved a resolution regarding a commitment from Labor to work to facilitate ‘a just settlement of the Cyprus problem’.
“The island of Cyprus is still divided today, a barbed wire fence and concrete divides it. There are 43,000 Turkish troops in northern Cyprus.
Many of years of negotiations have gone on, a third of Cyprus is occupied by another country.”
UPDATE 11.07am
The following two resolutions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are coming up in just minutes.
Resolution 446R
Labor remains committed to a peaceful, enduring and just two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Labor condemns the comment of Prime Minister Netanyahu during Israeli elections where he ruled out a Palestinian State and further, condemns his appeals to race during the campaign.
Labor notes that 135 nations have already recognised a Palestinian state.
Labor supports a negotiated settlement to the conflict based on international frameworks, laws and norms.
Labor will work with other nations internationally to offer support to renewed peace negotiations.
Labor recognises and supports the right of the State of Israel and its citizens to live in full security within internationally recognised borders and at peace with its neighbours.
We recognise and support the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to live in peace and security in an internationally recognised sovereign state of their own.
Labor recognises that a lasting peace will require a Palestinian State to recognise the right of Israel to exist.
We call for an end to rocket attacks and other violence by Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups and an end to Israeli incursions which have led to unconscionable deaths and injuries to many innocent civilians.
Labor welcomes the decision of the Palestinian Authority to commit to a demilitarised Palestine with the presence of international peacekeepers, including US forces.
Labor will support practical steps to national building and statehood for Palestine.
We call on Israel to cease the expansion of illegal settlements which are a roadblock to peace.
Labor recognises that just and acceptable settlement to the conflict will include
a Palestinian State on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps;
a timeframe to end Israeli occupation;
agreement on a solution to the Palestinian refugee issues and
resolution of the issue of Jerusalem’s final status
If however there is no progress in the next round of the peace process a future Labor government will join the 135 like minded nations who have already recognised Palestine and announce the conditions and timelines for the Australian recognition of a Palestinian state, with the objective of contributing to peace and security in the Middle East.
Resolution 392A
The Australian Labor Party Conference:
AFFIRMS Labor’s support for an enduring and just two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the right of Israel to live in peace within secure borders internationally recognised and agreed by the parties, and reflecting the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to also live in peace and security within their own state.
DEPLORES the tragic conflict in Gaza and supports an end to rocket attacks by Hamas and the exercise of the maximum possible restraint by Israel in response to these attacks.
SUPPORTS a negotiated settlement between the parties to the conflict, based on international frameworks, laws and norms
RECOGNISES in government Labor retained its commitment to two states for two peoples in the Middle East and specifically
Did not block enhanced Palestinian status in the General Assembly;
Restated the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is occupied territory;
Opposed Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land, recognising that a just, peaceful and enduring resolution will involve a territorial settlement based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps;
Held that the settlements were contrary to international law.
RECOGNISES that any resolution will be based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps, a timeframe to end Israeli occupation, demilitarization of Palestinian territory, agreement on a solution to Palestinian refugee issues, and resolution of the issue of Jerusalem’s final status.
RECOGNISES that settlement building by Israel in the Occupied Territories that may undermine a two-state solution is a roadblock to peace. Labor CALLS ON Israel to cease all such settlement expansion to support renewed negotiations toward peace.
REJECTS the boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel.
CONDEMNS the comments of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu during the recent elections where he ruled out a Palestinian state and further condemns his appeals to race during the campaign.
RECOGNISES a lasting peace will require a future State of Palestine to recognise the right of Israel to exist and the State of Israel to recognise the right of Palestine to exist.
RECOGNISES the special circumstances of the Palestinian people, their desire for respect, and the achievement of their legitimate aspiration to live in independence in a state of their own. This is a cause Labor is committed to.
In order to build towards establishing and recognising a Palestinian state as the outcome of direct peace negotiations, Labor will support practical steps to Palestinian nation building and, ultimately, statehood. A future Labor Government will work with the parties, like-minded governments and the UN in establishing agreed timelines for negotiations to achieve this outcome.
UPDATE 11am
As Shadow Attorney General Mark Dreyfus takes the stage delegates continue to negotiate the upcoming motions on Israel and Palestine on the conference floor. The motions are listed for discussion in the next few minutes.
UPDATE 10.51am
Delegate Damien Kingsbury has seconded the below motion on self determination for the Saharawi people in Western Sahara by delegate Greg McLean. The resolution has been carried.
This conference:
Strongly supports the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination;
Expresses concerns about reports of human rights abuses in Western Sahara, including by Human Rights Watch and Resolution 282 moved this year by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights;
Calls on all parties to work with the international community to develop and implement independent and credible measures to ensure full respect for human rights, bearing in mind their relevant obligations under international law;
Urges the UN to use its mission in Western Sahara to monitor and uphold human rights, and ensure that any use of the natural resources of Western Sahara is in accordance with the wishes of the Saharawi people and for their benefit;
Calls on the UN to proceed without further delay with the organisation of the long overdue referendum of self-determination; and
Urges the Australian Government to extend all due assistance to the UN in its efforts to organise a free and fair referendum in Western Sahara, and to maintain an appropriate dialogue with the Polisario Front, UN-acknowledged representatives of the people of Western Sahara.
