Labor’s hierarchy believes the anti-AUKUS element of the party’s rank and file will come around to accepting the tripartite security pact, much as the public has done, as the government begins its pitch for a second term in government.

With AUKUS likely to be the main flashpoint of Labor’s three-day National Conference beginning in Brisbane on Thursday, senior sources said Labor needed to be seen by voters as a safe pair of hands on both the economy and national security if it is to govern for the long haul.