Labor’s suspension of the CFMEU’s construction arm has caused controversy at the party’s New South Wales state conference, with some union members walking out during the prime minister’s speech.
Ahead of Anthony Albanese’s address, members of the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) yelled “shame” at every mention of action taken by Labor to suspend the construction arm of the CFMEU until further notice after allegations of criminal elements within the division of the union.
“This is not about undermining unionism in the construction industry,” federal Labor senator Tim Ayres yelled above the shouts.
The ETU members then walked out during Albanese’s address, with their front row seats on the floor of the conference left empty.
On Friday, the union released a statement saying it stands firmly against criminal activity, but accused the federal government of overreach in the action it took against the CFMEU.
Albanese’s speech touted Labor’s achievements while in government, including cheaper childcare, improvements to bulk billing, industrial relations reform, and renewable energy.
The prime minister also took a swipe at the Coalition’s nuclear policy, saying they’ve remained unclear on costs and how long it will take.
Albanese called for unity, urging delegates to remember that in “these times of global uncertainty and rising tensions … disagreements do not divide us and our differences do not divide us”.
“That’s always been the story of Labor at its best, bringing people together in the face of uncertainty, because the basis of all solidarity is our common humanity,” he said.
Labor Friends of Palestine held a “silent symbolic” protest during Albanese’s speech with one member holding up the Palestine flag for the duration of the address and others raising keffiyehs.
Outside the conference, about 1,000 pro-Palestine protesters defied the rainy Sydney morning to gather out the front of Sydney’s town hall, hanging a large banner opposite the entrance to the building that read “sanction Israel”.
The police presence was high with the entrances heavily guarded to avoid protesters getting close. Conference organisers had installed an “unprecedented” level of security to prevent a repeat of the scenes at recent Victorian and Queensland Labor events.
Peter Moss, who is part of Labor Friends of Palestine and in the party’s Marrickville branch, decided to step out with other delegates to take part in the protest, standing under a sign that read “Labor members for Palestine ceasefire now”.
“Rank and file members support recognition now and they want a Labor government to take greater action to make sure we aren’t complicit in genocide,” he said.
Delegates expect a motion urging the federal government to recognise Palestine in this term of government to pass when it comes up for vote.
The cost of living and energy prices were expected to dominate floor discussions.
