An equal and inclusive Australia: ALP National Conference
Linda Burney addresses the ALP National Conference - Tuesday, 30 March 2021
***check against delivery***
Friends,
I am proud and honoured to move Chapter 5: An equal and inclusive nation.
Growing the ever-expanding circle of social inclusion is a proud Labor tradition and legacy.
Labor was instrumental to the creation of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Whitlam Labor Government passed the 1975 Racial Discrimination Act.
And in 1984 the Hawke Government introduced the Sex Discrimination Act - spearheaded by Susan Ryan, who we all miss.
The Rudd Labor Government delivered the National Apology to the Stolen Generations and commenced the great national effort to close the gap between First Nations and non-Indigenous Australians.
And Labor backed marriage equality.
Proud Labor legacies. But the work continues.
First Nations Australians
In this chapter, we renew our commitment to realising the Uluru Statement in full.
A constitutionally enshrined voice to the Parliament.
A Makaratta commission to oversee a national process of Truth-telling and Treaty and Agreement making.
Truth-telling means acknowledging and understanding that trauma from the past has transcended generations, and can still be seen and felt today.
Telling the truth can make Australia whole - it is fundamental.
Understanding that inextricable connection between past and present is critical to addressing the disparity.
And placing First Nations people in the centre of decision-making is critical to progress in closing the gap -
It is self determination in action.
Gender equality
We renew our commitment to gender equality.
Recent events have have shown the importance of Labor’s long-held commitment to affirmative action – ensuring our representatives more accurately reflect the people we serve.
We renew our commitment to tackling the gender pay gap – with greater transparency and accountability.
To strengthening the Fair Work commissions powers to order pay increases for workers in low paid, female dominant industries.
To ending violence against women – a national scourge and a national disgrace.
Women have the right to be safe.
Safe from violence.
Safe from sexual harassment and assault.
Safe from discrimination.
Safe at work. At home. Everywhere.
Ending violence against women is everyone’s business.
From individuals to communities; businesses to government.
And Labor will legislate a right to ten days paid family and domestic violence leave.
LGBTIQ
We renew our commitment to our lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, intersex and queer friends.
All Australians deserve the same rights and respect.
We will work to ensure equality before the law.
To end the discrimination and harassment that still occurs.
To ensure equality of access to services and support.
And let us be clear: Labor opposes so-called ‘gay conversion’ therapies.
We will work with advocates, survivors and experts to see the end of these discredited and damaging practices.
Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism is Australia.
Today, Labor renews our commitment to multiculturalism.
Multiculturalism and immigration are fundamental facets of the Australian story.
Those who have come from all over the world to share in and contribute to a prosperous and harmonious Australia.
To build a happy, healthy and safe life for themselves and for their families.
More needs to be done to make sure diversity is fully reflected in social, economic and political participation.
To remove the barriers to accessing services and support.
Opportunity must be more equally shared.
We are a better nation because we embrace a diversity of faiths, beliefs and worldviews.
We must remain vigilant against racism and extremism – which diminish and divide.
Conclusion
Friends and delegates, I am proud and thankful for all of the work that has gone into this chapter.
In particular, from the grassroots of our party, whose work and amendments are reflected in this chapter.
It outlines Labor’s vision for an inclusive and fair Australia.
Delegates, I move Chapter 5.
***ENDS***
LINDA BURNEY
SPEECH - TUESDAY, 30 MARCH 2021