UPDATE 10.44am
WA Assistant Secretary Lenda Oshalem has spoken passionately to second the Resolutions. The resolutions were carried.
“I am Assyrian…I spoke to my cousin who told me her family is fine because if ISIS come from them her father had promised he would kill them and kill himself before ISIS could kill them.”
UPDATE 10.41am
Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen has taken the stage to speak on Resolution 306R.
“Many people have fled Iraq to Syria and then have been forced to flee Syria. We have an obligation to stand up for those persecuted minorities in Iraq. Clergy of all religions have been murdered.
These communities, the Assyrian, Chaldean, Mandaean and Yezidi communities; deserve to be recognised at this conference, many thousands have become great Australian citizens. What is the ultimate outcome is that they no longer have to flee Iraq but can live as Iraq’s indigenous people as they deserve.”
The resolution reads as follows.
That Labor:
1. Condemns the actions of the Islamic State in Iraq which amounts to attempted genocide of minorities including the Assyrian, Chaldean, Mandaean and Yezidi people;
2. Re-affirms the rights of the Christian and other minorities of Iraq to live in peace and freedom and calls for all steps to be taken to ensure that all members of the affected communities can live in freedom in Iraq;
3. When in Government, will continue to provide humanitarian, financial and other forms of appropriate assistance to support those Christian and other minorities who have been internally displaced within Iraq;
4. Notes the aspirations of the Assyrian and Chaldean people for the establishment of an autonomous region in the Nineveh plains and welcomes the in-principle agreement of the Iraqi Government to this request earlier this year.
UPDATE 10.40am
Delegate Pierre Yang has seconded the resolution. The resolution has been carried.
UPDATE 10.34am
Chief Opposition Whip Chris Hayes is moving the motion detailed under the image below in relation to the tragic deaths of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran. He has condemned their executions.
“In 2005 there were arrests in Indonesia of young people then called the Bali Nine. I followed the case pretty well and was staggered when these young people were given the death penalty.
In Australia we legislated to make it impossible to reintroduce the death penalty to show the rest of the world we have an implacable view against the death penalty.”
“I met with Scott Rush’s father about how he had gone to the AFP and how he felt he had effectively signed his son’s death warrant.”
“I met with Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran and saw who they had become.”
This Conference acknowledges the tragic instance of capital punishment this year with the execution of Australian citizens Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, and condemns these executions in the strongest possible terms. This Conference reaffirms Labor’s universal opposition to capital punishment, and calls on a future Labor Government to:
Strongly and clearly state our opposition to the death penalty, whenever and wherever it arises;
Join forces with other nations to push for universal adoption of a global moratorium on the death penalty;
Develop Australian government policy aimed at assisting all nations end the death penalty; and
Use Australia’s aid programs to support civil society organisations campaigning for abolition in countries which retain the death penalty.
UPDATE 10.32am
Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has spoken in favour of the motion and said that $11.3 billion dollars has been ripped out of foreign aid. She says 1/5th of Abbott Government cuts since coming to government have come out of foreign aid.
UPDATE 10.29am
Reports from the Conference floor are indicating negotiations on the Israeli-Palestinian platform amendments today are “everywhere” including on the conference floor itself.
UPDATE 10.27am
Delegate Amy Smith is speaking on the resolution to recognises the historic investment under the previous Labor Government which doubled our foreign aid program and condemn the $11.3 billion in cuts to Australia’s aid program by the Abbott Government.
UPDATE 10.23am
Resolution 324R “Global vision of gender equality” is now the topic of discussion. The resolution has been carried.
UPDATE 10.18am
Delegate Nicholas Thompson & Former Senator Louise Pratt have spoken on some proposed amendments including an amendment to ensure Australian Aid doesn’t discriminate and supports our objective to ensure everyone can live healthy and prosperous lives regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status. They have been carried.
UPDATE 10.13am
Former ALP President and Senator Jennifer McAllister has seconded the motion and said Australia will support the newly established Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, “we are optimistic not fearful about our place is Asia.”
The motion has been carried.
UPDATE 10.10am
Member for Kingsford Smith and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration Matt Thistlethwaite is moving the following motion on strengthening our engagement with the countries of the world:
Insert new paragraph in Chapter 11 after paragraph 41.
Labor supports active Australian participation in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to ensure input into the governance, objectives and outcomes of this important regional initiative. The AIIB offers a unique opportunity to drive economic growth in our region and improve living standards. The AIIB is an important economic institution that will enhance multi lateral relationships and promote regional cooperation.
Original Paragraph 41
The US alliance is essential to Australia’s national security requirements in critical areas such as intelligence on terrorism, defence equipment and broader stability in the region.
UPDATE 10.04am
Deputy Labor leader in the Senate Stephen Conroy is seconding Deputy leader Tanya Plibersek’s motion.
