Palestine permeates Labor as leaders focus on elections
A handful of members staged a silent protest against Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles at the Victorian party's conference on Saturday, holding up images of Palestinian flags on their devices.
While passed motions do not bind governments or the federal party, votes by rank-and-file members are set for later in the day on the AUKUS defence agreement and Middle East.
The grassroots resolutions call for action against the "military occupation, siege and genocide" in Palestine as well as withdrawing from AUKUS.
A similar resolution on Palestine passed at the state conference in 2024 after the terror attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and the nation's subsequent military campaign in Gaza.
Labor's official platform backs Palestinian statehood but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not set a timeline for implementing the policy and recently declared it not imminent.
Housing Minister Clare O'Neil, Transport Minister Catherine King and Skills Minister Andrew Giles were among hundreds of federal and state MPs, party members and union officials at Saturday's gathering.
Mr Marles and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan were welcomed with standing ovations, with the latter's address firmly focused on the 2026 state election.
Ms Allan promoted her newly unveiled plan to legalise the right to work from home while ramping up language favoured by Labor leaders, including referring to the opposition as "Tories" and "just Liberals".
Mr Marles spent much of his speech thanking Labor members for efforts to secure the party's thumping federal election win, with uncontroversial motions discussed at the start of the day.
A coalition of groups are set to rally outside the venue to oppose the "genocide in Gaza", forced administration of the CFMEU and incoming state protest laws.
Security was tightened for the event after pro-Palestine protesters stormed the venue in 2024, with attendees this year forced to show tickets multiple times and tarps shielding public view.
The 2024 security breach led to the conference floor being locked down and delayed speeches by Mr Albanese and Ms Allan, who has warned people not to bring their "extremist behaviour" to the 2025 conference.
"If they want to join the Labor party and be part of the debate and discussion inside the room, that's how you make a difference," she said.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the force was prepared for protest action and ready to respond.
The conference falls on the same weekend as the Garma Festival in the Northern Territory's remote northeast Arnhem Land.
Mr Albanese is expected to attend the four-day event, with another senior leader to instead give the federal address to the state Labor faithful.
With issues mounting after a decade in power, the Victorian Labor brand was viewed as a drag on the Albanese government's hopes for re-election in the lead-up to the May 3 poll.
Labor ultimately retained all of its Victorian seats and added MPs for Deakin, Menzies and Melbourne to its ballooning lower-house benches in Canberra.
Tensions within the Labor movement over policies on the Middle East loom over a key party love-in, as focus turns to preparing for Australia's next state election.
A handful of members staged a silent protest against Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles at the Victorian party's conference on Saturday, holding up images of Palestinian flags on their devices.
While passed motions do not bind governments or the federal party, votes by rank-and-file members are set for later in the day on the AUKUS defence agreement and Middle East.
The grassroots resolutions call for action against the "military occupation, siege and genocide" in Palestine as well as withdrawing from AUKUS.
A similar resolution on Palestine passed at the state conference in 2024 after the terror attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and the nation's subsequent military campaign in Gaza.
Labor's official platform backs Palestinian statehood but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not set a timeline for implementing the policy and recently declared it not imminent.
Housing Minister Clare O'Neil, Transport Minister Catherine King and Skills Minister Andrew Giles were among hundreds of federal and state MPs, party members and union officials at Saturday's gathering.
Mr Marles and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan were welcomed with standing ovations, with the latter's address firmly focused on the 2026 state election.
Ms Allan promoted her newly unveiled plan to legalise the right to work from home while ramping up language favoured by Labor leaders, including referring to the opposition as "Tories" and "just Liberals".
Mr Marles spent much of his speech thanking Labor members for efforts to secure the party's thumping federal election win, with uncontroversial motions discussed at the start of the day.
A coalition of groups are set to rally outside the venue to oppose the "genocide in Gaza", forced administration of the CFMEU and incoming state protest laws.
Security was tightened for the event after pro-Palestine protesters stormed the venue in 2024, with attendees this year forced to show tickets multiple times and tarps shielding public view.
The 2024 security breach led to the conference floor being locked down and delayed speeches by Mr Albanese and Ms Allan, who has warned people not to bring their "extremist behaviour" to the 2025 conference.
"If they want to join the Labor party and be part of the debate and discussion inside the room, that's how you make a difference," she said.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the force was prepared for protest action and ready to respond.
The conference falls on the same weekend as the Garma Festival in the Northern Territory's remote northeast Arnhem Land.
Mr Albanese is expected to attend the four-day event, with another senior leader to instead give the federal address to the state Labor faithful.
