1.1.      insert new paragraph (a):

(a)     The Party will adopt a community-organising model which aims to empower and equip members to work in their local communities on campaigns, to build stronger community connections and to recruit members. The community-organising model applies to State and Territory Branches and all other constituent units.

1. In addition to geographically based local branches within State and federal electorates,

   State and Territory Branches should consider different forms of rank and file

   organisation, such as:

   1. occupation, workplace and employment related branches,
   2. university and TAFE campus branches, and
   3. policy forums (including online forums).

   However, any attendance requirements in State and Territory Branch rules will continue

   only to be met through attendance at geographically based local branches.

2. The number of local branches in metropolitan areas should be consolidated to provide

   for larger meetings and better branch organisation.

3. Branches should be involved in local community activities, and should provide regular

   updates and suggestions of events in which members might participate.

4. Local branches and MPs should institute, and participate in, regular joint community

   consultation processes in their electorates to raise the profile of the ALP and provide

   feedback on policy and Party initiatives.

5. MPs and State and Territory Branches should respond to branch correspondence

   promptly so that branch members know their contribution has been considered.

6. State and Territory Branches should ask branches to nominate either a women’s

   officer or contact person to assist the development of equitable participation for

   women in the Party.

7. State and Territory Branch rules should provide for a forum of all members within each

   federal electorate to be held at least once each year.

8. The Federal Electorate Council (FEC), or combinations thereof, shall be encouraged to

   appoint a Women’s Contact Officer, Community Activities Officer and a Policy

   Development Officer when electing or appointing its executive.

9. The Community Activities Officer and Women’s Contact Officer shall assist the local

   branches to identify the major issues within the community, within which they should be

   active and assist in the development of either endorsed or unendorsed (depending on

   the State Branches) candidates for local government or other community bodies.

10. The State Branches shall assume within their organisational structure the

    responsibilities of coordinating the Women’s Contact Officers, Community Activities

    Officers and the Policy Development Officers.

11. The Policy Development Officer at a State Office level and at State and federal

    electorate level shall be responsible for coordinating policy input on local, State or

    federal matters, as appropriate, and work within a defined relationship between those

    electorate based Policy Committees and State and Territory Policy Committees and/or

    the National Policy Committee.

12. Each State Branch shall develop training programs for Branch executives, candidates

    and activists, as well as introductory programs for new Party members and mentoring

    and development programs targeting women. The National Secretariat shall assist in

    the development of such programs.

13. State and Territory Branches should form supporters clubs, and explore the possibility

    of the creation of an associate class of membership as a way of broadening

    involvement in the Party.

insert new NPO 14:

14.    The National Secretariat and State and Territory Branches must dedicate an adequate and meaningful budget allocation to new Party-building activities. State and Territory Branches must report to the National Executive on their budget allocations and activities annually.

1. State and Territory Branches should expand and improve the system of State and

   Territory Policy Committees, which should be linked to any policy forums that have

   been established.

2. All Party members should be eligible to attend State and Territory Policy Committee

   meetings to contribute specialised knowledge and expertise on policy issues. However,

   final decisions on policy documents should continue to be taken by elected Committee

   members. Committees should, where feasible, conduct forums and consultations in

   regional centres.

3. Resolutions passed by Party units should be circulated to the relevant Ministers and

   Shadow Ministers, State and Territory Policy Committees and the National Policy

   Committee for consideration and response.

 add new paragraph (d):

(d)     The Party will grant an amnesty to former members who have left the Party within the last five years, but who are willing to rejoin. The amnesty will include the restoration of full membership rights, but will not extend to any former member who has brought discredit on the Party or its representatives. Each State and Territory Branch must amend its rules to give effect to this paragraph.

1. Membership of the ALP is open to all residents of Australia who are prepared to accept

   its objectives and who have associations with no other political party or proscribed

   organisation. This right to join shall not be impaired other than in circumstances in

   which it can be demonstrated clearly that an individual cannot meet the requirement

   outlined above.

2. Members of the Party are encouraged to be members of a union or to employ union

   labour. State and Territory Branch rules should require members of the Party to be

   members of a union or to employ union labour to the maximum extent permitted by law.

3. To further encourage union members to join the Party, State and Territory Branches

   should offer discounts in membership subscriptions for members of affiliated unions.

replace paragraph (e) with:

(e)     MPs and State and Territory Branches should respond to branch correspondence promptly so that branch members know their contribution has been considered. The National Executive shall establish an online portal for branches and other constituent units to lodge resolutions and correspondence to Federal Ministers and MPs, and the National Policy Forum.

1. In addition to geographically based local branches within State and federal electorates,

   State and Territory Branches should consider different forms of rank and file

   organisation, such as:

   1. occupation, workplace and employment related branches,
   2. university and TAFE campus branches, and
   3. policy forums (including online forums).

   However, any attendance requirements in State and Territory Branch rules will continue

   only to be met through attendance at geographically based local branches.

2. The number of local branches in metropolitan areas should be consolidated to provide

   for larger meetings and better branch organisation.

3. Branches should be involved in local community activities, and should provide regular

   updates and suggestions of events in which members might participate.

4. Local branches and MPs should institute, and participate in, regular joint community

   consultation processes in their electorates to raise the profile of the ALP and provide

   feedback on policy and Party initiatives.

5. MPs and State and Territory Branches should respond to branch correspondence

   promptly so that branch members know their contribution has been considered.

6. State and Territory Branches should ask branches to nominate either a women’s

   officer or contact person to assist the development of equitable participation for

   women in the Party.

7. State and Territory Branch rules should provide for a forum of all members within each

   federal electorate to be held at least once each year.

8. The Federal Electorate Council (FEC), or combinations thereof, shall be encouraged to

   appoint a Women’s Contact Officer, Community Activities Officer and a Policy

   Development Officer when electing or appointing its executive.

9. The Community Activities Officer and Women’s Contact Officer shall assist the local

   branches to identify the major issues within the community, within which they should be

   active and assist in the development of either endorsed or unendorsed (depending on

   the State Branches) candidates for local government or other community bodies.

10. The State Branches shall assume within their organisational structure the

    responsibilities of coordinating the Women’s Contact Officers, Community Activities

    Officers and the Policy Development Officers.

11. The Policy Development Officer at a State Office level and at State and federal

    electorate level shall be responsible for coordinating policy input on local, State or

    federal matters, as appropriate, and work within a defined relationship between those

    electorate based Policy Committees and State and Territory Policy Committees and/or

    the National Policy Committee.

12. Each State Branch shall develop training programs for Branch executives, candidates

    and activists, as well as introductory programs for new Party members and mentoring

    and development programs targeting women. The National Secretariat shall assist in

    the development of such programs.

13. State and Territory Branches should form supporters clubs, and explore the possibility

    of the creation of an associate class of membership as a way of broadening

    involvement in the Party.

 insert new NPO 2:

2.      Federal, State and Territory Ministers must report back to their respective Party Conferences on the implementation of platform and policy commitments.

On matters that are not subject to National Platform or Conference or Executive decisions, or

their State and Territory equivalents, the majority decision of the relevant Parliamentary Labor

Party shall be binding upon all members of the parliament.

 Replace paragraph (a) with:

(a)     In all States the State Conference must comprise an equal number of delegates of affiliated unions and delegates directly elected by Party members in that State. The number of delegates who are not delegates of affiliated unions or delegates directly elected by Party members in that State must be no more than 5% of the total number of delegates. This principle applies to all State level Party bodies composed of direct representatives of affiliated unions and Party members. (This principle will not apply to Territory Branches until the proportion of unions affiliated is equivalent to that in the States.)

1. In all States the State Conference shall comprise 50 percent union representatives and

   50 percent constituency Party representatives. (This shall not bind Territory Branches

   until the proportion of unions affiliated is equivalent to that in the States. This principle

   shall apply to all State level Party units comprised of direct representatives of unions

   and constituency units.)

2. State Branches should increase or maintain the size of State Conferences, which

   should have greater rank and file involvement.

 Insert new NPO 6:

Voting

6.      No delegate to any Party conference or member of any Party body is entitled to exercise more than one vote, whether in their own right or as a proxy.

1. Membership of the ALP is open to all residents of Australia who are prepared to accept

   its objectives and who have associations with no other political party or proscribed

   organisation. This right to join shall not be impaired other than in circumstances in

   which it can be demonstrated clearly that an individual cannot meet the requirement

   outlined above.

2. Members of the Party are encouraged to be members of a union or to employ union

   labour. State and Territory Branch rules should require members of the Party to be

   members of a union or to employ union labour to the maximum extent permitted by law.

3. To further encourage union members to join the Party, State and Territory Branches

   should offer discounts in membership subscriptions for members of affiliated unions.

Replace “subject to those delegates being members of that union and financial members of the Party” with “subject to those delegates being financial members of that union and of the Party.”

Subject to rule 10(b), it shall be the right of each union to determine the criteria and

procedures for selection of its delegates, subject to those delegates being members of that

union and financial members of the Party.

 In Part D, add new resolution 16 to implement NPOs:

Affiliated Unions

16.    That, in order to encourage the participation of more union members in the Party, affiliated unions be requested to ask members on joining or renewing their membership to become involved in the Party, through such means as voting in primaries (if applicable), representing the union at Party conferences and joining the Party.

Insert new NPO 15 after NPO 14:

Central Policy Branches

15.    (a)     State and Territory Branches may establish Central Policy Branches or Forums in capital cities and major regional centres.

(b)     The National Secretariat should assist Central Policy Branches by providing lectures, presentations and seminars online for Party members.

1. Any member who meets the membership eligibility requirements shall be entitled to

   participate in voting for a candidate in any preselection covered by the applicable

   boundaries within which they reside, subject to clause 15(c).

2. The only residential boundaries that can affect that right are those devised by either

   federal, State or municipal electoral commissions. That is, the entitlement is guaranteed

   by the publicly known and independently drawn boundaries of respective electoral

   commissions. Therefore, if you live within the respective electorate and meet other

   criteria within the rules you are eligible to vote in the preselection.

3. To ensure the integrity of preselection ballots, no member shall receive a vote in any

   preselection unless that member is correctly enrolled with the Australian Electoral

   Commission to vote in a federal election. The member’s address for the purposes of

   preselection will be their enrolled address.

4. In order to ensure that MPs are fulfilling local responsibilities, State and Territory

   Branches must:

   1. introduce a system of compulsory candidate forums during preselection

      processes; and

   2. develop a system of reporting to federal electorate bodies the activities of

      their MP.

Part D, add new resolution 11

11. That, as a first step towards re-engaging with Party members, the National Secretariat conduct the first national survey of Party members to seek their views, expectations and attitudes to the Party. Suggestions about improving Party organisation should also be sought. That the results of the survey be published in summary form to members.

Part D, add new resolutions 12

12. That the National Executive discuss and determine a membership growth target for increasing membership over the next five years, with progress targets set for each year. That membership numbers achieved be reported on an annual basis to the membership. 

Part D, add new resolutions 13

13. That the Party appoint a National Director of Organising as a standalone position to grow membership and to assist the building of better branches. That the National Organising Director report growth activities to the National Executive. 

Part D, add new resolutions 14

14. That the Party establish a cost-effective national campaigning organising and training academy to boost the skills, awareness and knowledge of members to allow them to better participate in party-building and recruitment activities. 

Part D, add new resolutions 15

15. That a system of small, annual grants be established at a national level to assist with Party-building activities. That local branches be encouraged to apply for grants and the scheme be overseen by a panel of senior Party members, removed from the day-to-day affairs of the Party. 

In rule 9, replace paragraphs (a) and (b) with:
(a) The National President and two National Vice-Presidents must be directly elected from and by Party members in the 12 months before each triennial National Conference, with separate ballots by proportional representation, the first for the National President and the second for the two National Vice-Presidents.
(b) The National Vice-President elected first is the Senior National Vice-President and the National Vice-President elected second is the Junior National Vice-President.
(c) The National President and National Vice-Presidents hold office from the beginning of the National Conference after they are elected until their successors take office.

renumber accordingly

1. The National President and 2 National Vice-Presidents must be directly elected from

   and by Party members in the 12 months before each triennial National Conference in

   a single ballot by proportional representation with affirmative action in accordance

   with rule 10.

2. 1. The candidate first elected holds office in turn as National President, National

      Junior Vice-President and National Senior Vice-President.

   2. The candidate second elected holds office in turn as National Senior Vice-

      President, National President and National Junior Vice-President.

   3. The candidate third elected holds office in turn as National Junior Vice-President,

      National Senior Vice-President and National President.

   4. The term of office in each position is 12 months, beginning at the commencement

      of National Conference or on the anniversary of that date, except that the term of

      office in the third position ends at the commencement of the next triennial

      National Conference.

3. The National President, when available, will chair National Conference and meetings of

   the National Executive, and conduct such meetings in accordance with the National

   Conference Standing Orders. The National President will carry out any other duties

   referred by the National Executive.

4. The National Vice-Presidents in order of seniority will take the Chair in the absence of

   the National President, and carry out any other duties referred by the National

   Executive.

