Labor National Conference. Three words that could put an elephant to sleep. From a broad distance.
So we’ll make this as informative yet pain-free as possible. When Labor isn’t busy being either in Opposition or Government, the members and factions are deciding just what it is they believe in. That happens every two years, giving issues just enough time to reveal themselves. It’s a cliche, but two years is an eternity in modern politics and a lot has changed since last time when Rudd was leader. For instance, there’s going to be a lot more fired-up debate and possibly dissent.
And it all begins today. In a few minutes, in fact.
Let’s check out the battlegrounds in no particular order:
This one came out of left-field, announced just a few weeks ago by the Prime Minister. India has both nuclear power and weapons but has not signed the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. Labor’s policy has previously been to not sell uranium to countries that refuse to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. Ms Gillard argued that nuclear power was a cleaner source of energy and would help the world’s second largest country be greener. She also said it did not make sense to sell uranium to Japan, China and the US but not to India. The Opposition has been calling for a reversal in policy for years. The left faction of Labor plans to fight the move tooth and nail, but aren’t likely to be successful.
2. Malaysia Solution and Refugees
Immigration Minister Chris Bowen wants to take the Malaysia Solution back to a vote in parliament next year, now Labor has marginally better numbers on the floor. He’s also wants to lift the number of refugees Australia takes in from almost 14,000 to 20,000 – but not using boat arrivals, who would be sent back to regional ‘transit’ centres around Australia. Labor’s left faction are also opposed to the Malaysia solution.
3. Live exports
It was the story that won Sarah Ferguson a Gold Walkley – the biggest award in Australian journalism – and it led to a major political problem for Labor as it moved to suspend live exports of beef to Indonesia, a move which crippled the market for northern cattle graziers. Some within the Labor Party will be agitating for a complete ban on some live exports or at least further reforms to the way live meat exports are handled before being slaughtered in some countries. The mandated use of stunning (to knock animals out before being killed) is one goal.
4. Same sex marriage
Well, you’ve probably heard all about this one during the week. But as we get closer to a vote in the two-day conference, hopes among gay marriage advocates are rising as members of both the left and right factions privately want a change to party policy. The left will vote for it but only some members of the right faction agree. In any case, their votes may be binding to the ‘against’ unless some take it a step further and defy the voting order. There is still a lot of support, however, for the Prime Minister’s decision to hold a conscience vote on the matter which would likely fail in Parliament.
5. Jobs, the economy, free trade
With troubles in Europe and debt crises sweeping the globe, the Prime Minister has all but announced 2012 as the ‘Year of the Job’. But how best to handle the economy, the deficit and trade to best stimulate growth is where the debate will come in. The left want a fight on Labor’s free trade policy.
This is just a fraction of what will be raised at the Conference. The National Disability Insurance Scheme will be raised, as will education, as will the way the conferences themselves are run. If you’re filled with any self-loathing today, you can read the full conference details here.
But what about you, what do you want the Labor Party (and therefore, the Government) to be focusing on? What issues would you bring?
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Conscience vote is SUCH a cop-out. Disappointed Julia. Your position makes no sense. I'm also hugely frustrated that this is even a political issue.
It's not. Nor is it a religious one. Marriage is a civil institution so how can our legal system discriminate on the basis of sexuality?
Ugh.
really? i thought (correct me if i am wrong) that they are changing the policy but allowing the vote, meaning it should pass???
i am confused trying to keep up with what it all means. mia, you should really make rick to 24 shifts!
The problem with being a conscious vote is that it is unlikely to get through- probably a fair proportion of Labor will vote to change the policy, as well as all the greens, but the Libs will likely all vote "no", and add those Labor pollies who do so also, and it will be quashed. Labor's leaders know this- it's their way of saying we did the "right thing" (by making it a conscious vote), whilst knowing it means it won't actually get through- they are absolving themselves of blame from both supporters of change, and the religious/conservative right.
It's disappointing, I believe most Labor supporters would have wanted the party to have made this a key labor issue. And I can't help but shake the feeling that this will be something that haunts Julia Gillard when she reflects on her term in her years to come- I just can't believe an smart, atheist, unmarried women does not agree with the right to marry who ever you want (of course I could be wrong, but I'm doubtful). This issue goes to the crux of Labors current woes- they are pandering to a small right winged vocal minority who's beliefs don't equate with most Australians, let alone the parties traditional supporters.
thanks for your comment that makes more sense. (unlike my comment that was a bit muddled, must never drink and comment)
is there any hope that it may pass?
rick, this is another great topic for a cheat sheet- the conscience vote.
is it a secret ballot? can you vote against party lines eg. malcolm turnbull is in favour of marriage equality i think, can he support it?
this is just so frustrating. i feel so sad that there is still another battle ahead. how we can have government-endorsed discrimination is totally beyond me.
Agree. A conscience vote should never, ever be used for a human rights issue. It's a total oxymoron to vote this way on marriage equality. Grrrr
Also, annoying that the Prime Minister thinks she can get out of taking responsibility for the decision by calling a conscience vote and that we, the voters, will not realise how she has sidestepped the issue. Double Grrr
Still, I'm hoping against hope for a good result for all those people out there who have an unassailable right to expect it.