UPDATE 10.02am
The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that Labor’s left faction led by Deputy leader Tanya Plibersek, along with leader in the Senate Penny Wong, intend to push ahead with a plan to amend the Labor platform so that MPs would be forced to vote in favour of same-sex marriage in Parliament.
UPDATE 9.59am
Deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek has taken the stage to open the chapter.
UPDATE 9.43am
Federal Labor leader Bill Shorten is addressing the final day of Conference.
“I couldn’t have been any prouder of the party (than I was) yesterday.”
UPDATE 9.30am
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese has appeared on ABC’s Insiders and reaffirmed his commitment to marriage equality and to a conscience vote ahead of the debate today.
UPDATE 9am
Good morning! Welcome to our live coverage of the last day of Labor’s 2015 National Conference.
Debates to watch out for today will be chapter 11 (the Israeli-Palestinian conflict) and chapter 12 (marriage equality).
Today’s agenda
– Conference commences 9.30am –
Chapter 11: Australia’s place in a changing world
Chapter 5: Decent jobs with fair pay and conditions
“Amendment 232A rejects turning away boats of people seeking asylum because it undermines the cooperation required to reach sustainable regional processing arrangements.”
Amendment 235A relates to detention facilities and states that “failure to deliver humane and safe conditions will result in the closure of offshore detention facilities.”
The following amendments have been carried: 262A & 271A.
Amongst other things, amendment 262A changes the platform to acknowledge that the world is experiencing the greatest humanitarian need since the Second World War with the largest number of displaced people since that time.
That amendment also commits Labor to increasing the humanitarian intake of refugees.
Amendment 271A covers many issues; it commits Labor to legislating Australia’s international migration and refugee obligations into domestic law. It also commits Labor to appointing an independent officer who would advocate for the well-being of children seeking asylum.
Additionally, it commits Labor to not detain, process or resettle LGBTI refugees or asylum seekers in countries which have criminal laws against any of these communities. It also commits Labor to legislate mandatory reporting of child abuse in all offshore and onshore immigration detention facilities.
UPDATE 5.31pm
Chapter 9 has closed with the last two asylum seeker platform amendments won and the previous two lost.
NSW State Member for Londonderry Prue Car has oved the following resolution regarding cost of living pressures faced by Australian families. It has been carried.
Cost of Living Pressures
This Conference recognises that:
Labor recognises the cost of living pressures that Australian families are facing. Labor condemns the Abbott Coalition Government for its repeated attacks on the household budgets of low and middle income families, through cuts to Family Tax Benefit payments and the GP tax. Labor rejects an Australia where parents are forced to choose between food on the table and taking their child to the doctor. Labor will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Australian families, to fight the Abbott Government’s continued cuts to their payments and services.
UPDATE 4.03pm
Member for Griffith Terry Butler is speaking favour of the resolution. The amendment has been carried.
UPDATE 3.55pm
Delegate Kate Washington is seconding the motion from Kayee Griffin and spoken in favour of the following resolution.
Family ViolenceThis Conference recognises that:Labor believes the scourge of family violence must addressed and prevented as a national priority. Labor calls on the Abbott Coalition Government to hold a national crisis summit to bring together all levels of governments to implement judicial and social services reform within their areas of responsibility and provide a forum to hear from stakeholders, victims, survivors and their families on ways to better address family violence. Labor condemns the Abbott Coalition Government for budget cuts and resulting uncertainty facing community, legal and homelessness services, hindering efforts on the ground to support people escaping family violence. If elected to office, Labor will commission a National Crisis Summit to inform a strategic approach to family violence that prioritises reform, encourages innovation and enables better coordination.
UPDATE 3.53pm
The following amendment has also been carried:
We need to build a stronger partnership between men and women to achieve our goals. Labor will do this through:
Investigating and implementing strategies to improve women’s retirement incomes, including superannuation;
UPDATE 3.48pm
Delegate Darcy Byrne is speaking on an amendment to insert a new paragraph following on from 162 as below. He has spoken about the importance of taking strong action to prevent violence against women and children. The Amendment has been carried.
163. The Gillard Labor Government established the Royal Commission into institutional responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Labor is committed to acting on the recommendations of the Royal Commission, including with respect to a redress scheme, in close consultation with victims. A Labor Government will report annually to the Parliament on its progress in implementing the recommendations of the Commission.
UPDATE 3.45pm
Coming up is a motion to improve women’s retirement incomes including superannuation.
UPDATE 3.37pm
General Secretary of NSW Labor Jamie Clements is speaking in favour of an amendment and reaffirmed Labor’s commitment to sport in our country.
UPDATE 3.35pm
Susan Templeman is speaking to support the following amendment:
Insert new paragraph after 168, and renumber accordingly.
169. Labor acknowledges that by the United Nations best measure, approximately one in six Australian children are living in relative poverty. In Government Labor is committed to significantly reducing the proportion of children living in relative poverty.
UPDATE 3.31pm
Delegate Darcy Byrne has spoken in favour of the following amendment:
Amend paragraph 175 to add additional text highlighted in bold:
175. Labor will ensure a national voice for the Australian youth sector by maintaining the Minister for Youth.
Add new paragraph after paragraph 175 and renumber accordingly.