New NPO 5 with:
State and Territory Branch President and Vice-Presidents
5. Each State and Territory Branch must amend its rules so that its President and Vice-Presidents are directly elected from and by the Party members in that State or Territory on the same basis as the National President and Vice-Presidents under rule 9.

1. In all States the State Conference shall comprise 50 percent union representatives and

   50 percent constituency Party representatives. (This shall not bind Territory Branches

   until the proportion of unions affiliated is equivalent to that in the States. This principle

   shall apply to all State level Party units comprised of direct representatives of unions

   and constituency units.)

2. State Branches should increase or maintain the size of State Conferences, which

   should have greater rank and file involvement.

Amend rule 18 as follows:
In paragraph (a), subparagraph (i), replace “at its first meeting” with “within three months”.

In paragraph (a), subparagraph (ii), replace “three” with “five”.

In paragraph (c), replace “a member” with “three members”.

In paragraph (d), delete “on behalf of the National Executive ” and “; and making recommendations to the National Executive in relation to those appeals”, and replace “hearing” with “hearing and deciding”.

In paragraph (f), subparagraph (iii), delete “the National Executive and ” and replace “recommendations” with “decision”.

Replace paragraph (g) with:
(g) Decisions of the Tribunal are final and binding on all members, affiliated unions and constituent units.

In paragraph (h), delete ” and any direction of the National Executive”.

1. The National Executive must:
   1. at its first meeting after each triennial National Conference; and
   2. whenever there is a vacancy in a position;

      by a three-quarters majority of all voting members appoint three persons to form the

      panel for the National Appeals Tribunal.

2. A member of the panel may only be removed by a three-quarters majority of all voting

   members of the National Executive.

3. In respect of each appeal, the Tribunal is constituted by a member of the panel

   determined by lot under the supervision of the National Secretary.

4. The Tribunal is responsible on behalf of the National Executive for hearing all appeals

   by members, affiliated unions and constituent units of the Party that relate to:

   1. compliance with the National Constitution; or
   2. enforcement of the rights and obligations of members, affiliated unions and

      constituent units under the National Constitution;

      and making recommendations to the National Executive in relation to those appeals.

5. No appeal may be heard by the Tribunal until all practicable avenues of appeal have

   been exhausted under the rules of the relevant State or Territory Branch.

6. The Tribunal must:
   1. comply with the rules of procedural fairness in conducting hearings;
   2. (subject to paragraph (i)) conduct its hearings as expeditiously as possible; and
   3. give the National Executive and all parties to the appeal written reasons for its

      recommendations.

7. The National Executive:
   1. must promptly consider all recommendations of the Tribunal; and
   2. may make any decision in relation to the appeal it thinks fit.
8. The Tribunal:
   1. must prescribe guidelines for the conduct of appeals, including the granting of

      leave by the Tribunal to hear appeals; and

   2. may otherwise regulate its own procedure;

      subject to these Rules and any direction of the National Executive.

9. In this rule “National Constitution” has the same meaning as in rule 19.

   (j)

   The powers of the National Executive under this rule are in addition to, and not in

   derogation from, those contained in rule 7(c).

in NPO 15, add new paragraph (e):
(e) The National Executive and State Administrative Committees may only intervene in preselections as a last resort, rather than a first resort, and then only in exceptional circumstances.

1. Any member who meets the membership eligibility requirements shall be entitled to

   participate in voting for a candidate in any preselection covered by the applicable

   boundaries within which they reside, subject to clause 15(c).

2. The only residential boundaries that can affect that right are those devised by either

   federal, State or municipal electoral commissions. That is, the entitlement is guaranteed

   by the publicly known and independently drawn boundaries of respective electoral

   commissions. Therefore, if you live within the respective electorate and meet other

   criteria within the rules you are eligible to vote in the preselection.

3. To ensure the integrity of preselection ballots, no member shall receive a vote in any

   preselection unless that member is correctly enrolled with the Australian Electoral

   Commission to vote in a federal election. The member’s address for the purposes of

   preselection will be their enrolled address.

4. In order to ensure that MPs are fulfilling local responsibilities, State and Territory

   Branches must:

   1. introduce a system of compulsory candidate forums during preselection

      processes; and

   2. develop a system of reporting to federal electorate bodies the activities of

      their MP.

Insert new NPO 18:
18. (a) The National Secretariat should establish a Labor supporters network in accordance with guidelines made by the National Executive.
(b) The network will be governed by a board of independent, senior Party people and young activists drawn from the Party, union movement and progressive third party organisations.
(c) It will provide progressive Australians with:
(i) an online presence where they can engage with progressive ideas and policies;
(ii) a place to organise progressive campaigns; and
(iii) an opportunity to engage with the Party.

The National Executive will monitor the implementation of these National Principles of

Organisation in consultation with the State and Territory Branches. These Principles will apply

equally to all State and Territory Branches unless otherwise stated.

In Part D, after new resolution 15, insert new resolution 16 to implement NPOs:

16. That the Party at a national level institute a Labor Community Dialogue program as has occurred at State levels of the Party, to facilitate access and discussion between the Party, community organisations and community leaders, and that this be supported by an active series of online engagement opportunities that would connect progressive community organisations with the Party at both a membership and parliamentary level.

4.4. In Part C, after NPO 11, insert new NPOs 12

Non-Union Affiliates
12. State and Territory Branches should amend their rules to allow the affiliation of like-minded organisations, in addition to unions.

All Labor MPs must establish dialogue with local union activists in their electorates, including

frequent meetings with those union activists who work in their area. Senators and MLCs must

be invited to attend such meetings.

In Part C, after new NPO 12, insert new NPO 13

Campaign Groups
13. State and Territory Branches should grant campaign groups such as the Labor Environment Action Network and Rainbow Labor non-voting delegate rights at State and Territory Conferences and relevant policy committees, once they are able to demonstrate and verify membership of a sufficient size in accordance with criteria set by the National Executive.

1. In addition to geographically based local branches within State and federal electorates,

   State and Territory Branches should consider different forms of rank and file

   organisation, such as:

   1. occupation, workplace and employment related branches,
   2. university and TAFE campus branches, and
   3. policy forums (including online forums).

   However, any attendance requirements in State and Territory Branch rules will continue

   only to be met through attendance at geographically based local branches.

2. The number of local branches in metropolitan areas should be consolidated to provide

   for larger meetings and better branch organisation.

3. Branches should be involved in local community activities, and should provide regular

   updates and suggestions of events in which members might participate.

4. Local branches and MPs should institute, and participate in, regular joint community

   consultation processes in their electorates to raise the profile of the ALP and provide

   feedback on policy and Party initiatives.

5. MPs and State and Territory Branches should respond to branch correspondence

   promptly so that branch members know their contribution has been considered.

6. State and Territory Branches should ask branches to nominate either a women’s

   officer or contact person to assist the development of equitable participation for

   women in the Party.

7. State and Territory Branch rules should provide for a forum of all members within each

   federal electorate to be held at least once each year.

8. The Federal Electorate Council (FEC), or combinations thereof, shall be encouraged to

   appoint a Women’s Contact Officer, Community Activities Officer and a Policy

   Development Officer when electing or appointing its executive.

9. The Community Activities Officer and Women’s Contact Officer shall assist the local

   branches to identify the major issues within the community, within which they should be

   active and assist in the development of either endorsed or unendorsed (depending on

   the State Branches) candidates for local government or other community bodies.

10. The State Branches shall assume within their organisational structure the

    responsibilities of coordinating the Women’s Contact Officers, Community Activities

    Officers and the Policy Development Officers.

11. The Policy Development Officer at a State Office level and at State and federal

    electorate level shall be responsible for coordinating policy input on local, State or

    federal matters, as appropriate, and work within a defined relationship between those

    electorate based Policy Committees and State and Territory Policy Committees and/or

    the National Policy Committee.

12. Each State Branch shall develop training programs for Branch executives, candidates

    and activists, as well as introductory programs for new Party members and mentoring

    and development programs targeting women. The National Secretariat shall assist in

    the development of such programs.

13. State and Territory Branches should form supporters clubs, and explore the possibility

    of the creation of an associate class of membership as a way of broadening

    involvement in the Party.

In Part C, in NPO 13, add new paragraph (n):
(n) Labor Connect should be expanded as a membership organising and campaigning tool.

1. In addition to geographically based local branches within State and federal electorates,

   State and Territory Branches should consider different forms of rank and file

   organisation, such as:

   1. occupation, workplace and employment related branches,
   2. university and TAFE campus branches, and
   3. policy forums (including online forums).

   However, any attendance requirements in State and Territory Branch rules will continue

   only to be met through attendance at geographically based local branches.

2. The number of local branches in metropolitan areas should be consolidated to provide

   for larger meetings and better branch organisation.

3. Branches should be involved in local community activities, and should provide regular

   updates and suggestions of events in which members might participate.

4. Local branches and MPs should institute, and participate in, regular joint community

   consultation processes in their electorates to raise the profile of the ALP and provide

   feedback on policy and Party initiatives.

5. MPs and State and Territory Branches should respond to branch correspondence

   promptly so that branch members know their contribution has been considered.

6. State and Territory Branches should ask branches to nominate either a women’s

   officer or contact person to assist the development of equitable participation for

   women in the Party.

7. State and Territory Branch rules should provide for a forum of all members within each

   federal electorate to be held at least once each year.

8. The Federal Electorate Council (FEC), or combinations thereof, shall be encouraged to

   appoint a Women’s Contact Officer, Community Activities Officer and a Policy

   Development Officer when electing or appointing its executive.

9. The Community Activities Officer and Women’s Contact Officer shall assist the local

   branches to identify the major issues within the community, within which they should be

   active and assist in the development of either endorsed or unendorsed (depending on

   the State Branches) candidates for local government or other community bodies.

10. The State Branches shall assume within their organisational structure the

    responsibilities of coordinating the Women’s Contact Officers, Community Activities

    Officers and the Policy Development Officers.

11. The Policy Development Officer at a State Office level and at State and federal

    electorate level shall be responsible for coordinating policy input on local, State or

    federal matters, as appropriate, and work within a defined relationship between those

    electorate based Policy Committees and State and Territory Policy Committees and/or

    the National Policy Committee.

12. Each State Branch shall develop training programs for Branch executives, candidates

    and activists, as well as introductory programs for new Party members and mentoring

    and development programs targeting women. The National Secretariat shall assist in

    the development of such programs.

13. State and Territory Branches should form supporters clubs, and explore the possibility

    of the creation of an associate class of membership as a way of broadening

    involvement in the Party.

In Part B, in rule 17, add new paragraph (e):
(e) ALAC will include a Campaigns and Growth Forum based on the ACTU model, to connect affiliated unions, the Party and the FPLP into a more meaningful dialogue on shared challenges.

1. There will be an Australian Labor Advisory Council (ALAC), consisting of the Leader

   and senior members of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party, the National President

   and National Secretary or their nominees, and representatives of the Australian Council

   of Trade Unions.

2. The role of ALAC will be to provide a formal consultative mechanism between the Party

   and the union movement.

3. The National Policy Committee must consult with ALAC in relation to Party policy

   relevant to ALAC’s role, and resolutions of ALAC relevant to Party policy must be

   considered by the National Policy Committee.

4. ALAC must meet at least twice each year, the meetings to be resourced by the

   National Secretariat.

In Part C, in NPO 10, add new paragraph (c):
(c) The LAC will include a Campaigns and Growth Forum based on the ACTU model, to connect affiliated unions, the Party and the SPLP into a more meaningful dialogue on shared challenges.

1. Labor Advisory Council (LAC), consisting of the Leader and senior members of the

   State or Territory Parliamentary Labor Party, the State or Territory President and

   Secretary or their nominees, and representatives of the Trades and Labour Council or

   equivalent body in that State or Territory.

2. The role of the LAC will be to provide a formal consultative mechanism between the

   Party and the union movement in that State or Territory.

In Part C, in NPO 12, replace paragraph (b) with:
(b) All financial members of the Party are entitled to full membership rights one year after joining the Party. Those rights include being eligible for preselection and to stand and vote in Party elections. Each State and Territory Branch must amend its rules to give effect to this principle.

The following are to be established as minimum standards:

1. The process of joining the Party shall be simplified and all unnecessary impediments to

   that process shall be removed from State and Territory Branch rules.

2. Subject to any attendance requirements in the State or Territory, full membership

   rights in all States and Territories shall begin to accrue in accordance with the relevant

   State or Territory requirements and those rights shall accumulate, to a maximum,

   following two years consecutive membership. These rights include: being eligible for

   preselection; standing and voting for or standing on, the various Party bodies and

   executives.

3. Each State and Territory Branch must adopt rules that establish an appeals process in

   relation to compliance with and enforcement of Branch Rules by members, affiliated

   unions and constituent units of the Branch, such rules to be submitted to the National

   Executive for approval by 1 November 2003. The appeals process must include

   compliance with the rules of procedural fairness, expedited hearings and written

   reasons for decision.

