NSW Labor moves to campaign footing, bracing for possible early poll

NSW Labor is bracing for the potential of an early federal election and will officially move to a “campaign footing” from Monday.

State Labor is bracing for the potential of an early federal election and will officially move to a “campaign footing” from Monday.

In a move that will fuel speculation Prime Minister Anthony Albanese could send voters to the polls before the end of the year, Labor members have been told to prepare for an election that could be held as soon as November.

NSW Labor will officially move to a “Campaign Footing” after the party’s State Conference this weekend.

“NSW Labor needs to be prepared for the possibility that the federal election could be held as soon as November/December,” Labor’s powerful Administrative Committee told members.

In his report to state conference, NSW Labor General Secretary Dominic Ofner told members that the next election will be “won or lost in NSW”.

The NSW Premier is bracing for the potential of an early federal election Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

As recently as Thursday, the PM stressed that the election was due next year. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

“At the conclusion of the conference, the Party will move onto campaign footing to ensure that our resources are directed to federal election tasks. I do believe that with discipline, unity and focus, the Albanese Labor government is well placed to win.”

A federal campaign committee has been established to prepare the party for the election. Senator Tim Ayres and assistant Minister Matt Thistlethwaite will represent the parliamentary Labor Party on that committee, alongside UnionsNSW boss Mark Morey.

Revelations that NSW Labor is preparing for the possibility of an election “as soon as November/December” is in contrast to Mr Albanese’s repeated attempts to quash speculation of an early poll.

Mr Albanese has repeatedly said that he intends for his government to serve a full term before going to the polls.

As recently as Thursday, Mr Albanese stressed that the election was due next year.

Mr Albanese has recently moved to lock in candidates in key seats.