New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has conceded that the Labor party must 'climb Everest' to remain in power, warning of the growing threat posed by One Nation. Addressing the NSW Labor state conference in Sydney on Saturday, Minns received a standing ovation but acknowledged the challenges ahead.
The conference was briefly interrupted when two men unfurled a Palestinian flag from the balcony. They were swiftly removed by NSW police. Minns, undeterred, told delegates: 'I'm not here to do a victory lap.' He emphasised that the economy is 'nowhere near where we need it to be for working families' and outlined plans for the next chapter of Labor's agenda.
Key announcements and economic focus
Minns used his speech to announce an extension of the state's apprenticeship program and a plan to bring train manufacturing back to the Hunter region. The government has identified potential sites in Teralba or Broadmeadow for a state-owned, privately operated facility. Labor says the $12 billion commitment over 15 years will create 780 jobs in site construction and 550 in manufacturing. The announcement drew cheers and applause from the chamber.
Protests and internal dissent
Outside the venue, protesters, including members of Labor Friends of Palestine, were kept behind security fencing and police lines. The protest follows a controversial incident in February when protests against Israeli President Isaac Herzog occurred. Fifty-six Labor branches have submitted motions calling for the repeal or review of anti-protest laws, backed by the entire left faction. Members are concerned that debate on protest laws, gambling reform, and the Aukus nuclear agreement may be sidelined as the social justice and global affairs platforms were placed last on the agenda.
Minns acknowledged the protesters, stating: 'They are not the first to try and disrupt our democratic conference and they probably won't be the last - we've seen it all before.'
Upper house ticket resolved
A potential fight over the eight-person upper house Labor ticket for next year's election was resolved ahead of time, avoiding a conference-wide ballot. After an 11th-hour resolution, the seven named candidates signed onto the order on Friday night, Labor sources confirmed. The ticket is led by right faction member and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, followed by left faction member and upper house leader Penny Sharpe. Left faction member Anthony D'Adam MLC, a vocal critic of Labor's protest laws, Aukus, and stance on the Middle East conflict, is fourth. Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty, seventh on the ticket, faces a tough contest to retain her seat amid rising support for One Nation.
One Nation threat and polling
Minns addressed the rising threat of Pauline Hanson's One Nation party, which was referenced in several earlier speeches. He criticised 'leaders who are insisting that millions of people reject pride in their grandparents and ancestors and instead conform to One Nation's version of an Australian monoculture.' He added: 'It means we stand up and defend Australian families of the Islamic faith when a political leader declares that there are no good Muslims.'
According to a May poll by The Sydney Morning Herald, Labor's primary vote stands at 32%, the Coalition at 26%, and One Nation at 22%. Minns warned against complacency, saying it is important to 'beat back that darkness at the ballot box.' He stated: 'Now I know based on my 29 years in the Labor Party you already believe we're going to win. But the truth is - with politics changing so quickly, we need to climb Everest just to stay where we are.' He emphasised that the campaign will 'throw everything at us' and 'test us like never before,' as Labor faces multiple parties rather than a single opposition.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is scheduled to address the conference on Sunday.