In Part E, resolution 4, add new paragraph (e):

(e) (i) Conference notes the enormous progress that has been made since 2002 towards achieving the targets in rule 10.
(ii) Conference is of the view that the final attainment of the targets in rule 10 needs to be balanced with the desirability of not interfering in the preselection of sitting MPs.
(iii) Conference recognises this is a complex issue, which requires detailed consideration by both the National Executive and the National Labor Women’s Network.
(iv) Accordingly, Conference directs the National Executive and the NLWN Executive to establish a joint working group to report back to National Conference on the most appropriate mechanism for implementing the view Conference has expressed in subparagraph (ii).

In Part C, in NPO 13, delete paragraphs (c), (d), (g), (h), (i), (j) and (k).

1. In addition to geographically based local branches within State and federal electorates,

   State and Territory Branches should consider different forms of rank and file

   organisation, such as:

   1. occupation, workplace and employment related branches,
   2. university and TAFE campus branches, and
   3. policy forums (including online forums).

   However, any attendance requirements in State and Territory Branch rules will continue

   only to be met through attendance at geographically based local branches.

2. The number of local branches in metropolitan areas should be consolidated to provide

   for larger meetings and better branch organisation.

3. Branches should be involved in local community activities, and should provide regular

   updates and suggestions of events in which members might participate.

4. Local branches and MPs should institute, and participate in, regular joint community

   consultation processes in their electorates to raise the profile of the ALP and provide

   feedback on policy and Party initiatives.

5. MPs and State and Territory Branches should respond to branch correspondence

   promptly so that branch members know their contribution has been considered.

6. State and Territory Branches should ask branches to nominate either a women’s

   officer or contact person to assist the development of equitable participation for

   women in the Party.

7. State and Territory Branch rules should provide for a forum of all members within each

   federal electorate to be held at least once each year.

8. The Federal Electorate Council (FEC), or combinations thereof, shall be encouraged to

   appoint a Women’s Contact Officer, Community Activities Officer and a Policy

   Development Officer when electing or appointing its executive.

9. The Community Activities Officer and Women’s Contact Officer shall assist the local

   branches to identify the major issues within the community, within which they should be

   active and assist in the development of either endorsed or unendorsed (depending on

   the State Branches) candidates for local government or other community bodies.

10. The State Branches shall assume within their organisational structure the

    responsibilities of coordinating the Women’s Contact Officers, Community Activities

    Officers and the Policy Development Officers.

11. The Policy Development Officer at a State Office level and at State and federal

    electorate level shall be responsible for coordinating policy input on local, State or

    federal matters, as appropriate, and work within a defined relationship between those

    electorate based Policy Committees and State and Territory Policy Committees and/or

    the National Policy Committee.

12. Each State Branch shall develop training programs for Branch executives, candidates

    and activists, as well as introductory programs for new Party members and mentoring

    and development programs targeting women. The National Secretariat shall assist in

    the development of such programs.

13. State and Territory Branches should form supporters clubs, and explore the possibility

    of the creation of an associate class of membership as a way of broadening

    involvement in the Party.

Add an additional dot point that says “a Government target to increase the representation of women on Australian Government Boards to 40 percent by 2015”.

Add an additional dot point that says “adopting a target for Government Boards that by 2015 at least 40 percent of members should be women and 40 percent of members should be men”.

Labor will work to ensure women’s equal place in the world by:

• maintaining an active role in international forums to promote the rights of women including institutions formed under the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

• ensuring the Sex Discrimination Act and the powers of the commissioner are adequately protecting women against discrimination on the basis of gender and family responsibility

• supporting women’s representative organisations to participate in policy development

• applying sophisticated gender policy advice and analysis to policy development of the government

• supporting and promoting women’s leaders in all facets of Australian society through a range of regulatory and educative measures

• supporting the greater representation of women in all of Australia’s parliaments

• supporting diversity in corporate Australia, including in appointments to boards and at the executive level

• recognising the particular issues faced by Indigenous women, women of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, women with disabilities, rural women and young women and ensures that government policies and programs are funded, accessible and appropriate to their needs.

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Labor recognises the threat posed by climate change.  This is particularly acute in regional Australia.  Labor is committed to tackling climate change and ensuring support for regional Australia in responding to the challenge of climate change including drought, increased adverse weather events and environmental degradation. [insert] Labor recognises that in protecting our communities well resourced and maintained emergency services are necessary.

Labor recognises the threat posed by climate change. This is particularly acute in regional Australia and for employees and businesses in agriculture, tourism and related industries such as retail and hospitality. Labor is committed to tackling climate change and ensuring support for regional Australia in responding to the challenge of climate change including drought, increased adverse weather events and environmental degradation.

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Labor recognises that aviation plays a large part in connecting Australia to the world and linking our towns and cities, as well as serving the needs of regional and remote communities.  Labor developed Australia’s first ever comprehensive national Aviation White Paper that recognises that safety and security are critical for the travelling public, and that investment in planned airports and a strong domestic market and general aviation sector are crucial to the long-term future of aviation in Australia. [insert – Labor supports well-resourced and maintained emergency services for the aviation industry and is committed to developing an emergency response strategic plan for the aviation industry.] Labor supports ownership provisions for Australia’s airlines that keep the governance of these airlines in Australia.

Labor recognises that aviation plays a large part in connecting Australia to the world and linking our towns and cities, as well as servicing the needs of regional and remote communities. Labor developed Australia’s first ever comprehensive national Aviation White Paper that recognises that safety and security are critical for the travelling public, and that investment in well planned airports and a strong domestic market and general aviation sector are crucial for the long-term future of aviation in Australia. Labor supports ownership provisions for Australia’s airlines that keep the governance of these airlines in Australia.

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Protecting our biodiversity is a core environmental challenge, requiring research, regulation and protection, sustainable land management practices, forestry, parks and reserves, and co-operation with landholders, land managers, governments and agencies. 

Add new words:

Our environmental challenge extends to ensuring we have well resourced and equipped emergency services to protect and assist our communities as we respond to the emergencies we will face due to the effects of climate change.

Protecting our biodiversity is a core environmental challenge, requiring research, regulation and protection through sustainable land management practices, forestry, parks and reserves and cooperation with landholders, land managers, governments and agencies. Labor created Australia’s modern system of national parks, including the Kosciuszko National Park.

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Insert new sentence at the end of paragraph:

“Labor understands that a reform process that opens up the aged care sector to market forces entails risks for current and future consumers of aged care. Labor is committed to ensuring that all older Australians, regardless of wealth or circumstance are able to access quality care. Labor recognises the importance of strong and effective regulation of the aged care sector in achieving this commitment.”

The reform process will open up the sector to increased competition, will aim to improve quality of care and will require those who have the capacity to pay to contribute to the services they receive. Within this reform process Labor is committed to ensuring that all older Australians, regardless of wealth or circumstance, are able to access quality care.

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“Labor recognises that a move towards greater provision of community care is not possible without fair and competitive wages and improved working conditions. Without such conditions, the attraction and retention of staff will be problematic, leading to reduced quality and worsening care outcomes. Labor will continue to invest in community care services to meet these goals.”

Labor recognises that support in the home is vital to meeting the needs of an ageing population and that there is an increasing demand for home support services. Older Australians want to stay in their own homes for the duration of their lives wherever possible. Labor is committed to the provision of services that help older Australians remain independent and in their own homes, close to their family and community wherever possible.

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“Without changes to the workforce, attraction and retention of staff will continue to be problematic and potentially lead to negative quality and care outcomes”

Labor strongly supports the vital work performed by all staff in the aged care system, including nursing and personal care staff and will seek to address remuneration issues through the aged care reform process. Without changes to the workforce, attraction and retention of staff will continue to be problematic and potentially lead to negative quality and care outcomes.

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“Labor recognises that there has been a high level of staff turnover in the aged care sector and is committed to reducing this through a range of mechanisms including competitive and fair wages, better career structures, and improved entitlements.”

Labor recognises that there has been a high level of staff turnover in the aged care sector and is committed to reducing this through a range of mechanisms including competitive wages , better career structures and improved entitlements. Labor is committed to ensuring aged care staff are retained for the long-term.

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Amend existing to read:

“Labor is committed to developing the workforce and through various programs including the Workforce Development Fund, to assist aged care workers to obtain vocational aged care qualifications. Through the National Workforce Development Fund and other programs including Recognition of Current Competencies programs, Labor will support aged care workers to obtain vocational qualifications that are tied to fair and competitive wage outcomes. While Labor remains committed to the aim that Certificate Level III becomes the mandatory minimum qualification, existing workers should not be disadvantaged.”

Labor is committed to developing the workforce and through various programs including the Workforce Development Fund, to assist aged care workers to obtain vocational aged care qualifications. While Labor remains committed to the aim that Certificate Level III becomes the mandatory minimum qualification, existing workers should not be disadvantaged.

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“Labor believes that not only are each of the stages of education important in and of themselves, the transitions between them are also vital times that can be stressful for both students and their parents. Ensuring that every student has a clear pathway between the different levels assists their education and promotes lifelong learning.” 

Preamble:

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Replace all references to ‘childcare’ with ‘early childhood education and care’.

19

Labor’s Education Revolution regards early childhood education and care for our young children as national priorities. This includes the expansion of high quality, integrated, accessible and affordable early learning and care programs.

20

Labor recognises that experiences in early childhood heavily influence the opportunities and life chances of young Australians. Learning and development therefore must be at the centre of our system of Early Childhood Education and Care. Creating this 21st century early childhood education and care system is the responsibility of all levels of government. Our goal is to provide universal preschool education for all children by 2013.

21

Labor will work to create nationally consistent early education standards in cooperation with early childhood educators, ECEC providers and unions, looking specifically at the role of play-based learning, pre-literacy and pre-numeracy skills, and the integration of care and learning in all early childhood settings.

22

Labor is committed to:

• providing high-quality early education and care options that are flexible, accessible, affordable and convenient for parents

• ensuring government funding is tied to workforce and quality care outcomes

• supporting employment and education participation through the provision of early education and care and out of school hour care options that are flexible, accessible and affordable.

23

Labor believes that cost must not be a barrier to early childhood education and care, and will work with all state and territory governments to make early childhood education and care services more affordable for families.

24

Labor will better target assistance to overcome income and location disadvantage in accessing of early childhood education and care.

25

Labor believes that quality care for children can only be provided by a highly-skilled, professional and well-paid workforce. To this end, Labor is:

• cutting tuition fees for students taking Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses in Children’s Services at TAFE colleges around Australia

• creating additional university places in Early Childhood Education courses

• providing additional financial support to early childhood educators working in hard-to-staff areas, with assistance to reduce HECS-HELP debts incurred through their studies.

26

Labor supports:

• improving wages and conditions for existing workers and to assist in the recruitment of new qualified workers

• addressing occupational health and safety concerns, including immunisation and first aid courses for children’s services workers and additional cleaning staff

• better matching supply and demand of childcare places.

27

Labor will also:

• coordinate a national program of recognition of prior learning for experienced childcare professionals to attain formal qualifications

• support dedicated programming time in centres

• work to reduce staff-to-child ratios in childcare centres, to improve quality of care by enabling childcare professionals to develop secure attachments with children

• work with state and territory governments to phase in a Certificate III in Children’s Services as a mandatory minimum qualification for childcare professionals.

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Amend to read:

“Labor’s Education Revolution regards early childhood education and care for our young children as national priorities. This includes the expansion of high quality, integrated, accessible and affordable early learning and care programs, including early intervention programs for students with extra educational needs.”

Labor’s Education Revolution regards early childhood education and care for our young children as national priorities. This includes the expansion of high quality, integrated, accessible and affordable early learning and care programs.

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Insert new sentence at the end of paragraph:

“Through record investment in fee assistance Labor is committed to ensuring that early childhood education and care remains affordable for Australian families, particularly during this period of reform for the early childhood education and care sector.”

Labor believes that cost must not be a barrier to early childhood education and care, and will work with all state and territory governments to make early childhood education and care services more affordable for families.

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“Labor recognises the historical barriers to genuine enterprise bargaining in the early child sector that have resulted in low wages for skilled childcare professionals. These barriers include the highly feminised workforce, multiple small sites of employment, limited community recognition of the work and the high responsibility placed on the workforce, making industrial action difficult”

Preamble:

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Amend to read:

“Labor understands and values the benefits that flow from parental involvement in education, including parent participation in school decision-making and governance, especially in disadvantaged communities. Labor will work towards a more systematic approach to supporting parent engagement in our schools.”

Labor understands and values the benefits that flow from parental involvement in education, especially in disadvantaged communities. Labor will work towards a more systematic approach to supporting parent engagement in our schools.

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Amend final sentence to read:

“Labor recognises the excellent work currently performed by the nation’s teachers, lecturers and all members of the school and education community, in often challenging circumstances.”

Labor recognises that a strong education system committed to the highest possible academic standards for every child is essential for the creation of a fair and prosperous society.Labor recognises the excellent work currently performed by the nation’s teachers and lecturers, in often challenging circumstances.

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“Labor recognises the important work and contribution of education support workers and non-teaching support staff to the school community. It is vital that these workers continue to be directly employed by the States and Territories to ensure a cohesive and integrated education community.”

