ALP conference: Bill Shorten’s warm-up not sign of harmony

Bill Shorten was surprisingly called on to introduce Anthony Albanese at Labor’s online nat­ional conference, showcasing the push from ALP strategists to promote a unified team.

Labor MP Bill Shorten. Picture: Getty Images

Bill Shorten was surprisingly called on to introduce Anthony Albanese at Labor’s online nat­ional conference, showcasing the push from ALP strategists to promote a unified team that is ready for government.

The former Labor leader, who has been largely sidelined by the Opposition Leader since the 2019 election, even managed to feign enthusiasm when he described Mr Albanese as the “next prime minister of Australia”.

The moment was reminiscent of Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard sitting next to each other at the ALP launch of the 2019 campaign, when Mr Shorten pulled out all stops to ensure Labor looked unified compared to the division that engulfed the Coalition.

On Tuesday, it was Mr Shorten’s turn to act like the Labor Party was one big happy family, after nearly two-years of open conflict within caucus after a devastating election loss.

“The starting point for all of us at this conference must be the knowledge and belief that Labor can most assuredly win the next election,” Mr Shorten said.

“And it’s now my pleasure to introduce the leader who will take us to that victory.

“Albo loves this party — but his greatest love is our country.

“Like so many of us, he is driven by that powerful Australian aspiration to hand on a better deal to the next generation.

“Delegates, please welcome, our leader and the next prime minister of Australia: Anthony Albanese.”

Mr Shorten and Mr Albanese have had a bitter relationship since they competed against each other for Labor leader after the 2013 election, with Labor colleagues saying the Grayndler MP was intensely aggrieved by losing the contest.

While Mr Shorten as Labor leader begrudgingly included Mr Albanese in key decision-­making forums and tactics meetings, the Opposition Leader has not returned any such favours to his predecessor.

Mr Albanese’s inner circle treats Mr Shorten with suspicion, believing the NDIS spokesman has no interest in his successor succeeding.

In an olive branch to Mr Albanese, who has struggled to cut through in the pandemic, Mr Shorten declared there are “no easy days as Opposition Leader”.

Both men were all smiles as they shook hands at the podium, but Labor MPs were less than convinced it signified a new beginning in their relationship.