176. A Labor Government will ensure the interests of young Australians are represented at the highest levels of government, and work with the states and territories, business and community to:
Address issues faced by young Australians;
Support young Australians to participate in government and the political process; and
Combat youth unemployment.
Original Paragraph 175
Labor will ensure a national voice for the Australian youth sector.
UPDATE 3.26pm
Queensland Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman is speaking on a series of amendments regarding action to tackle family violence and violence against women. These amendments have been carried.
UPDATE 2.23pm
Shadow Minister for the Arts, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business Mark Dreyfus is seconding Jenny’s chapter to commend this chapter to delegates.
UPDATE 3.15pm
Shadow Minister for Families and Payments and Disability Reform Jenny Macklin is opening speaker for the chapter and is talking about Labor’s record of standing up for fairness in our community: from the NDIS to closing the gap.
“Each of us knows that fairness is so much more than a political slogan.”
“It’s this fundamental link between fairness, opportunity and prosperity that is what will continue to make our nation great for future generations.”
Chapter 4: Tackling climate change and our environmental challenges – Saturday, July 25, 3.12pm
Delegate Asren Pugh has seconded the resolution. It has been carried.
“Be proud of the ALP…about the action we are taking on the environment. We are the only party that can deliver for the environment and deliver for working people.”
3.08pm
The Member for Rankin Jim Chalmers is moving the following resolution on Emissions Reduction.
Post 2020 Emissions Reduction
In December 2015, the world’s nations will gather in Paris with the aim of finalising an agreement on reducing global greenhouse gas emissions beyond 2020.
Led by the US and China, momentum is building for an ambitious agreement to be reached. All major developed nations – with the exception of Australia – and most developing nations have released their proposed contributions to the Paris conference.
Australia must also commit to taking a fair share of global action to ensure that global warming does not exceed 2 degrees Celsius beyond pre-industrial levels in keeping with our international commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) agreement of 2010. That action must be based on the best available independent scientific and economic evidence, as well as the advice of statutory bodies like the Climate Change Authority. Such targets will underpin and inform Labor’s climate change policies including the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Labor will continue to argue the case for Australia to adopt an emissions reduction target and Labor will adopt an emissions reduction target before the next Federal election that reflects the UNFCCC commitment and advice from the Climate Change Authority and other such independent bodies.
UPDATE 3.04pm
The Member for Charlton Pat Conroy is also speaking in favour of the motion below. The motion has been carried.
UPDATE 2.59pm
Co-convenor of the Labor Environment Action Network (LEAN) Felicity Wade is now also speaking in support of the motion.
UPDATE 2.55pm
Delegate Tony Maher from the CFMEU has seconded the resolution moved by Bill Shorten.
The motion reads as follows.
The Future of Electricity
Australia’s electricity sector is experiencing enormous change driven by a range of global and domestic trends, including;
The age of Australia’s existing generators;
The rise in domestic gas prices;
The growth in distributed energy, especially rooftop solar;
Climate change and the need to progressively reduce the electricity sector’s carbon emissions; and
Advances in renewable energy, storage and smart metering technology.
The Abbott Government has failed to develop a comprehensive strategy to modernise Australia’s electricity system. Instead, the sector has been rocked by Tony Abbott’s reckless attacks on the renewable energy industry and a hopelessly inadequate Energy White Paper.
A Shorten Labor Government will work with the industry, unions and other stakeholders to develop an Electricity Modernisation Strategy that;
Is consistent with economy wide emissions reduction targets;
Minimises any cost impact on business and household consumers;
Covers options for delivering on Labor’s goal of 50% of Australia’s electricity being generated from all renewable sources– small and large scale- by 2030;
Is based on a consultative and consensus approach to any increase in large renewable energy capacity that ensures investment confidence, and certainty for workers in existing generators;
Deals with the impact of the growth in renewable energy on existing generators and networks;
Recognises corporate announcements concerning managing the ageing of existing plant and timelines for plant closures;
Establishes an agency to oversee redeployment, retraining and income support where necessary for affected workers;
Capitalises on the significant new jobs opportunities across the entire renewable energy supply chain from growth in the renewable energy industry;
Develops structural adjustment strategies and investment for communities impacted by change in the sector, and
Results in a managed, predictable long-term process of modernisation for the electricity sector.
Labor recognises the important linkages between climate change and electricity policy. Accordingly, Labor will bring those portfolios together in Government.
UPDATE 2.50pm
Opposition leader Bill Shorten has moved a resolution on the future of electricity in Australia vowing to work with the industry, unions and other stakeholders to develop an Electricity Modernisation Strategy that recognises the important linkages between climate change and electricity policy.
UPDATE 2.49pm
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Education and for Small Business Julie Collins has moved the amendment and delegate Verity Firth has seconded to delete existing paragraph 88 insert new paragraphs and renumber accordingly. It has been carried.
88. Labor recognises the importance of Australian waters to recreational fishers, commercial fishing industry, tourism and for its conservation value. Labor is committed to adequately protecting Australian waters from the risks of overfishing and from the use of super trawlers.