Preamble:

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Replace existing with: “Labor celebrates the fact that more Indigenous children are attending school than ever before, however recognises that current levels of Indigenous school participation and attainment are still unacceptable. Indigenous people have the power to change their children’s lives by ensuring that their children attend school. Evidence shows that higher school attendance rates will provide better employment, health and life outcomes and opportunities for Indigenous children. Labor will support Indigenous families and communities to take responsibility for getting their children to school each day.”

Labor also believes that, like other Australians, Indigenous Australians have a responsibility to make sure their children go to school to give their children the best possible start in life. Current levels of Indigenous school participation and attainment are unacceptable, and Labor will support Indigenous families and communities to take responsibility for getting their children to school each day.

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Insert new dot point:

“Labor strongly opposes the introduction and use of full fee degrees for undergraduate courses in Australian universities.”

Labor will:

• steadily increase levels of national investment in higher education as part of a funding framework that at least maintains the value of public funding for teaching and research in public universities

• work towards a national target of 40 per cent of 25-34 year olds holding bachelors degree or higher by 2025, by ensuring that future funding for Australia’s public universities is responsive to student demand

• work towards the achievement of a national target of 20 per cent of university undergraduate enrolments made up of low socioeconomic background students by 2020, through support for innovative programs to assist universities to attract, support and retain students from under-represented groups

• support a joined-up tertiary sector to make it easier for students with VET qualifications to articulate into higher education degree programs to build their skills

• work towards the closing of the gaps in Indigenous participation and retention in higher education for Indigenous students and Indigenous academic staff

• provide access to university for students with disabilities through innovative programs that support universities to promote and disability access

• recognise and support the important role that regional universities and campuses play in making higher educational opportunities available to regional students and in the development and support of regional communities

• support strong, effective oversight of the international education sector, with the protection of international students at its core, through a risk-based regulatory framework, independent scrutiny and quality assurance

• support universities in planning for their future academic workforce needs in a growing higher education system

• focus on the quality of educational outcomes in higher education, rather than interfering in the internal management of universities.

The Murray Darling Basin is one of the most significant river systems in Australia with considerable cultural, social, environmental and economic value.

Decades of overextraction from the Basin left many areas of the Basin close to collapse during the recent drought.

Labor welcomes the release of the draft Murray Darling Basin Plan on 28 November and notes this significant step on the path to returning the Basin to a more sustainable level of health.

Labor endorses the ambition of a healthy working Basin which underpins healthy rivers, strong communities and sustainable food production.

Labor notes that since 2008, 1,068 gigalitres of water have been recovered for the environment, mainly through the Australian Government’s Water for the Future Program. This water is already delivering substantial environmental benefits in providing environmental flows to wetlands and floodplains across the Basin.

Labor calls for a Murray Darling Basin Plan which keeps the Mouth of the River Murray open nine years out of ten to enable the export of salt and sediment from the system.

Labor calls for a Murray Darling Basin Plan which, within legal and physical constraints, returns enough water to the Basin to protect key environmental sites, including, but not limited to the Ramsar wetland sites.

Labor calls for the Government to continue to bridge the gap to new Sustainable Diversion Limits as the Murray Darling Basin Plan is finalised.

Labor will restore the balance in the Murray-Darling Basin through the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, an independent authority that was established under Labor as a result of an historic agreement with basin states for a referral of powers. As a priority, the authority will develop a new sustainable basin plan and cap. This plan will include a sustainable limit on the amount of water that can be taken from rivers and groundwater systems, to take effect as existing basin water plans expire.

Amend dot point 16 on page 103 to read:

supported working families by lifting the Child Care Rebate to 50 per cent of out-of-pocket costs up to a cap of $7,500 per child per year and made it available to all parents with children in childcare on a fortnightly basis

Insert new dot point immediately after dot point 16:

contributed $273.3 million to support the introduction of the new National Quality Framework, which will improve staff to child ratios so children receive more individual care and attention, and improve staff qualifications so educators are better able to help children learn and develop.

Preamble:

Amend heading between 114 and 115 by deleting words “against same sex couples”

 Delete paragraphs 118, 119, 120 and replace with:

118 Labor will amend the Marriage Act to ensure equal access to marriage under statute for all adult couples irrespective of sex who have a mutual commitment to a shared life.

119 These amendments should ensure that nothing in the Marriage Act imposes an obligation on a minister of religion to solemnise any marriage.

118

Labor will take action to ensure the development of a nationally consistent framework that provides:

• the opportunity for all couples who have a mutual commitment to a shared life to have their relationship officially recognised

• equal rights for all couples in Federal and State laws.

119

Labor will review relationship recognition arrangements to ensure national consistency.

120

These reforms are to be implemented consistently with Labor’s commitment to maintaining the definition of marriage as currently set out in the Marriage Act.

“In Part B, in Rule 9 replace (b) with”

‘b) (i) The candidate first elected holds office as National President.

     (ii) The candidate second elected holds office as National Senior Vice President

    (iii) The candidate third elected holds office as National Junior Vice President

    (iv) The term of office of each position begins at the commencement of National Conference and ends at the commencement of the next triennial National Conference.’

“In Part B in Rule 7 in Paragraph (a) replace subparagraph (i) with

‘(i) The National Presidents and Vice Presidents who are directly elected by Party     members in accordance with rule 9a), have the full rights of a delegate, including that of voting.’

“In Part B in Rule 6

In Paragraph a) replace “400” with ‘403′

In Paragraph j replace (i) with:

‘The National President and Vice Presidents shall have full rights of a delegate at National Conference including voting’

“In Part C in NPO 5 insert new sub-paragraph 5(c)

‘c) Each State and Territory Branch must amend its rules so that its President and Vice Presidents are elected from and by members  in the State or Territory on the same basis as the National Presidents and Vice Presidents under Rule 9. The rights and responsibilities of the President and Vice Presidents must also be based on the National rules.’

Preamble:

“In Part C, in NPO 15, add new paragraph (e)

‘(e) The National Executive and State Administrative Committees may only intervene in pre-selections as a last resort, rather than a first resort, and then only in exceptional circumstances. Such interventions may only occur where there is an affirmative vote of at least 75% of the National Executive or State Administrative Committee to do so and where interventions take place the National Executive or State Administrative Committee must provide an open written explanation to Party members. States and Territories will amend their rules to provide for a shortened pre-selection process which retains local members’ voting rights in the case of unexpected elections.”‘

Preamble:

“In Part C, in NPO 13, add new paragraph (n)

(n) Labor Connect should be expanded as a membership organising and campaigning tool and as a means for members to contribute to and participate in Party policy development“

Preamble:

3 Our public services and institutions have a critical role to play in building the Australia of the 21st century. Labor recognises the importance of long term planning to fund the public service. This will ensure that the public service can attract and retain the high skilled employees needed to provide high quality policy solutions that address the big issues facing Australia, and provide better services now and in the future.

Our public services and institutions have a critical role to play in building the Australia of the 21st century. This will require long-term planning by government around funding for public services, workforce development and building a better coordinated public service.

11 Labor recognises the important role of Australia’s public services in providing essential services for the entire community, while also providing long-term policy advice for government that serves the national interest. Labor believes public services should be efficient, high quality, effective and accountable. They should be protected from interference from government, the private sector or political parties with decisions to outsource public services not made solely on cost.

Labor recognises the important role of Australia’s public services in providing essential services for the entire community, while also providing long-term policy advice for government that serves the national interest. Labor believes public services should be efficient and accountable and they should also be protected from interference from government, the private sector or political parties.

12 Labor acknowledges that the Productivity Commission is an important tool to assist government in policy making. However, Labor recognises that the Productivity Commission should, as part of its charter, be obliged to take account of social and environmental considerations, as well as economic considerations, in reporting and making recommendations. Labor will ensure the Productivity Commission is highly skilled and reflective of the broader community including trade unions, non-government organisations, economists, the business and investment community and academia.

Labor acknowledges that the Productivity Commission is an important tool to assist government in policy making. However, Labor recognises that the Productivity Commission should, as part of its charter, be obliged to take account of social and environmental considerations, as well as economic considerations, in reporting and making recommendations.

Labor achievements. We have:

delivered measures to make government more open and accountable, such as holding Community Cabinets across the country. Labor is committed to continuing Community Cabinet meetings across Australia and will ensure that Ministers at the highest levels are made available through these public forums

introduced the first Federal Lobbying Code of Conduct to help build trust in government processes. For the first time, over 500 lobbyists who represent third parties have publicly registered. Labor is committed to the ongoing use of the Lobbying Code of Conduct and Lobbyist Register

introduced new guidelines on government advertising, which take the politics out of government communications, and have set up an Independent Communications Committee to independently review campaign advertising

strengthened Freedom of Information legislation

introduced a revised code setting out new Standards of Ministerial Ethics, requiring ministers to act with integrity and fairness

required ministers to divest themselves of all shareholdings other than through broadly diversified investment vehicles, managed funds or trust arrangements

introduced a ‘cooling-off’ period of 18 months before former Ministers can take up jobs with lobbying and other private sector companies in their previous areas of responsibilities; and 12 months before advisers can work as third party lobbyists in their former areas of expertise

introduced the first Code of Conduct for Ministerial staff

prohibited electoral fundraising at the Lodge or Kirribilli House

introduced and published the first Annual Report on Ministerial and Parliamentary Staff

developed a National Compact Working Together with the not-for-profit sector

established a Not-for-Profit Sector Reform Council to help drive the government’s plans to reform the sector

developed, in partnership with the sector, a National Compact and set up a Not-for-Profit Sector Reform Council to support its implementation for a vibrant, independent and innovative not-for-profit sector

provided funding to the not-for-profit section to:

develop additional emergency relief and financial counselling services

support innovative projects such as low interest loans and matched savings schemes

restored the staff-elected commissioner position on the ABC Board

established a career transition and support centre in the APSC to provide redeployment opportunities for public servants and built on this through detailed redeployment principles.

15

Labor is committed to high quality media that is accessible and diverse, and provides choice and breadth in information, opinion, education and entertainment. Labor believes that a nation as large and diverse as ours needs national broadcasting institutions that are publicly owned and run in the national interest. These institutions are central to building national unity, and to recognising the diversity that makes us a strong community.

16

Labor has a long-standing commitment to constitutional reform to modernise our democratic structures and make our public administration more effective, efficient and prepared to deal with the challenges of the 21st century. Labor believes that first and foremost our Constitution should reflect Australia’s status as a parliamentary democracy and an independent nation.

ADD AT end of 19: 

recognises the role of local government.

NEW 20

Labor will continue using the COAG process to modernise our federation and improve the delivery of important services in areas like health, education, transport, water, emergency services and Indigenous equality.

Labor recognises that constitutional reform must be underpinned by popular ownership of the reform agenda, broad political support and effective community education. Labor remains committed to constitutional reform that:

• entrenches the principle of one vote, one value for all elections, to ensure equal participation for all regardless of place of residence

• allows simultaneous, fixed four-year terms for the House of Representatives and the Senate

• prevents the Senate rejecting, deferring or blocking appropriation bills

• removes the barrier on election to parliament of a person holding an office of profit under the

• Crown, provided that office is relinquished on election

• allows all Australian citizens to contest Commonwealth elections

• removes racially discriminatory provisions from the Constitution, in particular by amending or removing section 25 and section 51(xxvi) to ensure they cannot be used to discriminate against Indigenous Australians

• makes clear the capacity of the Commonwealth and the states to work together using the full range of cooperative schemes to achieve harmonised laws and national enforcement regimes.

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Replace dot point 6 with:

 “Support the role of group training companies particularly in facilitating employment and training for apprentices engaged by employers in the resources sector on major projects.”

Insert additional dot point seven

“Develop and enhance incentives for employers to increase the number of apprentices they engage and provide increased mentoring and other support for employers committed to training our future workforce”.

Labor will:

• establish and implement minimum national standards and individual training plans for the protection of apprentices and trainees

• focus on quality apprenticeship and traineeship programs and on higher skill levels, ensuring that public funding is directly linked to the level of training effort, the completion of quality outcomes and the development of future skill needs

• make sure all apprenticeship and traineeship programs deliver full qualifications consistent with the national qualifications framework

• ensure that trades qualifications continue to promote a combination of work and on-the-job training, so that the career paths for workers are enhanced

• ensure there is sufficient funding available for on and off-the-job training for apprentices, especially in regional and rural Australia

• develop and enhance the role of group training companies.

paragraph 23 ADD two new dotpoints: 

• continue to build confidence in the system by effectively investigating and reporting all claims of electoral malpractice
• commit to advance the cause of making electoral enrolment and voting as quick, simple and flexible as possible, seeking to maximise the franchise consistent with maintaining the integrity of the system. Labor will further amend electoral legislation to ensure the capacity of Australians to participate in the electoral system is undiminished, and extended where possible and appropriate.

add new paragraph 24

Labor acknowledges the decision of the High Court during the 2010 election campaign on the matter of new voters. Labor has legislated to give effect to that decision and will consider further amendments to allow enrolments as close to the election date, up to and including polling day.

