- 29 Jan 2004 04:28
#88636
- http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s1033760.htm
What are your thoughts on the Labor conference and Latham's ideas?
No one liners please
I will reply tonight, I'm a little tired right now to make a coherant post
Drummond
EDIT : Title was spelt incorrectly.
Latham outlines vision for a Labor government
Federal Labor leader Mark Latham has listed a number of plans to give Australians the opportunity to achieve their goals during his address to the ALP's National Conference earlier today.
Mr Latham urged the party to get behind his leadership as he launches his bid to win the next election.
To rousing applause and a standing ovation, Mr Latham outlined the differences between his vision and the Howard Government.
"I'm absolutely convinced that most Australians want to move beyond the old politics, the fear mongering, the negativity, the needless division and deceit - Howard, Abbott and Costello style," Mr Latham said.
The Labor leader says in this election year he will campaign on issues that matter to the Australian people.
"You ask me the big difference in Australian politics? The Howard Government campaigns on fear, we campaign on opportunity," he said.
"I want to talk to you about the future not the past; about hope not fear - that's the difference."
He has promised a shake-up of industrial relations abolishing workplace agreements and restoring the role of the Industrial Relations Commission.
"I don't believe in a dog-eat-dog industrial relations system - I want cooperation and productivity in Australian workplaces," Mr Latham said.
Mr Latham also attacked the Coalition over its relationship with the United States, declaring Australia is nobody's deputy.
But Prime Minister John Howard says Mr Latham's speech did not deal with how Labor would maintain the strength of the economy and keep interest rates low.
"Well it was meant to be about the future, but the very first policy promise on industrial relations would take us back into the past," he said.
"By abolishing workplace agreements, restoring the role of the IRC, and strengthening the role of unions that will strike at the very productivity that has underpinned a strong economy."
The Labor leader also outlined his core programs for his "rungs on the ladder of opportunity"' for Australians to achieve goals.
They include more childcare places, school education with a strongly-supported public school system, post-secondary education, the health of the nation and home ownership, aged care, and regional employment.
He has vowed to introduce paid maternity leave, and wants to find new solutions to the problems of loneliness, work stress and community breakdown with a new shadow ministry for community relationships.
He promised to hold several plebiscites on an Australian head of government and he's vowed to close down the so-called Pacific solution saving $500,000.
'New vision'
Senior Labor figures at the conference say the new Opposition leader has given Labor a new vision and spirit they believe voters will support.
Opposition health spokeswoman Julia Gillard says Mr Latham is emphasising how Labor is different from the Coalition.
"We believe in building things and they don't; we believe kids from ordinary homes ... from public schools, should be able to succeed in Australia by working hard," she said.
Western Australian Premier Dr Geoff Gallop says Mr Latham has made a good start.
"Mark Latham is right on the button, he knows what's going on in our community and he has a feel for what we need to do to improve it," Dr Gallop said.
New South Wales Premier Bob Carr welcomed Mr Latham's commitments on health spending, and says his plans for schools funding are a standout.
"That sends a real message that the ladder of opportunity makes sense," Mr Carr said.
Victorian Premier Steve Bracks says Mr Latham is a breath of fresh air for Labor.
"We haven't seen this for a while, and it's something which I think Australians are yearning for," Mr Bracks said.
Former leader Simon Crean says the new leader hit the core issues for families.
"Health, education, families - so I think it was a very well-constructed speech and certainly an extremely well received speech," Mr Crean said.
- http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s1033760.htm
What are your thoughts on the Labor conference and Latham's ideas?
No one liners please
I will reply tonight, I'm a little tired right now to make a coherant post
Drummond
EDIT : Title was spelt incorrectly.
Last edited by Bricktop on 29 Jan 2004 08:44, edited 1 time in total.