89. Labor is particularly concerned about the potential for localised depletion and its environmental and recreational impact. Labor will prevent the operation of all super trawlers in Australian waters, unless a thorough assessment against the most up-to-date science can verify such operations will not undermine small pelagic fisheries and recreational fishing spots.
Original Paragraph 88
Original Paragraph 88
Labor is committed to protect Australia’s waters from the risks associated with the use of super trawlers. Labor will ensure all super trawlers are thoroughly assessed using the most up-to-date science, thereby protecting our oceans and our recreational fishing spots.
UPDATE 2.43pm
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Education and for Small Business Julie Collins has spoken about the impact super trawlers have on fishing stocks and marine ecosystems. She has made the point protecting our waters are about conservation but they’re also about jobs. She said the Geelong Star has been on two trips and that has already seen the death of 8 dolphins and four fur seals.
“We need to see proper science before these super trawlers to operate in Australian waters, not after.”
UPDATE 2.37pm
National Secretary for the CFMEU Michael O’Connor has spoken to conference making the point you can do something good for the environment and do something good for jobs at the same time.
“There was a time the Labor Party sold out jobs for greens preferences… Some of the things people celebrate cost jobs, smashed towns, but I’m happy to report that over the past few years that’s changed. We’ve worked together, and that’s the Labor way.”
UPDATE 2.36pm
An amendment has been moved by Member for Rankin Jim Chalmers and seconded by Delegate Asren Pugh to paragraph 16 to add a new dot point, highlighted in bold below. It has been carried. 16. Labor will:
Put climate change at the heart of our commitment to deliver jobs, innovation and investment to build a prosperous, safe and fair Australia.
Introduce an Emissions Trading Scheme which imposes a legal limit on carbon pollution that lets business work out the cheapest and most effective way to operate within that cap. Labor’s cap on carbon pollution will be based on robust independent advice and reduce over time in accordance with Australia’s international commitments;
Develop a comprehensive plan to progressively decarbonise Australia’s energy sector, particularly in electricity generation. A commitment to reinvigorate and grow Australia’s renewable energy industry, encourage energy efficiency and invest in low carbon energy solutions, is essential to that plan;
Work to undo the damage that the Coalition Government has done to the renewable energy sector, and be ambitious in growing the renewable energy sector beyond 2020;
Restore integrity, independence and capacity to the environment and climate change portfolios and relevant science agencies; and
Work with the land sector and other stakeholders to store millions of tonnes of carbon in the land through better land and waste management.
Adopt post 2020 pollution reduction targets, consistent with doing Australia’s fair share in limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius. Labor will base these targets on the latest advice of bodies such as the independent Climate Change Authority.
Put climate change at the heart of our commitment to deliver jobs, innovation and investment to build a prosperous, safe and fair Australia.
Introduce an Emissions Trading Scheme which imposes a legal limit on carbon pollution that lets business work out the cheapest and most effective way to operate within that cap. Labor’s cap on carbon pollution will be based on robust independent advice and reduce over time in accordance with Australia’s international commitments;
Develop a comprehensive plan to progressively decarbonise Australia’s energy sector, particularly in electricity generation. A commitment to reinvigorate and grow Australia’s renewable energy industry, encourage energy efficiency and invest in low carbon energy solutions, is essential to that plan;
Work to undo the damage that the Coalition Government has done to the renewable energy sector, and be ambitious in growing the renewable energy sector beyond 2020 by adopting policies to deliver at least 50% of our electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030
Restore integrity, independence and capacity to the environment and climate change portfolios and relevant science agencies; and
Work with the land sector and other stakeholders to store millions of tonnes of carbon in the land through better land and waste management.
UPDATE 2.24pm
Shadow Minister for Finance and Manager of Opposition Business Tony Burke has seconded Mark Butler’s opening comments and spoken about how Labor’s policies have achieved environmental protection on land, in the air with pollution reduction, and in our oceans.
UPDATE 2.15pm
Shadow Minister for the Environment Mark Butler is the opening speaker for this new chapter and has spoken about Labor’s commitment to the environment past and present “Labor will take an emissions trading scheme to the 2016 election.”
Chapter 3: Building Australia’s future – Saturday, July 25, 1.36pm
Rosie Batty was the key speaker at the Fringe Family Violence Forum where she has just spoken about compassion, education, and the need for ‘gender literacy.’
TWU National Secretary Tony Sheldon and RTBU National Secretary Bob Nanva have moved and seconded the following resolution which has now been carried:
Safe Rates
330 Australians die in truck crashes every year. Truck driving is Australia’s most dangerous job, with a fatality rate 15 times higher than the national average.
For two decades, truck drivers, academics and the community have highlighted clear evidence of the link between poor pay rates for drivers and the increased risk of truck crashes.
When drivers aren’t paid enough to maintain their vehicles or earn a living wage, they are forced to speed, skip breaks or carry overweight loads just to survive.
And that means more crashes, more deaths, and more families and communities ripped apart.
No one should have to die just to meet a retailer’s delivery deadline.
Yet a 2012 industry survey of one major retail supply chain – Coles – found 48% of drivers faced economic pressure to skip rest breaks and 28% were pressured to speed.
