Anthony Albanese addresses NSW Labor Conference, denounces Pro-Palestinian protesters rallying outside
Addressing hundreds of Labor Party faithfuls, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a directed dig at pro-Palestinian protesters who flocked to the outside of Sydney’s Town Hall where the NSW branch’s annual conference was taking place.
From 10am, dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters, including one man covered in fake blood, converged on George St, holding flags and banners and chanting: “Albanese, blood on your hands”.
A large police contingent patrolled the central location, with organisers also enacting increased security measures that required attendees to undergo bag checks and be wanded by security upon arrival.
Camera IconAttendees chanted: ‘Albanese, blood on your hands’. NewsWire/ Monique Harmer Credit: News Corp Australia
The two-day event is also expected to be rocked by delegates calling for more action and a harsher stance by the party on Palestinian statehood.
Members will also likely clash on motions involving protest laws, child bail laws, and drug legalisation and pill testing services.
However, Mr Albanese said the Labor movement was one that chose “progress over protest”.
“We choose delivery and action over empty words, and our members choose to help vulnerable people inside elected offices – not intimidate them outside,” he said, directly lashing months-long protests which have resulted in the closure of his inner-west electorate office since January.
Camera IconDozens of protesters gathered outside Town Hall from 10am. NewsWire/ Monique Harmer Credit: News Corp AustraliaCamera IconA protester is seen speaking to a strong police contingent outside Sydney’s Town Hall. Credit: News Corp Australia, NewsWire/ Monique Harmer
Likely referencing Labor’s recent loss of face following the defection of Western Australian Senator Fatima Payman to the cross bench, Mr Albanese also doubled down on the party’s rules which say members must vote in unity.
“The Labor people in this hall always put the Australian people first and because in the end, when we’ve had our say, and we’ve made a decision, we go forward together as one, knowing we’re part of something bigger than any of us individuals,” he said.
Moments before, the Prime Minister and fiance Jodie Haydon entered the packed venue to rapturous applause, and soundtracked to an instrumental cover of The Killer’s Mr Brightside.
Addressing about 800 delegates comprised of state and federal MPs, trade unionists, and Labor Party faithful, Mr Albanese spruiked his federal government’s 66 urgent care clinics, new bulk billing incentives, and Labor’s ’same job, same pay’ labour policy.
Dodgy bosses were placed on notice, with the Prime Minister announcing government lawyers would be bought in to “back the workers”.
“Our principle is simple and our position is clear. Same job, same pay,” he said.
Camera IconAnthony Albanese entering the conference alongside partner Jodie Haydon. NewsWire/ Simon Bullard. Credit: News Corp AustraliaCamera Icon800 delegates filled Sydney’s Town Hall for the NSW Labor Conference. NewsWire / Simon Bullard. Credit: News Corp Australia
A further $350m of federal funding was also committed to the Thriving Suburbs program, which Mr Albanese announced would be open to every suburb across Australia from today.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was also lashed for his role as Health Minister under the Abbott government, with Mr Albanese jabbing: “Peter Dutton was so bad at his job that Tony Abbott sacked him”.
Mr Albanese also highlighted the nuclear versus renewable debate as a major point of contention for the yet-to-be-announced election poised for early 2025.
He repeated the same Labor party lines, lashing Mr Dutton’s plan to build seven nuclear reactors by 2050 as uncosted, and lacking in key details like the location of the reactors, and how they plan on dealing with nuclear waste.
However, Mr Albanese was adamant Australia didn’t have “time to waste”.
“The only asset we don’t have is time and that’s why the next election is about so much more than the next three years. It is about the next generation of Australian jobs and you we have a once in a generation chance to secure a new era of growth and fairness.”
Mr Albanese also paid tribute to his longtime Labor left ally and outgoing Indigenous Minister Linda Burney, who recently announced she would not be recontesting her inner-city seat of Barton at the next election.
“Linda’s approach has been defined by respect, listening, and cooperation. Doing things with the communities, not to them,” he said.
He said credited consultation between Ms Burney, federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek and the indigenous Mirrar people with the government’s recent announcement to add Jabiluka to the Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, which will prevent it from ever operating as a uraninum mine.
Previously it was leased by the Energy Resources of Australia.
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