With issues mounting after a decade in power, the Victorian Labor brand was viewed as a drag on the Albanese government's hopes for re-election in the lead-up to the May 3 poll.
Labor ultimately retained all of its Victorian seats and added MPs for Deakin, Menzies and Melbourne to its ballooning lower-house benches in Canberra.
Tensions within the Labor movement over policies on the Middle East loom over a key party love-in, as focus turns to preparing for Australia's next state election.
A handful of members staged a silent protest against Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles at the Victorian party's conference on Saturday, holding up images of Palestinian flags on their devices.
While passed motions do not bind governments or the federal party, votes by rank-and-file members are set for later in the day on the AUKUS defence agreement and Middle East.
The grassroots resolutions call for action against the "military occupation, siege and genocide" in Palestine as well as withdrawing from AUKUS.
A similar resolution on Palestine passed at the state conference in 2024 after the terror attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and the nation's subsequent military campaign in Gaza.
Labor's official platform backs Palestinian statehood but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not set a timeline for implementing the policy and recently declared it not imminent.
Housing Minister Clare O'Neil, Transport Minister Catherine King and Skills Minister Andrew Giles were among hundreds of federal and state MPs, party members and union officials at Saturday's gathering.
Mr Marles and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan were welcomed with standing ovations, with the latter's address firmly focused on the 2026 state election.
Ms Allan promoted her newly unveiled plan to legalise the right to work from home while ramping up language favoured by Labor leaders, including referring to the opposition as "Tories" and "just Liberals".
Mr Marles spent much of his speech thanking Labor members for efforts to secure the party's thumping federal election win, with uncontroversial motions discussed at the start of the day.
A coalition of groups are set to rally outside the venue to oppose the "genocide in Gaza", forced administration of the CFMEU and incoming state protest laws.
Security was tightened for the event after pro-Palestine protesters stormed the venue in 2024, with attendees this year forced to show tickets multiple times and tarps shielding public view.
The 2024 security breach led to the conference floor being locked down and delayed speeches by Mr Albanese and Ms Allan, who has warned people not to bring their "extremist behaviour" to the 2025 conference.
"If they want to join the Labor party and be part of the debate and discussion inside the room, that's how you make a difference," she said.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the force was prepared for protest action and ready to respond.
The conference falls on the same weekend as the Garma Festival in the Northern Territory's remote northeast Arnhem Land.
Mr Albanese is expected to attend the four-day event, with another senior leader to instead give the federal address to the state Labor faithful.
With issues mounting after a decade in power, the Victorian Labor brand was viewed as a drag on the Albanese government's hopes for re-election in the lead-up to the May 3 poll.
Labor ultimately retained all of its Victorian seats and added MPs for Deakin, Menzies and Melbourne to its ballooning lower-house benches in Canberra.
Tensions within the Labor movement over policies on the Middle East loom over a key party love-in, as focus turns to preparing for Australia's next state election.
A handful of members staged a silent protest against Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles at the Victorian party's conference on Saturday, holding up images of Palestinian flags on their devices.
While passed motions do not bind governments or the federal party, votes by rank-and-file members are set for later in the day on the AUKUS defence agreement and Middle East.
The grassroots resolutions call for action against the "military occupation, siege and genocide" in Palestine as well as withdrawing from AUKUS.
A similar resolution on Palestine passed at the state conference in 2024 after the terror attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and the nation's subsequent military campaign in Gaza.
Labor's official platform backs Palestinian statehood but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not set a timeline for implementing the policy and recently declared it not imminent.
Housing Minister Clare O'Neil, Transport Minister Catherine King and Skills Minister Andrew Giles were among hundreds of federal and state MPs, party members and union officials at Saturday's gathering.
Mr Marles and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan were welcomed with standing ovations, with the latter's address firmly focused on the 2026 state election.
Ms Allan promoted her newly unveiled plan to legalise the right to work from home while ramping up language favoured by Labor leaders, including referring to the opposition as "Tories" and "just Liberals".
Mr Marles spent much of his speech thanking Labor members for efforts to secure the party's thumping federal election win, with uncontroversial motions discussed at the start of the day.
A coalition of groups are set to rally outside the venue to oppose the "genocide in Gaza", forced administration of the CFMEU and incoming state protest laws.
Security was tightened for the event after pro-Palestine protesters stormed the venue in 2024, with attendees this year forced to show tickets multiple times and tarps shielding public view.
The 2024 security breach led to the conference floor being locked down and delayed speeches by Mr Albanese and Ms Allan, who has warned people not to bring their "extremist behaviour" to the 2025 conference.