In 2012 Federal Labor established a watchdog – the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT), which intervenes when transport clients use economic pressure to force drivers to risk their lives on the roads.
Now, the RSRT is at risk of abolition, with Coles and others lobbying the Liberals, and the Government declaring the road safety tribunal is just ‘red tape.’
Labor must stand firm on road safety, and reject the abolition of this vital safety watchdog. The lives of truck drivers, and all road users, depend on it.
RESOLUTION
That Labor:
Notes the vital role of the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal in saving lives on our roads by acting against unfair economic pressure on truck drivers;
Opposes Federal Government plans to abolish the Tribunal and reduce road safety nationwide;
Urges Federal and State Labor representatives to support the RSRT in their communities and in Parliament, including by opposing motions to repeal the RSRT or restrict its functions; and
Congratulates Transport Workers Union members on their ongoing campaign to hold big retailers accountable for their deadly squeeze on their supply chains.
UPDATE 11.45am
WA Labor leader Mark McGowan and member for Perth Alannah MacTiernan have moved and seconded the following Resolution which has now been carried:
“Federal Labor reaffirms our commitment to fund urban rail infrastructure. Effective partnerships with state governments to build rail are necessary to deal with the increasing levels of congestion in our cities.This conference notes that the current Federal Government’s refusal to fund rail projects has added to congestion, pollution and commute times in our major cities. Rail remains one of the safest and most effective means of delivering major improvements to public transport.”
UPDATE 11.12am
Delegate Paddy Crumlin (NSW) has delivered a passionate speech on the below amendment that has been carried.
Amend paragraph 119, new text highlighted below in bold:
119. Coastal shipping remains an important domestic freight mode competing with road and rail. Coastal shipping requires port access and quality linkages to land transport infrastructure. Labor recognises the key role that shipping plays in helping to secure Australia’s liquid and gas fuel energy trade and will work with industry to ensure that Australia maintains on its shipping register sufficient Australian bulk liquid/gas ships to support continuity of petroleum and gas supply, and exports of LNG.
Amend paragraph 120, new text highlighted below in bold:
120. Labor will deliver policies to revitalise the Australian shipping industry including taxation, regulatory and workforce development measures to provide a level playing field for Australian shipowners to employ more Australian seafarers, and to attract related functions to develop an industry cluster. Labor will foster Australian shipping and jobs, without closing the coast to international ships as many comparable nations have. Labor will build on its domestic shipping regulation to ensure that in order to create a level playing field in a competitive domestic market, where domestic cargo volumes can sustain a suitable Australian ship, there is certainty that such ships will have preferential access to such cargo under efficient arrangements overseen by an independent body. This approach is intended to provide incentives for new investment in Australian ships and maritime skills. Labor will also ensure that taxation measures to encourage investment in ships are internationally competitive.
UPDATE 11.07am
An amendment has been carried to paragraph 46. It will now read as follows, with new text highlighted in bold below:
46. The National Broadband Network is the biggest, most important infrastructure project in Australia’s history. It is vital to the way we will provide health services, deliver a world class education, do business, deliver smart infrastructure and build a strong and growing economy.
Amend paragraph 47 to read as follows, with new text highlighted in bold below:
47. Labor is committed to ensuring that all Australians get fast, reliable and affordable broadband, no matter where they live or do business. Wholesale prices should be the same, whether people live in the city or the bush, and broadband should not be made more expensive for those Australians who can least afford it.
UPDATE 10.55am
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure & Transport, Cities & Tourism Anthony Albanese has told conference that the Government has “trashed” Infrastructure Australia and has reaffirmed Labor’s commitment to Infrastructure Australia.
Chapter 7: A world-class education for all Australians – Saturday, July 25, 10.45am
An amendment was just passed to paragraph 44 to include the additional sentence (below in bold) so the paragraph now reads:
44. “Labor believes our schools must be safe environments that enable all students to learn – including same sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse students. Labor will continue working with teachers, students and schools to tackle bullying and discrimination, and ensure our schools are safe and welcoming places for same-sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse students. Labor will continue to support national programs to address homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and intersexphobia in schools.This includes ensuring gender diverse students are able to express the gender they identify with including through preferred name and dress.”
UPDATE 10.35am
Delegate Susan Templeman spoke on education and public schools in the Blue Mountains.
UPDATE 10.30am
Margaret Lewis outlined her amendment for co-operation in schools.
UPDATE 10.25am
Queensland Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games, Kate Jones has talked about Labor’s commitment to coding in schools: “We know that coding will give our students the opportunity not just to be consumers… but architects.”
UPDATE 10.20am
Andrew Dettmer spoke to an amendment on TAFE and vocational education.
UPDATE 10.15am
Shadow Minister for Vocational Education Sharon Bird spoke to the education chapter on the importance of vocational education and TAFE.
UPDATE 10.15am
Shadow Minister for Education and early childhood Kate Ellis has told Conference Labor will reaffirm its commitment to Gonski.
UPDATE 10.05am
Shadow Minister for Education Kim Carr is delivering the opening address for the Education Chapter.
Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten has told conference, “a Labor Government … must have the option of turning back boats, provided it is safe to do so”.
“But delegates that is also why I say that by 2025 Australia will almost double the humanitarian intake to 27,000.”
UPDATE: 9.47am
Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten is addressing conference.
Former Immigration Minister Tony Burke has written about the awful choices he had to face in 2013.READ HIS PIECE HERE.
Saturday, July 25, 9.30am
Good morning! Welcome to day two of Labor’s 47th National Conference.
On the agenda today..
Chapter 7: Building Australia’s future
Chapter 3: A world-class education for all Australians
Chapter 4: Tackling climate change and our environmental challenges
Chapter 9: A fair go for all
Chapter 10: Strong democracy and effective government – Friday, July 24, 4pm
Moved by Shadow Minister for Communications Jason Clare.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Anthony Albanese has told the Labor National Conference Australia needs a “Warren Buffet rule” to ensure fairness in the tax system. READ ABOUT THE WARREN BUFFET RULE HERE.
He has proposed a rule to ensure high income earners pay at least the same effective tax as low to middle income earners who work under PAYG tax regimes.
A valid point JB as I came here to see an insiders view as R&F member away from the daily online news services Has Labor Herald seen the Guardian`s live feed? it`s updated often so as JB suggests,come up to 2015
The Guardian and mainstream media will always have more journalists to dedicate to the coverage. The Labor Herald has just two staff and we are trying to focus on the most relevant stories. We appreciate your patience – we really are doing the best we can to maximise the coverage within our resources.
John Bloomfield
Alex, I know you are doing the best you can with limited resources, but for such an event one would think dispersion of live video would be pre-organised – months ago via a portal. More resources please ALP. It should be promoted as the ‘Olympic’ event of the Labor movement.
ALP communicators have let yet another opportunity go by to raise the awareness of the masses of how ALP formulates policy – and to include/involve and inform R&F of both unions & ALP.
The NatCon ‘event’ should be showcased as a recruiting and education tool – properly presented it could be used to raise awareness on the structure and management processes of the ALP and union movement.
A video stream production should be structured around the conference and fringe events, with interviews , information and education sessions interleaved.
Public policy formulation is democracy in action – a process to be very proud of. We have a good product – the ALP should invest some resources in selling it to the nation.
Do I need to mention the LNP way – lobbyists, closed door negotiations, laundered donations and media magnates?
Hey John & Henry, I know it may not be ideal but you might prefer to follow along with our twitter feed: https://twitter.com/laborherald
Monte Smith
Congratulations to Labor Herald, — So far our baby Herald has only been able to take some small unsteady steps (like any infant) but today it took off like a “two a year old” in fantastic style to keep us right up to date with the conference as it was taking place. — I felt I was floating in the air after watching the tribute to Geough, but remained in the air while I watched the rest of the show. No I’m still up there, with the knowledge that Labor can now be heard without relying on what dear Rupert allowed us….(Bloody Budy)……
David Prior
“Stopping The Boats” This is an enormous issue and been made larger than is necessary by a Government hell bent on governing by fear. Many Australians are making personal decisions about the people coming to Australia by boat from articles in the media sanctioned by the current Liberal Government. I believe these articles are floored. Before anyone passes a judgement on Boat People I believe they should ask themselves some simple questions. -like- Why are these people fleeing the country of their birth? Why can’t our government have dialogue with the countries that are loosing their people to find out what is really going on? Do all people deserve to be treated humanely? Why do we the Australian People have to read about this issue in our biased press? So before the ALP splits over this issue I believe all members have an obligation to understand what the main issues are and report it accurately to the Australian people before going off half cocked, by using this approach the Australian people will feel the ALP members have a real sense of understanding of the full issue and be interested enough to be more proactively involved, and be less likely to persecute fellow human beings. Also be less likely to believe the biased information that is being produced from Canberra for Political gain
Ian Coffey
The hottest debate in the media, the community and importantly at the ALP National Conference at the moment is asylum seeker policy and specifically Boat Turnbacks. Turnbacks is an affront to the thinking of left leaning ALP members but should we be thinking about this in a more holistic manner. Is it Good? NO, but we can adapt and develop it so that it is employed in a more safer, less corrupt and exponentially more humane manner.
We as ALP members have a great advantage over the LNP in our humaneness. Humaneness and the concept of being humane is lost on LNP members because it is not in their psyche whereas it is the lifeblood and the essence of being an ALP member. It is for this reason we can consider carefully the inclusion of boat turnbacks in a broad and wide ranging asylum seeker policy suite. It doesn’t have to be and shouldn’t be the integral component but rather a piece in the larger puzzle.
We as ALP members can adapt and develop turnbacks so that they are done safely, not just casting people adrift to fend for themselves in another part of the ocean and not by paying blood money to people smugglers to turn around in their rickety unseaworthy craft and struggle back to where they came from. The terrible thing about paying people smugglers to take asylum seekers back is that you have no oversight of what they do after they have left you. For all we know as soon as they drop over the horizon they might just throw the asylum seekers overboard as shark bait. They’re just that sort of people otherwise they wouldn’t be in the people smuggling business in the first place.