Labor remains committed to constitutional reform that:

• Allows simultaneous, fixed four-year terms for the House of Representatives and the Senate. Should the Commonwealth establish fixed four year terms, Labor will amend subsection 394(1) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 to allow the states and territories to move their electoral systems into line with the Commonwealth.

Building on the improvements made to date, Labor will:

• encourage public debate about reform of our electoral laws including enrolment and electoral participation

• ensure that disadvantaged groups are not excluded from the democratic process

• introduce a new scheme for the regulation of political financing, including donations, other revenues, expenditures, and record-keeping

• ensure maximum opportunities for enrolment and involvement in our electoral process

• should the Commonwealth establish fixed four year terms, Labor will amend subsection 394(1) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 to allow the states and territories to move their electoral systems into line with the Commonwealth.

AFTER 29 add moved 34 and amend

34 Access to government information and decision-making facilitate the workings of our democratic system, allowing the public and community to obtain reasonable access to government records and documents that affect their lives. Labor has a long standing commitment to the creation of more comprehensive and effective public interest disclosure laws, to enhance the openness and transparency of public administration. Labor will work with stakeholders, including unions to create new arrangements for the handling of public interest disclosures within the federal public sector. The legislation will include: clearer procedures governing how agencies deal with public interest disclosures protections extending beyond current public servants, and applying to the full range of government services the provision of a clear framework in reporting procedures and requirements central monitoring, oversight and reporting to government on public interest disclosures enhanced protections for whistleblowers.

Labor will continue to promote transparency and accountability by maintaining and promoting a pro-disclosure culture across Australian government agencies.

32 All Australians enjoy the right to exercise their freedom of speech in a manner that respects the individual and collective rights enjoyed by other Australians and allows others to live free from violence, the fear of violence or the threat of violence. To protect freedom of speech further, Labor will:

DELETE BOLD SECTION legislate for proper Freedom of Information laws that enable Australians to access appropriate information about government activities

All Australians enjoy the right to exercise their freedom of speech in a manner that respects the individual and collective rights enjoyed by other Australians and allows others to live free from violence, the fear of violence or the threat of violence. To protect freedom of speech further, Labor will:

• legislate for proper Freedom of Information laws that enable Australians to access appropriate information about government activities

• move to implement the Australian Law Reform Commission recommendations on sedition laws

• provide shield laws to protect confidential sources and recognise the public interest in giving the community appropriate access to information

• review secrecy laws and laws that criminalise disclosure of matters of public interest.

DELETE WHOLE OF 34 because it has been moved to between 28/29

36 Labor believes that the Australian Public Service and the wider public sector have a crucial role to play in nation building. Public services should be properly funded to deliver quality public policy, foster innovation, achieve best practice and create quality jobs.

37 We believe the APS should be:

• professional and apolitical
• strong, independent and well-resourced
• committed to equality and social cohesion as well as economic efficiency
• accountable for meeting high standards of service delivery
• recruited from the brightest and best in the Australian community
• allowed and encouraged to provide frank and fearless advice
• a model employer in terms of consultation, internal communication, union engagement, and the conditions of employment and opportunities for advancement for its staff, including through continuous education and lifelong learning
• subject to democratic oversight through parliament and relevant bodies including the Auditor-General, the Australian National Audit Office, the Commonwealth Ombudsman and the Australian Public Service Commission
• subject to independent administrative review of its actions
• a leader in environmental best practice.

38 Labor has always been a strong advocate and protector of the professionalism and integrity of the public service. We will work with the public service and unions to ensure the public service is efficient, effective and responsive to the changing requirements of the Australian people.

39 Labor recognises that:

• Australians want a career public service without partisanship
• public service employment must be fair and equitable
• there is necessarily a limit on, and need for public scrutiny of, top public service remuneration
• there must be an ethos of public service
• outcomes are funded by public money.

40 Labor will ensure that these special elements are reflected in public service industrial relations arrangements by:

• supporting a single, unified APS by addressing current pay inequities through an agreed mechanism to achieve equal pay for work of equal value across the APS
• ensuring service-wide productivities are recognised as efficiency gains by APS agencies and that these gains are shared between government, employees and the community
• ensuring best practice bargaining arrangements including genuine negotiation over pay and conditions
• ensuring genuine, good faith consultation on all matters affecting employees in the workplace
• facilitating support for the role of unions and delegates in the workplace
• ensuring secure, comprehensive, service-wide standards and classifications
• ensuring secure superannuation arrangements in industrial instruments. Labor will maintain at least 15.4 per cent employer contribution to the superannuation of Commonwealth government employees, regardless of choice of fund.
• emphasising training and career development
• enabling public servants to balance work and family responsibilities
• ensuring appeal and review rights
• encouraging direct employment and limiting hiring on a contract basis
• enabling employment mobility across the whole of the public service
• providing adequate agency funding across the whole of the APS
• centrally and fully funding measures that address pay inequities in low-paying public sector agencies with a high proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff
• taking further active steps to increase the proportion of Indigenous employees in the APS including the provision of meaningful career development and regularly reviewing the effectiveness of those measures in achieving that goal
• taking further active steps to increase the proportion of people with a disability employed in the APS and ensuring they have access to meaningful career development and regularly reviewing the effectiveness of those measures in achieving that goal
• ensuring that contracting-out is not used as a vehicle to cut wages and working conditions for public sector employees
• establishing staffing levels commensurate with workloads.

41 Labor will work with unions and employees to investigate a range of alternatives for measuring agency efficiency and identify alternative measures to the efficiency dividend that allow APS agencies to most efficiently and effectively deliver government services and develop public policy.

42 Labor will build on the measures it has taken in office by:

• introducing merit-based selection procedures to the appointment of agency heads-other than departmental secretaries-and statutory offices working within or closely with APS agencies
• continuing to support and fund special programs aimed at increasing the proportion of Indigenous employees in the APS
• attaching renewed priority to the employment of people with disabilities in the APS
• establishing an Ethics Advisory Service in the APSC.

36

Labor believes that the Australian Public Service and the wider public sector have a crucial role to play in nation building. Public services should be funded to deliver quality public policy, foster innovation, achieve best practice and create quality jobs.

37

We believe the APS should be:

• professional and apolitical

• strong, independent and well-resourced

• committed to equality and social cohesion as well as economic efficiency

• accountable for meeting high standards of service delivery

• recruited from the brightest and best in the Australian community

• a model employer in terms of the conditions of employment and opportunities for advancement for its staff, including through continuous education and lifelong learning

• subject to democratic oversight through parliament and relevant bodies including the Auditor-General, the Australian National Audit Office, the Commonwealth Ombudsman and the Australian Public Service Commission

• subject to independent administrative review of its actions

• a leader in environmental best practice.

38

Labor has always been a strong advocate and protector of the professionalism and integrity of the public service. We will ensure the public service is efficient, effective and responsive to the changing requirements of the Australian people.

39

Labor recognises that:

• Australians want a career public service without partisanship

• public service employment must be fair and equitable

• there is necessarily a limit on, and need for public scrutiny of, top public service remuneration

• there must be an ethos of public service

• outcomes are funded by public money.

40

Labor will ensure that these special elements are reflected in public service industrial relations arrangements by:

• supporting a single, unified APS by addressing current pay inequities through an agreed mechanism to achieve equal pay for work of equal value across the APS

• ensuring service-wide productivities are recognised as efficiency gains by APS agencies

• ensuring best practice bargaining arrangements including genuine negotiation over pay and conditions

• ensuring genuine consultation on all matters affecting employees in the workplace

• facilitating support for the role of unions and delegates in the workplace

• ensuring secure, comprehensive, service-wide standards and classifications

• ensuring secure superannuation arrangements in industrial instruments

• emphasising training and career development

• enabling public servants to balance work and family responsibilities

• ensuring appeal and review rights

• encouraging direct employment and limiting hiring on a contract basis

• enabling employment mobility across the whole of the public service

• providing adequate agency funding across the whole of the APS

• centrally and fully funding measures that address pay inequities in low-paying public sector agencies with a high proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff

• taking further active steps to increase the proportion of Indigenous employees in the APS and regularly reviewing the effectiveness of those measures in achieving that goal

• ensuring that contracting-out is not used as a vehicle to cut wages and working conditions for public sector employees

• establishing staffing levels commensurate with workloads.

41

Labor will work with unions and employees to investigate a range of alternatives for measuring agency efficiency and identify alternative measures to the efficiency dividend that allow APS agencies to most efficiently and effectively deliver government services and develop public policy.

42

Labor will build on the measures it has taken in office by:

• introducing merit-based selection procedures to the appointment of agency heads – other than departmental secretaries – and statutory offices working within or closely with APS agencies

• continuing to support special programs aimed at increasing the proportion of Indigenous employees in the APS

• attaching renewed priority to the employment of people with disabilities in the APS

• establishing an Ethics Advisory Service in the APSC.

Insert new heading between 64 and 65 – Australian media

Labor is increasing the transparency of government contracts by limiting the use of commercial- in-confidence exclusions in public documents. All government agencies are required to maintain a register of commercial-in-confidence exclusions, to be periodically tabled in parliament and subject to scrutiny by the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit.

Insert new heading between 64 and 65 – Australian media

Labor is increasing the transparency of government contracts by limiting the use of commercial- in-confidence exclusions in public documents. All government agencies are required to maintain a register of commercial-in-confidence exclusions, to be periodically tabled in parliament and subject to scrutiny by the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit.

72 The Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the Special Broadcasting Service are two of Australia’s most important public institutions. Labor acknowledges the unique operations of these broadcasting services and is committed to ensuring adequate funding and support for Australia’s public broadcasters, to enable them to continue to provide Australians with high quality broadcasting services, free from political and commercial interference.

73 Labor recognises the importance of the ABC being maintained as an independent and comprehensive national public broadcaster, catering for a diversity of interests in the Australian community.

74 Labor recognises that the SBS provides a unique national broadcasting service that promotes a multicultural Australia, and provides services to Australians from non-English speaking backgrounds which are not delivered by the ABC or the commercial broadcasting sector.

75 Labor will:

• ensure public broadcasters cater to the needs of urban, regional and rural Australia, providing coverage of local news, current affairs and community activities
• provide programs and services relevant to young Australians, including specialist children’s programming available on digital channel ABC3
• ensure the ABC produces high levels of distinctive local content
• work with Indigenous people to provide services and programs relevant to them and their communities
• provide comprehensive coverage of a broad range of sporting and artistic activities
• ensure board members are appointed on the basis of merit
• restore (DELETE maintain) a staff-elected commissioner position on the ABC board, by passing the necessary legislation before the end of the current term of parliament
• continue to invest in youth-accessible current affairs, and look to establish new services using new media
• support and promote Australia’s external broadcasters in radio, television and digital platforms, which encourage awareness of Australian values around the world and build closer ties in our region.

76 Labor will also ensure that the ban on ABC advertising and sponsorship remains in place. Labor will also ensure that advertising is not permitted on ABC branded websites. Labor commits to no extension of the current advertising quotas on SBS to ensure that SBS remains a publicly funded broadcaster.

77 Labor will provide adequate funding on a triennial basis to the ABC and SBS to ensure they can deliver quality public broadcasting services. Labor will ensure that the national broadcasters are able to exploit the potential of new technology to deliver attractive and innovative content over digital television and the internet including regional broadband hubs on ABC websites.

72

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the Special Broadcasting Service are two of Australia’s most important public institutions. Labor is committed to ensuring adequate funding and support for Australia’s public broadcasters, to enable them to continue to provide Australians with high quality broadcasting services, free from political and commercial interference.

73

Labor recognises the importance of the ABC being maintained as an independent and comprehensive national public broadcaster, catering for a diversity of interests in the Australian community.

74

Labor recognises that the SBS provides a unique national broadcasting service that promotes a multicultural Australia, and provides services to Australians from non-English speaking backgrounds which are not delivered by the ABC or the commercial broadcasting sector.

75

Labor will:

• ensure public broadcasters cater to the needs of urban, regional and rural Australia, providing coverage of local news, current affairs and community activities

• provide programs and services relevant to young Australians, including specialist children’s programming available on digital channel ABC3

• work with Indigenous people to provide services and programs relevant to them and their communities

• provide comprehensive coverage of a broad range of sporting and artistic activities

• ensure board members are appointed on the basis of merit

• maintain a staff-elected commissioner position on the ABC board

• continue to invest in youth-accessible current affairs, and look to establish new services using new media

• support and promote Australia’s external broadcasters in radio, television and digital platforms, which encourage awareness of Australian values around the world and build closer ties in our region.

76

Labor will also ensure that the ban on ABC advertising and sponsorship remains in place. Labor will also ensure that advertising is not permitted on ABC branded websites.

72 The Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the Special Broadcasting Service are two of Australia’s most important public institutions. Labor acknowledges the unique operations of these broadcasting services and is committed to ensuring adequate funding and support for Australia’s public broadcasters, to enable them to continue to provide Australians with high quality broadcasting services, free from political and commercial interference.

