Decoding the talking points: We’re here for the long haul

Anthony Albanese at the ALP national conference 2023 in Brisbane on Thursday. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

Anthony Albanese’s speech to Labor’s 49th national conference was about investing his government with renewed purpose, demonstrating fidelity to Labor tradition and sending a message to true believers that it remains a party of power and not protest.

Decoding the language in the Prime Minister’s speech reveals a balancing act to achieve these goals as he stood on a brightly lit stage with the words “Working for Australia” over his shoulder and looked out to an audience of state and territory leaders, ministers, unionists and party faithful.

“Our nation will be lifted up when Australia votes Yes for recognition, listening and a better future for the people who have called our continent home for 65,000 years.”

If you were in any doubt, Albanese is all in on the referendum to enshrine a voice to parliament and government in the Constitution. So much so that he is predicting success. And it signals Labor will move into a high gear campaign, post-conference, to support the Yes campaign.

“To the true believers, here representing our extraordinary Labor rank and file. Your dedication gives us all strength. My colleagues and I stand on your shoulders – and we thank you.”

This is a reminder that the Labor national conference is a tribal gathering, steeped in history and tradition, and Albanese must pay tribute to the party grassroots. He also acknowledged “the mighty trade union movement”, which represents just 8 per cent of private sector workers.

“The motto of this conference speaks to the focus of our government: Working for Australia, to help people under pressure, here and now.”

Albanese said this as the words “Working for Australia” were over his right shoulder, just in case you missed it. This is Labor’s takeaway message of the conference for voters: they are a businesslike, hardworking government, delivering its promises for Australia and Australians.

“The cost of living is the No. 1 pressure on Australian families – which is why it’s the No. 1 priority for our government.”

This was the first major policy area of the speech and an opportunity to list what the government is doing to alleviate cost pressures with cheaper health services, childcare and medicines, and increases to social security payments. Albanese’s mantra that “Labor wants to ensure no one is left behind” was given another run.

“Making our society fairer and our economy stronger, even in tough times.”

An opportunity for Albanese to pivot towards his record on job creation, wages growth and workplace relations. This section created several applause opportunities as he spoke about increasing the minimum wage, boosting aged-care worker salaries and leave entitlements.

“We also have to deal with the policy wreckage of a wasted decade, the devastating consequences of ideology, incompetence and sheer arrogance.”

This is red meat for a Labor audience and they responded with cheers, jeers and laughter as Albanese skewered Scott Morrison and railed against his policy and political legacy. Robodebt got a mention. So did a new fear campaign: nuclear reactors in every backyard if Peter Dutton becomes prime minister.

“Labor governments open the doors of opportunity – and we widen them for those who come after us.”

A clever framing to transition to the subject of education and housing – did you know Albanese grew up in public housing – and slam the Greens for opposing the Housing Australia Future Fund.

Albanese also announced his “build to buy” scheme, an election commitment, will commence next year. He spoke about the National Housing Accord with states and territories. “They are the blockers; we are the builders,” Albanese said of the Coalition and “Greens political party”.

“We are in this for the long haul, the long term.”

It is an Albanese mission to lead a long-term Labor government. In the most effective section of the speech, he spoke of being in power and not sacrificing principles. He had a shot at those who “prefer protest to progress”.

No mention was made of AUKUS but the message of the peroration was clear. Albanese, in his first speech to a Labor national conference as leader and prime minister, is in power, intends to stay there and has put his personal stamp on the party.