"If they want to join the Labor party and be part of the debate and discussion inside the room, that's how you make a difference," she said.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the force was prepared for protest action and ready to respond.
The conference falls on the same weekend as the Garma Festival in the Northern Territory's remote northeast Arnhem Land.
Mr Albanese is expected to attend the four-day event, with another senior leader to instead give the federal address to the state Labor faithful.
With issues mounting after a decade in power, the Victorian Labor brand was viewed as a drag on the Albanese government's hopes for re-election in the lead-up to the May 3 poll.
Labor ultimately retained all of its Victorian seats and added MPs for Deakin, Menzies and Melbourne to its ballooning lower-house benches in Canberra.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sky News AU
an hour ago
- Sky News AU
Benjamin Netanyahu holds press conference analysing the war in Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a press conference outlining Israel's intention to disarm Hamas and restore peace in Gaza.
Sky News AU
an hour ago
- Sky News AU
Benjamin Netanyahu delivers address on the war in Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a press conference outlining Israel's intention to disarm Hamas and restore peace in Gaza. Mr Netanyahu emphasised principles for concluding the war including the disarmament of Hamas, release of hostages, demilitarisation of Gaza, overriding security control by Israel, and establishing a peaceful civilian administration. The Israeli PM defended Israel's humanitarian efforts, stating nearly two million tons of aid have been delivered to civilians despite Hamas' interference.
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Israel faces growing calls to scrap Gaza offensive plan
Israel's far-right finance minister has demanded Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scrap his plan to seize Gaza City in favour of a tougher one, while Italy says the plan could result in a "Vietnam" for Israel's army. Netanyahu's security cabinet, of which the minister, Bezalel Smotrich, is a member, approved the plan by majority on Friday to expand military operations in the shattered Palestinian enclave to try to defeat militant group Hamas. The move drew a chorus of condemnation within Israel, where thousands of people protested in Tel Aviv - and abroad - on Saturday calling for an immediate ceasefire and release of hostages held by militant group Hamas. The United Nations Security Council was expected to meet later on Sunday to discuss the plan, with many countries expressing concern it could worsen already acute hunger among Palestinians. Netanyahu was expected to give a news conference for international media in Israel and make a televised announcement later in the day. It was not clear what he would say. Smotrich said he has lost faith in Netanyahu's ability and desire to lead to a victory over Hamas. The new plan, he said in a video on X late on Saturday, was intended to get Hamas back to ceasefire negotiations. The prime minister and the cabinet have decided to do "more of the same" he said, referring to the fact that Israeli troops have entered the city before and failed to defeat Hamas. He and other far-right members of Netanyahu's coalition argue the plan does not go far enough but Smotrich stopped short of delivering a clear ultimatum to Netanyahu. Other far-right coalition allies of Netanyahu have also pushed for total military occupation of Gaza, the annexation of large swaths of the territory and the removal of much of its Palestinian population. The Israeli military has warned expanding the offensive could endanger the lives of hostages Hamas is still holding in Gaza, believed to number about 20, and draw its troops into protracted and deadly guerrilla warfare. Italy said Israel should heed its army's warnings. "The invasion of Gaza risks turning into a Vietnam for Israeli soldiers," Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told daily Il Messaggero. He reiterated calls for a UN mission led by Arab countries to "reunify the Palestinian state" and said Italy was ready to participate. The Security Council is likely to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the prospect of its worsening if the Israeli plan goes ahead but there has been little appetite among Arab states to send in troops. Israel has come under mounting pressure over widespread hunger and thirst in the enclave, prompting it to announce a series of new measures to ease aid distribution. The Israeli military said on Sunday the contents of almost 1900 aid trucks were distributed last week from the Gaza sides of the Kerem Shalom and Zikim border crossings. The United Nations has said Gaza needs far more aid. Medics said a 14-year-old boy was killed on Saturday when an aid airdrop fell on a tent encampment in central Gaza. The Hamas-run Gaza government media office said his death raised the number of people killed during the airdrops to 23 since the war began. "We have repeatedly warned of the dangers of these inhumane methods and have consistently called for the safe and sufficient delivery of aid through land crossings, especially food, infant formula, medicines, and medical supplies," it said. Five more people, including two children, died of malnutrition and starvation in Gaza in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said, taking the number of deaths from such causes to 217, including 100 children. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed southern Israel and killed 1200 people, and took 251 hostages. Israeli authorities say 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza are alive. Israel's offensive in Gaza has since killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to health officials, and left much of the territory in ruins. Israel's far-right finance minister has demanded Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scrap his plan to seize Gaza City in favour of a tougher one, while Italy says the plan could result in a "Vietnam" for Israel's army. Netanyahu's security cabinet, of which the minister, Bezalel Smotrich, is a member, approved the plan by majority on Friday to expand military operations in the shattered Palestinian enclave to try to defeat militant group Hamas. The move drew a chorus of condemnation within Israel, where thousands of people protested in Tel Aviv - and abroad - on Saturday calling for an immediate ceasefire and release of hostages held by militant group Hamas. The United Nations Security Council was expected to meet later on Sunday to discuss the plan, with many countries expressing concern it could worsen already acute hunger among Palestinians. Netanyahu was expected to give a news conference for international media in Israel and make a televised announcement later in the day. It was not clear what he would say. Smotrich said he has lost faith in Netanyahu's ability and desire to lead to a victory over Hamas. The new plan, he said in a video on X late on Saturday, was intended to get Hamas back to ceasefire negotiations. The prime minister and the cabinet have decided to do "more of the same" he said, referring to the fact that Israeli troops have entered the city before and failed to defeat Hamas. He and other far-right members of Netanyahu's coalition argue the plan does not go far enough but Smotrich stopped short of delivering a clear ultimatum to Netanyahu. Other far-right coalition allies of Netanyahu have also pushed for total military occupation of Gaza, the annexation of large swaths of the territory and the removal of much of its Palestinian population. The Israeli military has warned expanding the offensive could endanger the lives of hostages Hamas is still holding in Gaza, believed to number about 20, and draw its troops into protracted and deadly guerrilla warfare. Italy said Israel should heed its army's warnings. "The invasion of Gaza risks turning into a Vietnam for Israeli soldiers," Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told daily Il Messaggero. He reiterated calls for a UN mission led by Arab countries to "reunify the Palestinian state" and said Italy was ready to participate. The Security Council is likely to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the prospect of its worsening if the Israeli plan goes ahead but there has been little appetite among Arab states to send in troops. Israel has come under mounting pressure over widespread hunger and thirst in the enclave, prompting it to announce a series of new measures to ease aid distribution. The Israeli military said on Sunday the contents of almost 1900 aid trucks were distributed last week from the Gaza sides of the Kerem Shalom and Zikim border crossings. The United Nations has said Gaza needs far more aid. Medics said a 14-year-old boy was killed on Saturday when an aid airdrop fell on a tent encampment in central Gaza. The Hamas-run Gaza government media office said his death raised the number of people killed during the airdrops to 23 since the war began. "We have repeatedly warned of the dangers of these inhumane methods and have consistently called for the safe and sufficient delivery of aid through land crossings, especially food, infant formula, medicines, and medical supplies," it said. Five more people, including two children, died of malnutrition and starvation in Gaza in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said, taking the number of deaths from such causes to 217, including 100 children. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed southern Israel and killed 1200 people, and took 251 hostages. Israeli authorities say 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza are alive. Israel's offensive in Gaza has since killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to health officials, and left much of the territory in ruins. Israel's far-right finance minister has demanded Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scrap his plan to seize Gaza City in favour of a tougher one, while Italy says the plan could result in a "Vietnam" for Israel's army. Netanyahu's security cabinet, of which the minister, Bezalel Smotrich, is a member, approved the plan by majority on Friday to expand military operations in the shattered Palestinian enclave to try to defeat militant group Hamas. The move drew a chorus of condemnation within Israel, where thousands of people protested in Tel Aviv - and abroad - on Saturday calling for an immediate ceasefire and release of hostages held by militant group Hamas. The United Nations Security Council was expected to meet later on Sunday to discuss the plan, with many countries expressing concern it could worsen already acute hunger among Palestinians. Netanyahu was expected to give a news conference for international media in Israel and make a televised announcement later in the day. It was not clear what he would say. Smotrich said he has lost faith in Netanyahu's ability and desire to lead to a victory over Hamas. The new plan, he said in a video on X late on Saturday, was intended to get Hamas back to ceasefire negotiations. The prime minister and the cabinet have decided to do "more of the same" he said, referring to the fact that Israeli troops have entered the city before and failed to defeat Hamas. He and other far-right members of Netanyahu's coalition argue the plan does not go far enough but Smotrich stopped short of delivering a clear ultimatum to Netanyahu. Other far-right coalition allies of Netanyahu have also pushed for total military occupation of Gaza, the annexation of large swaths of the territory and the removal of much of its Palestinian population. The Israeli military has warned expanding the offensive could endanger the lives of hostages Hamas is still holding in Gaza, believed to number about 20, and draw its troops into protracted and deadly guerrilla warfare. Italy said Israel should heed its army's warnings. "The