Anthony Albanese is expected to face pressure over the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal at national conference in August

Anthony Albanese’s key national security set piece, AUKUS, is expected to be met with factional warfare at Labor’s National Conference, with the right poised to counter any motions critical of the deal that will deliver nuclear submarines to Australia.

A Navy ship at HMAS Kuttabul is a Royal Australian Navy base in Potts Point. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Anthony Albanese’s support for AUKUS is expected to come under fire at Labor’s national conference in August, highlighting division within the ALP over the government’s national security agenda.

Right and Left faction sources say the government’s backing of AUKUS will likely be debated at the conference, where union and Labor member representatives will meet in Brisbane and vote on the party platform that will bind the government if it is re-elected.

Right faction delegates are preparing to counter an expected resolution from left-wing unions condemning the government’s support of the agreement.

A stoush over AUKUS would be leapt on by Peter Dutton ahead of the next election, with senior government members likely to lobby AUKUS opponents against going public with their concerns.

At the Queensland state conference on the weekend, the Electrical Trades Union moved a motion asking the branch to “categorically oppose the construction of nuclear-powered submarines” for the safety of constituents and the broader environment.

“The recent disappointing and reckless decision on behalf of the Albanese federal government to rubberstamp the Morrison governments flawed and massively expensive AUKUS arrangements, means we need urgent ­action to ensure Queensland’s proud antinuclear stance is not only maintained but also ­enhanced,” the motion, put forward by ETU organiser Jimmy Little and seconded by state secretary Peter Ong, said.

“We can make a difference and ensure we continue to live in a state that rejects the use of ­nuclear power as a source of ­energy by also ensuring we do not expose the people of this state to its toxic legacy through military use.”

In response, the Australian Workers Union-Right, known as Labor Forum, tabled a counter motion “congratulating” the ­government for its AUKUS investment, which was ultimately voted down 229 to 140.

On Monday, a union source said: “What you’ve seen now is in Queensland, which used to be a Right stronghold, the Left have taken over and put up these … ­motions that tarnish reputation of the Prime Minister.

“AUKUS and antinuclear motions will come up at every conference.

“Prominent people in the right will be obviously putting counter motions up. But the problem for the Prime Minister is when it gets to the national conference. That's the national stage.”

Labor has faced backlash from unions over AUKUS since coming into government, with an ­alliance including the Australian Manufacturers Workers Union, ETU and Australian Workers Union raising their concerns publicly in February.

In a report in February, the Australian Shipbuilding Federation of Unions called AUKUS “the latest blow to our industry”, urging the government to build conventionally powered submarines onshore before turning to the purchase of nuclear-powered vessels from overseas.

ACTU president Michele O’Neil in March told the National Press Club that the ACTU backed a “nuclear-free defence policy”.

“The ACTU has a longstanding policy of opposition to nuclear power, nuclear waste and proliferation,” she said.

The ACTU said it had not changed its view on AUKUS, but would not be pursuing the matter further at national conference or elsewhere.

Labor elder statesmen Paul Keating has been a vocal ­opponent of the AUKUS deal chiefly because of its potential to undermine Australia’s sovereignty.

Questions on AUKUS were raised during a Labor caucus meeting in March, with members seeking assurances on issues ­including workers not being taken from other industries to fill the demands of the project.