73 Labor recognises the importance of the ABC being maintained as an independent and comprehensive national public broadcaster, catering for a diversity of interests in the Australian community.

74 Labor recognises that the SBS provides a unique national broadcasting service that promotes a multicultural Australia, and provides services to Australians from non-English speaking backgrounds which are not delivered by the ABC or the commercial broadcasting sector.

75 Labor will:

• ensure public broadcasters cater to the needs of urban, regional and rural Australia, providing coverage of local news, current affairs and community activities
• provide programs and services relevant to young Australians, including specialist children’s programming available on digital channel ABC3
• ensure the ABC produces high levels of distinctive local content
• work with Indigenous people to provide services and programs relevant to them and their communities
• provide comprehensive coverage of a broad range of sporting and artistic activities
• ensure board members are appointed on the basis of merit
• restore (DELETE maintain) a staff-elected commissioner position on the ABC board, by passing the necessary legislation before the end of the current term of parliament
• continue to invest in youth-accessible current affairs, and look to establish new services using new media
• support and promote Australia’s external broadcasters in radio, television and digital platforms, which encourage awareness of Australian values around the world and build closer ties in our region.

76 Labor will also ensure that the ban on ABC advertising and sponsorship remains in place. Labor will also ensure that advertising is not permitted on ABC branded websites. Labor commits to no extension of the current advertising quotas on SBS to ensure that SBS remains a publicly funded broadcaster.

77 Labor will provide adequate funding on a triennial basis to the ABC and SBS to ensure they can deliver quality public broadcasting services. Labor will ensure that the national broadcasters are able to exploit the potential of new technology to deliver attractive and innovative content over digital television and the internet including regional broadband hubs on ABC websites.

72

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the Special Broadcasting Service are two of Australia’s most important public institutions. Labor is committed to ensuring adequate funding and support for Australia’s public broadcasters, to enable them to continue to provide Australians with high quality broadcasting services, free from political and commercial interference.

73

Labor recognises the importance of the ABC being maintained as an independent and comprehensive national public broadcaster, catering for a diversity of interests in the Australian community.

74

Labor recognises that the SBS provides a unique national broadcasting service that promotes a multicultural Australia, and provides services to Australians from non-English speaking backgrounds which are not delivered by the ABC or the commercial broadcasting sector.

75

Labor will:

• ensure public broadcasters cater to the needs of urban, regional and rural Australia, providing coverage of local news, current affairs and community activities

• provide programs and services relevant to young Australians, including specialist children’s programming available on digital channel ABC3

• work with Indigenous people to provide services and programs relevant to them and their communities

• provide comprehensive coverage of a broad range of sporting and artistic activities

• ensure board members are appointed on the basis of merit

• maintain a staff-elected commissioner position on the ABC board

• continue to invest in youth-accessible current affairs, and look to establish new services using new media

• support and promote Australia’s external broadcasters in radio, television and digital platforms, which encourage awareness of Australian values around the world and build closer ties in our region.

76

Labor will also ensure that the ban on ABC advertising and sponsorship remains in place. Labor will also ensure that advertising is not permitted on ABC branded websites.

78 Labor regards community broadcasting, which includes Indigenous, ethnic and multicultural broadcasting on radio and television, as an essential component of Australian broadcasting, and will continue to encourage its maintenance, growth and development.

79 Labor supports diversity in community broadcasting recognising that it meets the needs of many communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, ethnic and multicultural communities, and Australians with a print disability; and addresses developing Australian media needs with services for youth, mature age, LGBTI-focussed, religious, specialist music and other emerging communities of interest.

78

Labor regards community and Indigenous broadcasting, including radio and television, as an essential component of Australian broadcasting, and will continue to encourage its maintenance, growth and development.

79

Labor supports diversity in community and Indigenous broadcasting recognising that it meets the needs of many communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, ethnic communities, and Australians with a print disability; and addresses developing Australian media needs with services for youth, mature age, LGBTI-focussed, religious, specialist music and other emerging communities of interest.

78 Labor regards community broadcasting, which includes Indigenous, ethnic and multicultural broadcasting on radio and television, as an essential component of Australian broadcasting, and will continue to encourage its maintenance, growth and development.

79 Labor supports diversity in community broadcasting recognising that it meets the needs of many communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, ethnic and multicultural communities, and Australians with a print disability; and addresses developing Australian media needs with services for youth, mature age, LGBTI-focussed, religious, specialist music and other emerging communities of interest.

78

Labor regards community and Indigenous broadcasting, including radio and television, as an essential component of Australian broadcasting, and will continue to encourage its maintenance, growth and development.

79

Labor supports diversity in community and Indigenous broadcasting recognising that it meets the needs of many communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, ethnic communities, and Australians with a print disability; and addresses developing Australian media needs with services for youth, mature age, LGBTI-focussed, religious, specialist music and other emerging communities of interest.

That 3(p) of the ALP Constitution, on page 199, be amended by the insertion of the expression “sexual orientation, gender identity,” after the expression “sexuality,”.

To achieve the political and social values of equality, democracy, liberty and social

cooperation inherent in this objective, the Australian Labor Party stands for:

1. redistribution of political and economic power so that all members of society have the

   opportunity to participate in the shaping and control of the institutions and relationships

   which determine their lives;

2. establishment and development of public enterprises, based upon federal, State and

   other forms of social ownership, in appropriate sectors of the economy;

3. democratic control and strategic social ownership of Australian natural resources for

   the benefit of all Australians;

4. maintenance of and support for a competitive non-monopolistic private sector,

   including small business and farming, controlled and owned by Australians, operating

   within clear social guidelines and objectives;

5. the right to own private property;
6. recognition and encouragement of the right of labour to organise for the protection and

   advancement of its interests;

7. the application of democracy in industry to increase the opportunities for people to

   work in satisfying, healthy and humane conditions; and to participate in and to increase

   their control over the decision making processes affecting them;

8. the promotion of socially appropriate technology and the monitoring of its introduction

   to ensure that the needs and interests of labour, as well as the requirements of

   competitive industry and consumer demand, are taken into consideration;

9. the restoration and maintenance of full employment;
10. the abolition of poverty, and the achievement of greater equality in the distribution of

    income, wealth and opportunity;

11. social justice and equality for individuals, the family and all social units, and the

    elimination of exploitation in the home;

12. equal access and rights to employment, education, information, technology, housing,

    health and welfare services, cultural and leisure activities and the law;

13. reform of the Australian Constitution and other political institutions to ensure that they

    reflect the will of the majority of Australian citizens and the existence of Australia as an

    independent republic;

14. recognition and protection of fundamental political and civil rights, including freedom of

    expression, the press, assembly, association, conscience and religion; the right to

    privacy; the protection of the individual from oppression by the state; and democratic

    reform of the Australian legal system;

15. the development of a democratic communications system, as an integral part of a free

    society, to which all citizens have opportunities for free access;

16. elimination of discrimination and exploitation on the grounds of class,

    race, sex, sexuality, religion, political affiliation, national origin, citizenship, age,

    disability, regional location, economic or household status;

17. recognition of the prior ownership of Australian land by Aborigines and Islanders;

    recognition of their special and essential relationship with the land as the basis of their

    culture; and a commitment to the return of established traditional lands to the

    ownership of Aboriginal and Islander communities;

18. recognition and encouragement of diversity of cultural expression and lifestyle within

    the Australian community;

19. the use, conservation and enhancement of Australia’s natural resources and

    environment so that the community’s total quality of life, both now and into the future, is

    maintained and improved;

20. recognition of the need to work towards achieving ecologically sustainable

    development;

21. maintenance of world peace; an independent Australian position in world affairs; the

    recognition of the right of all nations to self determination and independence; regional

    and international agreement for arms control and disarmament; the provision of

    economic and social aid to developing nations; a commitment to resolve international

    conflicts through the UN; and a recognition of the inalienable right of all people to

    liberty, equality, democracy and social justice;

22. commitment to and participation in the international democratic socialist movement as

    represented by the Socialist International; and

23. recognition of the right of citizens to work for progressive changes consistent with the

    broad principles of democratic socialism.

That the section headed “Labor’s values” be amended by inserting, after Paragraph 14 on page 116, as a new paragraph:

Labor’s commitment to equitable access to health care includes recognising the specific health needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex Australians.

Preamble:

That ¶44 on page 123 be amended by inserting at the end of the third point, after “any other form of discrimination” the expression “, including discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or relationship status”

To improve reproductive health for men and women, Labor will:

• provide universal access to fertility advice and control programs and advice on the safe use of contraceptives

• support the rights of women to determine their own reproductive lives, particularly the right to choose appropriate fertility control and abortion and ensure that these choices are on the basis of sound social and medical advice

• fund research into the prevention of infertility and fertility control and ensure that access to assisted reproductive technology programs is not determined by economic circumstances or any other form of discrimination

• enforce a ban on the cloning of human beings.

That after Parragraph 45 on page 123, there be added a new section heading “Lesbian Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex health“

That on page 123, in Paragraph 46, “Intersex people” be replaced by “Intersex (LGBTI) people”

Preamble:

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After paragraph 179, insert as a new paragraph 180:

Labor understands the importance of reducing transport related emissions in any transition to a low carbon economy. Given the low emissions of rail freight and mass public transport, Labor supports incentives to encourage their use.

Renumber subsequent paragraphs accordingly.

Labor understands that rail freight is becoming an increasingly significant factor in Australia’s economic and environmental performance. Well planned rail freight can stimulate new business activities, and increase the productivity and competitiveness of our export industries. Rail freight is also critical in minimising the transport sector’s greenhouse gas emissions.

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After paragraph 182, insert as a new paragraph 183:

Labor notes the need to encourage the use of the most appropriate forms of transport for the increasing freight and passenger tasks. Intermodal hubs allow passengers and freight to move from one form of transport to another efficiently and effectively. Labor will therefore ensure that any land transport plans identify potential sites for these hubs as a matter of priority.

Renumber subsequent paragraphs accordingly.

Labor will continue to work towards a single national system for each of rail safety regulation and investigation, maritime safety regulation and heavy vehicle regulation.

That Paragraph 48 on page 123 be amended by inserting as a new point, after the first point concerning the National Women’s Health Policy, the words:

“take account of the special needs of lesbians and transgender or intersex women, including the provision of culturally appropriate health services”

Labor is committed to improving the health outcomes of Australian women, and implementing policies to encourage the health system to be more responsive to the needs of women. Labor will:

• implement the new National Women’s Health Policy – the first in almost 20 years

• continue to implement policies to address peri natal depression, to improve prevention, early detection and support services for expectant and new mothers

• continue to improve services and choices available to women, building upon access to Medicare and the PBS for midwives, more workforce support, and support services

• continue to roll out state of the art digital mammography equipment for BreastScreen Australia

• support and boost cancer research, treatment and support services, and will establish up to 24 regional cancer centres.

That the “Men’s health” section be amended by adding after Paragraph 50 on page 124, as a new paragraph:

“Labor will consult with the LGBTI communities about the specific health needs of gay and bisexual men, and men of transgender or intersex background, and about the provision of culturally appropriate health services, and will ensure their appropriate resourcing and promotion.”

Preamble:

That there be inserted in the section headed “Human rights”, after 51 on p182, as new paragraphs, the words:

Under Labor, Australia will support the Yogyakarta Principles on the Application of International Human Rights Law in Relation to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, and will continue to sponsor and promote resolutions in support of the implementation of human rights protections for lesbians and gay men and bisexual and transgender and intersex people at the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly of the United Nations.

Australia under Labor will actively encourage the repeal of anti-gay laws, especially criminal laws against homosexual sexual conduct, and most urgently against such laws where they impose the death penalty, and generally to encourage steps to implement the actions required by the Yogyakarta Principles.

Labor in government will work strategically to support international civil society organsations promoting LGBTI human rights.

Preamble:

That paragraph 27 on page 165 be amended by inserting into the list of women facing particular issues in its final point the words “lesbians, bisexual women,” and the words “women of transgender or intersex background,”

Labor will work to ensure women’s equal place in the world by:

• maintaining an active role in international forums to promote the rights of women including institutions formed under the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

• ensuring the Sex Discrimination Act and the powers of the commissioner are adequately protecting women against discrimination on the basis of gender and family responsibility

• supporting women’s representative organisations to participate in policy development

• applying sophisticated gender policy advice and analysis to policy development of the government

• supporting and promoting women’s leaders in all facets of Australian society through a range of regulatory and educative measures

• supporting the greater representation of women in all of Australia’s parliaments

• supporting diversity in corporate Australia, including in appointments to boards and at the executive level

• recognising the particular issues faced by Indigenous women, women of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, women with disabilities, rural women and young women and ensures that government policies and programs are funded, accessible and appropriate to their needs.

On page 167 insert after ¶32, as a new paragraph:

Labor recognises that homophobic harassment by the written or spoken word causes actual harm, not mere offence, to people with a history of suffering discrimination and prejudice, and particular harm to young same-sex attracted or gender-questioning people who do not yet have support networks in place to assist them in coming out, and considers such harmful harassment is an unacceptable abuse of the responsibilities that come with freedom of speech and must be subject to effective sanctions.