invasion of Gaza risks turning into a Vietnam for Israeli soldiers," Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told daily Il Messaggero. He reiterated calls for a UN mission led by Arab countries to "reunify the Palestinian state" and said Italy was ready to participate. The Security Council is likely to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the prospect of its worsening if the Israeli plan goes ahead but there has been little appetite among Arab states to send in troops. Israel has come under mounting pressure over widespread hunger and thirst in the enclave, prompting it to announce a series of new measures to ease aid distribution. The Israeli military said on Sunday the contents of almost 1900 aid trucks were distributed last week from the Gaza sides of the Kerem Shalom and Zikim border crossings. The United Nations has said Gaza needs far more aid. Medics said a 14-year-old boy was killed on Saturday when an aid airdrop fell on a tent encampment in central Gaza. The Hamas-run Gaza government media office said his death raised the number of people killed during the airdrops to 23 since the war began. "We have repeatedly warned of the dangers of these inhumane methods and have consistently called for the safe and sufficient delivery of aid through land crossings, especially food, infant formula, medicines, and medical supplies," it said. Five more people, including two children, died of malnutrition and starvation in Gaza in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said, taking the number of deaths from such causes to 217, including 100 children. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed southern Israel and killed 1200 people, and took 251 hostages. Israeli authorities say 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza are alive. Israel's offensive in Gaza has since killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to health officials, and left much of the territory in ruins. Israel's far-right finance minister has demanded Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scrap his plan to seize Gaza City in favour of a tougher one, while Italy says the plan could result in a "Vietnam" for Israel's army. Netanyahu's security cabinet, of which the minister, Bezalel Smotrich, is a member, approved the plan by majority on Friday to expand military operations in the shattered Palestinian enclave to try to defeat militant group Hamas. The move drew a chorus of condemnation within Israel, where thousands of people protested in Tel Aviv - and abroad - on Saturday calling for an immediate ceasefire and release of hostages held by militant group Hamas. The United Nations Security Council was expected to meet later on Sunday to discuss the plan, with many countries expressing concern it could worsen already acute hunger among Palestinians. Netanyahu was expected to give a news conference for international media in Israel and make a televised announcement later in the day. It was not clear what he would say. Smotrich said he has lost faith in Netanyahu's ability and desire to lead to a victory over Hamas. The new plan, he said in a video on X late on Saturday, was intended to get Hamas back to ceasefire negotiations. The prime minister and the cabinet have decided to do "more of the same" he said, referring to the fact that Israeli troops have entered the city before and failed to defeat Hamas. He and other far-right members of Netanyahu's coalition argue the plan does not go far enough but Smotrich stopped short of delivering a clear ultimatum to Netanyahu. Other far-right coalition allies of Netanyahu have also pushed for total military occupation of Gaza, the annexation of large swaths of the territory and the removal of much of its Palestinian population. The Israeli military has warned expanding the offensive could endanger the lives of hostages Hamas is still holding in Gaza, believed to number about 20, and draw its troops into protracted and deadly guerrilla warfare. Italy said Israel should heed its army's warnings. "The invasion of Gaza risks turning into a Vietnam for Israeli soldiers," Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told daily Il Messaggero. He reiterated calls for a UN mission led by Arab countries to "reunify the Palestinian state" and said Italy was ready to participate. The Security Council is likely to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the prospect of its worsening if the Israeli plan goes ahead but there has been little appetite among Arab states to send in troops. Israel has come under mounting pressure over widespread hunger and thirst in the enclave, prompting it to announce a series of new measures to ease aid distribution. The Israeli military said on Sunday the contents of almost 1900 aid trucks were distributed last week from the Gaza sides of the Kerem Shalom and Zikim border crossings. The United Nations has said Gaza needs far more aid. Medics said a 14-year-old boy was killed on Saturday when an aid airdrop fell on a tent encampment in central Gaza. The Hamas-run Gaza government media office said his death raised the number of people killed during the airdrops to 23 since the war began. "We have repeatedly warned of the dangers of these inhumane methods and have consistently called for the safe and sufficient delivery of aid through land crossings, especially food, infant formula, medicines, and medical supplies," it said. Five more people, including two children, died of malnutrition and starvation in Gaza in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said, taking the number of deaths from such causes to 217, including 100 children. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed southern Israel and killed 1200 people, and took 251 hostages. Israeli authorities say 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza are alive. Israel's offensive in Gaza has since killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to health officials, and left much of the territory in ruins.