Don’t mistake me I’m not advocating boat turnbacks but I am urging that we not dismiss it out of hand and that we give careful consideration of all of the different alternatives and in particular the most dangerous alternative which is to leave it in the hands of the LNP which is putting the asylum seekers in the hands people mainly concerned with extending their political tenure and how deeply they can immerse themselves in the trough. Can you imagine leaving the fate of asylum seekers in the hands of someone like George Christensen, that truly is putting their lives in real jeopardy not to mention a cruel and unusual punishment.
Brian Sanaghan
The national conference has come to an end and has delivered, whether I agree with all of it or not, a policy platform that the parliamentary leadership can take to the next election with an expectation of winning. For me, the most important outcome of the conference has been the party’s commitment to a Republic, and a rough timeline for its gestation and birth. There is not enough space here for me to outline the political reasons why, but I believe the election campaign should have as its central theme, not the establishment of a Republic per se, but the appointment/election of an Australian Head of State. In fact I believe our slogan should be “For an Australian Head of State: vote Labor”. It will blow monarch loyalist Tony Abbott and the conservatives out of the water, and be the perfect wedge between Abbott and his government, notably Turnbull.
Ian Coffey
I must say I do not agree with a binding vote on the marriage equality question and indeed on pretty much any subject. To bind the votes of members of parliament is in my view an infringement of the democratic process and their democratic right and the right of their constituents to have an unfettered voice in parliament and that leaves a sour test in a party embracing democracy. I also believe if we bind our members vote it gives legitimacy to the LNP employing the same strategy and we all know what that will mean for the marriage equality bill. I believe our members are intelligent and moral enough to be allowed to vote their conscience and that of the people they represent.
You published a list of Labor MPs who don’t support marriage equality here, and now you’ve pulled it. Who told you to, and why?
Grace Gan
I’m in favour of primary schools teaching Moral Education to kids. ‘Primary ‘ because that’s the time children are still innocent and fresh in the mind. Why ‘ moral ‘ ? Because we live in a time of increasing lawlessness and violence. We cannot take for granted simple values such as good manners and mutual respect. Common sense needs to be taught too. When children are not taught good moral values, they grow to pick up wrong values very quickly. Even speaking foul language has become so common in school. The school has a moral obligation not just to impart knowledge but to provide moral education.
Ian Coffey
Things are going quite well so far without major debate yet but I’m sure it will heat up. It is very pleasing to see vocational education receive strong commitment. It is traditional for the LNP to degrade the VET sector as they look to create skills shortages to justify the disgraceful 457 visas allowing their big business mates to import cheap skilled labour. And it is the ongoing struggle of the ALP to re-establish and strengthen vocational education to give the youth of Australia a chance to secure their future through education and training. I would like to see the ALP further strengthen this commitment by developing policy to enforce large businesses to return to the community by providing apprenticeships and traineeships. Less and less opportunities are being offered by large businesses and we need to arrest this decline. Also we must not forget our older workers and need to provide education and training to allow them to increase their skills within their own field but also to develop new skills to allow them to transition into new fields and increase their ability to secure better jobs.
Peter Hanlon
My one word for how I feel about Labor after hearing eight amazing speeches on refugees this afternoon (regardless of the result):
Proud.
Peter
Grace Gan
I don’t agree on two issues, asylum seekers and same sex marriage. Border protection is the sovereign right of the government and anyone wishing to come here should come in a legal way. This is to uphold the law.This is how you can protect your citizens. Not all boat people are asylum seekers. Why protect them? Perhaps it’s better asylum seekers apply to the UN for a place in Australia, instead of coming by boat ! Same sex marriage is wrong. You cannot right the wrong just because the majority ask for it. Right is right. Wrong is wrong, just as it is wrong to kill!
Rabbi Zvi Telsner. Photo: AJN file
Just occasional reports.
I will find better elsewhere.
Some would even pay for the service.
.
Has Labor Herald seen the Guardian`s live feed? it`s updated often so as JB suggests,come up to 2015
I know you are doing the best you can with limited resources, but
for such an event one would think dispersion of live video would be pre-organised – months ago via a portal.
More resources please ALP.
It should be promoted as the ‘Olympic’ event of the Labor movement.
We have a good product – the ALP should invest some resources in selling it to the nation.
I believe our members are intelligent and moral enough to be allowed to vote their conscience and that of the people they represent.
And it is the ongoing struggle of the ALP to re-establish and strengthen vocational education to give the youth of Australia a chance to secure their future through education and training. I would like to see the ALP further strengthen this commitment by developing policy to enforce large businesses to return to the community by providing apprenticeships and traineeships. Less and less opportunities are being offered by large businesses and we need to arrest this decline.
Also we must not forget our older workers and need to provide education and training to allow them to increase their skills within their own field but also to develop new skills to allow them to transition into new fields and increase their ability to secure better jobs.
Same sex marriage is wrong. You cannot right the wrong just because the majority ask for it. Right is right. Wrong is wrong, just as it is wrong to kill!