Preamble:

That ¶67 on page 172 be amended by replacing “reasonable adults” with “reasonable adults, without discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation” in the first sentence.

Labor supports the National Classification Code that classifies content against the standards of morality, decency and propriety accepted by reasonable adults. The principles of classification should apply on a platform neutral basis. Labor recognises the necessity of an independent and accountable review process for the list of URLs to be blocked by mandatory filtering. Labor believes mandatory ISP level filtering should be limited to Refused Classification content according to the National Classification Code. Labor does not support the introduction of mandatory ISP filtering that would lead to significant degradation of network speeds.

That para 67 on page 172 be amended by replacing “reasonable adults” with “reasonable adults, without discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation” in the first sentence.

Labor supports the National Classification Code that classifies content against the standards of morality, decency and propriety accepted by reasonable adults. The principles of classification should apply on a platform neutral basis. Labor recognises the necessity of an independent and accountable review process for the list of URLs to be blocked by mandatory filtering. Labor believes mandatory ISP level filtering should be limited to Refused Classification content according to the National Classification Code. Labor does not support the introduction of mandatory ISP filtering that would lead to significant degradation of network speeds.

That a new paragraph be inserted after Paragraph 6 of Chapter 4:

 Labor also wants equity within Australia as we move to address climate change and is ensuring that low and middle income earners do not carry a disproportionate burden of our transition to a low carbon economy.

Labor wants intergenerational equity. Our pursuit of social justice and fair opportunities for all extends to future generations. We believe we have an obligation to leave the world a better place, not to pass on the problems we found too difficult to deal with to our grandchildren and to their grandchildren. Labor believes in making the hard choices now to deliver a clean environment and sustainable prosperity.

That a new dot point be added to the Environment and Heritage section of Labor Achievements, page 66 of Chapter 4:

 ·        established a Biodiversity Fund committing $1 billion over 6 years to restore and protect our unique biodiversity, and enhance the carbon-carrying capacity of the landscape.

Labor believes our environmental challenge extends to lived environments and involves identifying, preserving and restoring significant examples of our built and cultural heritage.

That a new paragraph be inserted after Paragraph 15 of Chapter 4:

To ensure we achieve our commitment to cut pollution to 80 per cent below 2000 levels by 2050, when setting pollution caps Labor will be guided by the latest climate science, Australia’s international climate change obligations and the advice of the independent Climate Change Authority.

The carbon price is the first element of Labor’s plan for a clean energy future. It will trigger a broad transformation of the economy. Labor is committed to an emissions trading scheme, beginning with a fixed price but transitioning to a flexible price in 2015.

That new paragraphs be inserted after the section heading Supporting Industry and Jobs in chapter 4, as new paragraphs 18, 19 and 20:

Labor will deliver sustainable industry policy for the transition to a low carbon economy that utilises the full suite of policy measures available to maximise competitiveness and job growth. Labor recognises that policies to support industry and jobs must include a focus on regional workers and communities at the front line of the transition to a low pollution economy, and promote collaborative planning between workers, employers and government.  Sustainable industry policy also includes a plan for research, development and expansion of the renewable energy sector.

Labor is supporting industry and jobs to make the transition to a clean energy economy. Labor’s Jobs and Competitiveness Program will support local jobs and production and encourage industry to invest in cleaner technologies.

That a new paragraph be inserted following the three new paragraphs proposed by Louise Tarrant (NSW) and Dave Kelly (WA), after the section heading Supporting Industry and Jobs in chapter 4:

Labor recognises the importance of growing diverse regional economies in areas such as the Latrobe Valley, the Illawara and the Hunter Valley, as we make the transition to a low pollution economy. Labor recognises that these communities and their traditional industries have underpinned our prosperity and have been the source of jobs for generations of Australians. Labor will work with communities, unions and industry to develop a comprehensive regional development approach which supports the growth of sustainable new industries, technologies and practices. 

Labor is supporting industry and jobs to make the transition to a clean energy economy. Labor’s Jobs and Competitiveness Program will support local jobs and production and encourage industry to invest in cleaner technologies.

That a new paragraph be inserted after paragraph 23 of chapter 4:

Labor will make sure the assistance to households is reviewed and adjusted so that it remains current with price impacts.

Labor will use revenue from the carbon price for significant tax reform – the tax-free threshold will be trebled, while everyone earning up to $80,000 will receive a tax cut. This in itself is a significant, progressive tax reform.

That a new paragraph be inserted after paragraph 24 of chapter 4:

Labor will continue to work toward an increasing proportion of clean energy generation beyond the current mandated target of 20 per cent by 2020.

During our first term in government, Labor raised the Renewable Energy Target to 20 per cent ensuring 20 per cent of Australia’s electricity supply will come from renewable sources by 2020.

That a new paragraph be inserted after paragraph 30 of chapter 4:

Labor will assist low and middle income households to reduce their energy costs and contribute to a clean energy future with schemes to improve energy efficiency.

Labor will help Australians save money on their energy bills. Australia can reduce carbon pollution by improving energy efficiency across government, business and households. Small actions can make a big difference, and simple improvements to the way we do things save money. That is why energy efficiency is a key part of our plan for a clean energy future.

That paragraph 40 of chapter 4 be amended to read:

Labor recognises that achieving a comprehensive global solution also requires a change in the traditional dynamic between developed and developing nations, and has fostered cooperative relationships with developing countries, such as with Indonesia through the Australia-Indonesia Forest Carbon Partners.

In consultation with interested Australian parties, Labor will continue to work collaboratively with developing countries to support the participation of relevant stakeholders, including indigenous peoples, local communities and civil society, in REDD+ mechanisms.

Labor recognises that achieving a comprehensive global solution also requires a change in the traditional dynamic between developed and developing nations, and has fostered cooperative relationships with developing countries, such as with Indonesia through the Australia-Indonesia Forest Carbon Partnership.

That new paragraphs be inserted after paragraph 46 of chapter 4:

Labor recognises the community concern about coal seam gas extraction.

Labor will take action to ensure that it is conducted in a way that is safe for local communities, manages environmental impacts and ensures sustainable local economic activity. Labor expects the industry to operate at the highest operational and environmental standards and will ensure the coal seam gas industry assess and manages environmental and other impacts including on water reserves and co-existence with other agricultural activities. Labor also calls on the industry to constructively engage with affected landholders to achieve and sustain community acceptance.

Among Australia’s greatest economic strengths is the extent and diversity of its natural energy resources, energy infrastructure and energy technology. Australia is both an important producer of established sources of energy, including coal, gas, oil and condensate, and a world-class developer of renewable and sustainable energy technologies.

That paragraph 50 of chapter 4 be amended to read:

·        facilitate a process of cooperation and development involving state and territory governments, industry representatives, including peak industry associations and unions to ensure Australia builds the necessary electricity industry transmission, distribution and generation facilities to meet Australia’s electricity demands and ensure supply for the future for all Australians

·        encourage continued development and investment in energy infrastructure and technologies, particularly gas and renewable energy sources and lower emission energy sources such as gas

·        encourage research and commercial development of new and renewable energy sources and technology

·        take into account the relative environmental impact of differing energy sources

·        encourage the increased use of lower emission energy sources to operate alongside existing energy sources

·        encourage investment in an intensive national oil and gas exploration effort

·        support investment in oil and gas exploration, recognising the role gas has to play as a transition fuel.

·        facilitate free and fair competition between energy sources

·        facilitate free and fair interstate trade in gas

·        facilitate a national electricity market

·        encourage co-generation.

To improve our national energy capacity, Labor will continue to:

• facilitate a process of cooperation and development involving state and territory governments, industry representatives, including peak industry associations and unions to ensure Australia builds the necessary electricity industry transmission, distribution and generation facilities to meet Australia’s electricity demands and ensure supply for the future for all Australians

• encourage continued development and investment in energy infrastructure and technologies, particularly gas and renewable energy sources

• encourage research and commercial development of new and renewable energy sources and technology

• take into account the relative environmental impact of differing energy sources

• encourage the use of gas in conjunction with coal for power generation

• encourage investment in an intensive national oil and gas exploration effort

• facilitate free and fair competition between energy sources

• facilitate free and fair interstate trade in gas

• facilitate a national electricity market

• encourage co-generation.

That the second dot point of paragraph 52 of chapter 4 be amended to read:

Support public and private sector research and development in innovative energy technologies that are cleaner and more efficient

Labor recognises that major opportunities are emerging in new and renewable energy technologies within the global energy market. Accordingly Labor will continue to:

• support research and development in innovative energy technologies that are cleaner and more efficient

• ensure 20 per cent of Australia’s electricity supply will be sourced from renewables by 2020 through a legislated target

• encourage Australian development, manufacture and commercialisation of renewable energy technologies for both domestic and export markets

• encourage local and foreign investment to increase Australia’s renewable energy technology manufacturing capability.

That a new paragraph be inserted after paragraph 72 of chapter 4:

 Labor will fund research to ensure sustainability of water extraction from the Great Artesian Basin.

By continuing to purchase water from willing sellers and investing in water savings, Labor will improve the health of our rivers and facilitate an early transition in anticipation of lower sustainable diversion limits under the new Basin Plan.

That new paragraphs be inserted after paragraph 79 of chapter 4:

Labor will incorporate sustainability into government decision making and operations. Labor will ensure all government departments and agencies increasingly adopt best practice energy efficiency. Labor will update the Energy Efficiency in Government Operations policy, which includes portfolio energy intensity targets and minimum energy performance standards for office buildings, appliances and vehicles. Labor will ensure that office copy paper used throughout government will have a minimum post consumer recycled content of 50 per cent by July 2011, with progression to 100 per cent post consumer recycled content by July 2015 consistent with value for money principles.

Labor will establish an independent National Sustainability Commissioner and Council to monitor Australia’s performance against sustainability targets and to evaluate government policies for their impact on sustainability and agreed national targets.

That a new paragraph be inserted after paragraph 84 of chapter 4:

Labor recognises the contribution environment and conservation groups make to protecting our environment through practical action and policy and social leadership, particularly at the local level. Labor will continue to work with non-government and environment groups to take action on climate change and protect biodiversity and our natural resources.

Labor notes that the whole community should play a role in climate change actions. This includes the role played by those in our community that deliver quality public services, like local government, water supply, electricity and public transport. These industries take actions every day in a range of services from recycling, water harvesting, demand management and much more. This is a significant role in making our community environmentally sustainable and fighting climate change. Labor recognises the role played by the community and will continue to implement a broad range of climate change actions.

That a new paragraph be inserted after paragraph 86 in chapter 4:

Labor will work to ensure that Caring for our Country programs and other volunteer and community programs like Landcare support local conservation and environmental priorities as well as contributing to national priorities to improve biodiversity and sustainable farm practices.

Labor will work with state and territory governments and landholders to develop, resource and implement threat abatement and recovery plans for threatened species and ecological communities, while preventing clearing that will have a significant impact on threatened ecological communities and critical habitats for threatened species.

That a new paragraph be inserted after paragraph 86 in chapter 4:

Labor will establish a new independent Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Advisory Board to advise the Government on its Biodiversity Fund. This Board will include substantial representation from the union movement to ensure jobs and job creation is a focus of the board.

Labor will work with state and territory governments and landholders to develop, resource and implement threat abatement and recovery plans for threatened species and ecological communities, while preventing clearing that will have a significant impact on threatened ecological communities and critical habitats for threatened species.

That paragraph 105 of chapter 4 be amended to read:

Labor supports meeting Australia’s international obligations for marine protection by creating a comprehensive, adequate and representative system of marine reserves, including buffer zones and ‘no take’ zones, to sustain ecosystem health and fish stocks, commencing with the South West marine bioregion.

Labor will continue to support the Australian Forestry Standard and remains concerned about other international forest certification and related ratings schemes which unduly penalise forestry.

That paragraph 113 of chapter 4 be amended to read: 

Labor will support the proper funding, protection, management, monitoring and presentation of World Heritage Areas including the important work of government authorities such as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. and Labor will continue to support the investigation and nomination of areas suitable for future listing in co-operation with state and territory governments.

Labor will support the proper funding, protection, management, monitoring and presentation of World Heritage Areas, and will continue to support the investigation and nomination of areas suitable for future listing in cooperation with state and territory governments.

That paragraph 126 of chapter 4 be amended to read: 

The strategy recognises that population change is not only about the growth and overall size of our population, it is also about the needs and skills of our population, how we live, and importantly, where we live. It recognises that population change impacts different communities in different ways. A sustainable Australia is a nation of sustainable communities that have the public services, job and education opportunities, affordable housing, amenities and natural environment that make them places where people want to work, live and build a future. The strategy’s focus is ensuring that we have in place the necessary policy settings and governance arrangements that will deliver improvements in our wellbeing, at the local, regional and national levels into the future. It outlines our commitment to improving the liveability of our urban areas, and building stronger regions.

The strategy recognises that population change is not only about the growth and overall size of our population, it is also about the needs and skills of our population, how we live, and importantly, where we live. It recognises that population change impacts different communities in different ways. A sustainable Australia is a nation of sustainable communities that have the services, job and education opportunities, affordable housing, amenities and natural environment that make them places where people want to work, live and build a future. The strategy’s focus is ensuring that we have in place the necessary policy settings and governance arrangements that will deliver improvements in our wellbeing, at the local, regional and national levels into the future. It outlines our commitment to improving the liveability of our urban areas, and building stronger regions.

Insert new sentence at the end of paragraph 25:

“‘Our commitment to closing the gap needs to be evidence-based and include measurable targets that are open and transparent to the community. These targets should include specific goals in areas such as literacy, numeracy, employment, infant mortality, life expectancy and education”        

Labor believes that closing the gap in life expectancy, employment, health and education outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians is a national priority. Closing the Gap requires enduring commitment from all levels of government and the corporate and non-government sector, and working in partnership with Indigenous Australians to deliver the change they aspire to for themselves and for future generations.

Amend final sentence so that it reads:

“Labor recognises that future reform of disability services will require investment from all levels ofGovernment and consultation with all major stakeholders such as consumers, unions, care providers and peak bodies.“

Labor has commenced work with the states and territories to build the foundations for reform. We have established a COAG Select Council of Ministers from the Commonwealth, states and territories to lead reform in this area and an Advisory Group to the Select Council to provide expert advice on delivering the foundations for reform and preparation for launch. Labor recognises that future reform of disability services will require investment from all levels of government.

Insert new sentence at the end of paragraph 81:

“Labor believes all Australians have the right to secure, affordable and appropriate housing throughout their lives.”

Labor recognises that having a home provides the foundation for financial, social and emotional security. If Australia is to be a truly fair and democratic society, we must not tolerate the social exclusion that arises from failing to meet this basic need.

Before the heading “Animal Welfare”, add a new section 189 and re-number 189 to 190 and following paragraphs accordingly

189  Assistance to Families

Labor recognises the developmental, health, and social benefits of children participating in sport and other cultural activities. Labor recognises that the financial cost to families of their children participating in such activity can be an obstacle to participation. Accordingly, Labor will examine ways to assist families to maximise their children’s participation in sport and other cultural activities.        

Labor believes that all animals should be treated humanely and will work to achieve better animal welfare through harmonisation of relevant Federal, State and Territory laws and codes to ensure consistent application and enforcement of animal protection statutes.

That a new paragraph 56A be inserted after paragraph 56 which would read:

 “Labor will work to extend the White Ribbon Day campaign to Australia’s Pacific neighbours to further our efforts to stop violence against women.”

Labor abhors the increasing levels of repression against women in some countries. Labor will vigorously support international campaigns to end:

• sexual exploitation of women and children, including sex tourism and trafficking

• prohibitions on education and paid employment and restriction to access to medical services for women

• the denial of equal property rights for women

• the unequal standing of women in judicial systems

• the persecution of rape victims

• the systematic use of rape and sexual torture in war.

 CYPRUS

Labor will work to facilitate a just settlement of the Cyprus problem, based on UN resolutions respecting sovereignty, independence and the territorial integrity of Cyprus, and resulting in the demilitarisation and reunification of the island for the benefit of its entire people.

That a further dot point be added to paragraph 23, page 138, Chapter 9 “A Fair Go for all Australians” under the following existing heading:
 
23  Labor has introduced a new Human Rights Framework that:…….

provides for a review of legislation, policies and practices for compliance with the seven core UN Human Rights treaties to which Australia is a party (which are listed in the Framework).

Labor has introduced a new Human Rights Framework that:

• is investing in a comprehensive suite of education initiatives to promote a greater understanding of human rights across the community

• through the National Action Plan on Human Rights requires each new Bill introduced into Parliament is accompanied by a statement of compatibility with our international human rights obligations

• establishing a new Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights to provide greater scrutiny of legislation for compliance with our international human rights obligations

• develops federal anti-discrimination laws into a single Act to remove unnecessary regulatory overlap and make the system more user-friendly.

That a further dot point be added to paragraph 63, page 28, Chapter 2 “A Strong Economy for all Australians” after the following passage:
 
Labor is committed to boosting Australia’s international competitiveness by:
 
·      resisting pressures to re-introduce a substantial regime of import tariffs and/or other protectionist measures.

Labor recognises that increasing numbers of permanent visas are granted to temporary visa holders already either working or studying in Australia. These permanent migrants have made the choice to stay and live in Australia and in many cases are already in employment. Wherever possible, Labor will align the permanent and temporary migration programs to facilitate the conversion of temporary visa holders on to permanent visas and citizenship. Employers will be encouraged to sponsor temporary visa holders for permanent residency where the visa holders are working under successful arrangements and have skills that correspond with those needed in the economy and Australia’s migration priorities.

Chapter 2 Resolution 

PUBLIC SERVICES SUPPORTING A STRONG ECONOMY

National Conference recognises the essential role Government and public services play in supporting a strong economy and a fair community. Strong and sustainable public finances are critical to Labor achieving its agenda in Government. The public service plays a vital role in providing the high quality policy advice and the essential services that enable Government to develop good policy and serve the community. Government economic and legislative involvement is essential to provide opportunities for all Australians, improve equity through redistribution, provide public safety and security and protect the community through the regulation necessary in a market economy.  National Conference acknowledges there are genuine concerns within the Australian Public Service and in the broader community about the impact of repeated saving measures on public services, including increases to the efficiency dividend and a range of other initiatives. National Conference rejects the Coalition’s approach to dramatically cut public services and acknowledges the Australian Public Service is of a modest size compared to other Western nations, and is recognised internationally as providing high quality services and policy advice. National Conference acknowledges that it is in the nation’s interest to ensure the Australian Public Service remains efficient, accountable, professional, independent and apolitical. Therefore National Conference calls on the Federal Labor Government to work with public sector unions and employees to find a more sustainable funding model for the Australian Public Service which will:

· deliver quality, effective and efficient services that are affordable and accessible for all Australians;

· deliver value for money to the community;

· provide certainty for clients, employees and agencies;

· drive real public sector productivity, efficiency and improvements to service and policy capability; and

· ensure the public service provides secure, high quality jobs and help attract and retain talented employees.

amend paragraph 1 to read

“Labor is delivering a strong and sustainable economy for all Australians. We are committed to the ongoing reform and economic management that will increase productivity, create good jobs and secure the future health of the Australian economy. By modernising our infrastructure, managing the transition to clean energy, investing in skills and innovation and advancing tax reform, Labor is transforming our economy. Labor’s commitment to a strong economy is driven by its determination to give all Australians a better quality of life and allow all to share in our nation’s prosperity. A strong economy allows Labor to deliver the programs and services that Australians need, and particularly to support those who are most vulnerable in our society.”

Labor is delivering a strong and sustainable economy for all Australians. We are committed to the ongoing reform and economic management that will increase productivity, create jobs and secure the future health of the Australian economy. By modernising our infrastructure, managing the transition to clean energy, investing in skills and innovation and advancing tax reform, Labor is transforming our economy. Labor’s commitment to a strong economy is driven by its determination to give all Australians a better quality of life and allow all to share in our nation’s prosperity. A strong economy allows Labor to deliver the programs and services that Australians need, and particularly to support those who are most vulnerable in our society.

Replace ‘good’ with ‘high quality’ in the first sentence. 

Labor believes that a good education is critical to Closing the Gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, and is committed to ensuring that Indigenous children and young people have access to the same opportunities as non-Indigenous Australians.

Amend paragraph 2: 

“Labor acted decisively during the Global Financial Crisis and saved hundreds of thousands of Australian jobs. Labor has continued to ensure the Australian economy’s fundamentals are strong. We have low unemployment, robust public finances with very low public debt, and a huge flow of mining investment. Our banks are well capitalised and among the highest rated in the world. But we are an economy and a society in transition. Global economic power is shifting to the Asia-Pacific. Our society is ageing. While some important steps have been taken in recent years to extend the benefits of economic growth to all Australians, Labor understands that more needs to be done to address income inequality, including for those in low paid work. The world is moving to a clean energy future. Labor has the vision and the policies to lead this change, and to work to ensure that our future is one based on prosperity fairly shared amongst our citizens.  We are at our best when we help Australians adapt to change. We have managed the recent effects of the GFC and natural disasters, and will confront future challenges from a position of genuine strength and compassion.”

Labor acted decisively during the Global Financial Crisis and saved hundreds of thousands of Australian jobs. Labor has continued to ensure the Australian economy’s fundamentals are strong. We have low unemployment, robust public finances with very low public debt, and a huge flow of mining investment. Our banks are well capitalised and among the highest rated in the world. But we are an economy and a society in transition. Global economic power is shifting to the Asia-Pacific. Our society is ageing. The digital revolution is changing information flows. Our services economy continues to grow. The world is moving to a clean energy future. Labor has the vision and the policies to lead this change. We are at our best when we help Australians adapt to change. We have managed the recent effects of the GFC and natural disasters, and will confront future challenges from a position of genuine strength and compassion.

Amend paragraph 3: 

“Patchwork pressures mean that while some parts of our economy are strained by growth, others risk being left behind. The demand for our minerals, driven by the rise of Asia, represents a huge opportunity for Australia. The high dollar and a cautious consumer are making it tough for retailers and our trade exposed sectors like tourism, higher education and manufacturing. Uncertainty abroad is having an impact on the confidence of consumers and on domestic businesses. The mining boom also contributes to skills shortages elsewhere in the economy and increased wage and price pressures. The challenge for Australia is to convert the opportunities created by the mining boom into sustainable gains in national prosperity and good jobs. We need to ensure that the benefits of economic growth are redistributed through the economy to those on low wages, not in work or reliant on welfare. We are pursuing a high technology, high skill, clean energy economy that is self-sustaining, beyond our reliance on mineral exports. Labor believes that government must pursue these priorities for the long-term strength of our economy and society.”

Patchwork pressures mean that while some parts of our economy are strained by growth, others risk being left behind. The demand for our minerals, driven by the rise of Asia, represents a huge opportunity for Australia. The high dollar and a cautious consumer are making it tough for retailers and our trade exposed sectors like tourism, higher education and manufacturing. Uncertainty abroad is having an impact on the confidence of consumers and on domestic businesses. The mining boom also contributes to skills shortages elsewhere in the economy and increased wage and price pressures. The challenge for Australia is to convert the opportunities created by the mining boom into sustainable gains in national prosperity and jobs. We are pursuing a high technology, high skill, clean energy economy that is self-sustaining, beyond our reliance on mineral exports. Labor believes that government must pursue these priorities for the long-term strength of our economy and society.

Amend paragraph 7  

“Labor is committed to lifting workforce participation and achieving full employment, meaning everyone who wants to work is supported and able to find a good job in a reasonable period of time. Good jobs and job security provide dignity and are the keys to social and personal wellbeing, stable family life and strong communities. We want to maximise the opportunity for Australians to be employed in secure, high-wage, high-skill jobs. Increased participation is good for economic output and living standards and an essential response to the ageing population. Labor is adopting an integrated strategy to lift workforce participation levels, including through education and training, welfare, taxation and industry policies. Labor will make sure no one is left behind.”

Labor is committed to lifting workforce participation and achieving full employment, meaning everyone who wants to work is supported and able to find a job in a reasonable period of time. Jobs and job security provide dignity and are the keys to social and personal wellbeing, stable family life and strong communities. We want to maximise the opportunity for Australians to be employed in secure, high-wage, high-skill jobs. Increased participation is good for economic output and living standards and an essential response to the ageing population. Labor is adopting an integrated strategy to lift workforce participation levels, including through education and training, welfare, taxation and industry policies. Labor will make sure no one is left behind.

 Paragraph 58 be amended to read

 “Labor will administer a skilled migration program that:

• supplements domestic training policies in targeting skills shortages that cannot be filled locally;
• balances the temporary and permanent skilled visa programs, recognising the increasing numbers of permanent visas granted onshore;
•  is demand driven, with greater emphasis on migrants sponsored by employers into jobs where there are demonstrated skills shortages;
• recognises the different skill needs that exist across and within states and territories and metropolitan and regional and rural communities;
• allows Australia to compete internationally for skilled labour;
• has the necessary tests and checks to ensure the integrity of the system;
• is underpinned by rigorous safeguards to ensure that employers have made all possible efforts to fill positions locally in order to protect the primary rights of Australian workers to Australian jobs and ensure that migrants are not filling the jobs that Australians could be undertaking;
• protects temporary overseas skilled workers from exploitation.

Labor will administer a skilled migration program that:

• complements domestic training policies in targeting skills shortages that cannot be filled locally

• balances the temporary and permanent skilled visa programs, recognising the increasing numbers of permanent visas granted onshore

• is demand driven, with greater emphasis on migrants sponsored by employers into jobs where there are demonstrated skills shortages

• recognises the different skill needs that exist across and within states and territories and metropolitan and regional and rural communities

• allows Australia to compete internationally for skilled labour

• has the necessary tests and checks to ensure the integrity of the system

• protects temporary overseas skilled workers from exploitation.