The ALP National Platform 2018
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Welcome to Labor’s National Platform I am proud to introduce Labor’s 48th ALP National Platform. This National Platform outlines Labor’s key policy priorities as we head into an election year. These policies were developed and articulated through the work of our Shadow Ministry and the National Policy Forum (NPF). I congratulate our NPF office bearers – particularly, Senator Deborah O’Neill and Senator Jennifer McAllister – and all of the members of the NPF elected from the branch membership, our affiliated unions and the FPLP. This Platform is about showcasing Labor’s preparedness for government and restoring Australians faith in the political process. Bill Shorten and the Labor team are more than ready, they are a rare stable force in today’s political climate. As the Leader said in his opening speech to National Conference: “…these gatherings witness a real passion, genuine debate and the decisions that we make here, define our party, they reflect our values.” Bill and the Labor team are ready to take on the challenges Australia faces, and are ready to implement a National Platform. I would like to acknowledge and thank every rank and file member and union who contributed to the development of this platform, and commend it to the Party and to all Australians. Noah Carroll ALP National Secretary 1 National Platform Contents Welcome to Labor’s National Platform .............................................................................................. 1 Chapter 1: Labor’s Enduring Values ................................................................................................... 10 Chapter 2: A strong economy for all Australians ............................................................................... 13 The contemporary challenge ........................................................................................................ 13 Labor values ................................................................................................................................... 13 Labor priorities .............................................................................................................................. 16 First Nations Economies ................................................................................................................ 16 Responsible Fiscal Policy ............................................................................................................... 17 Stable Monetary Policy ................................................................................................................. 18 Retirement Incomes and Superannuation .................................................................................... 18 A Strong and Vibrant Small Business Sector ................................................................................. 20 A Professional Financial Services Industry .................................................................................... 22 Competitive and sustainable banking system ............................................................................... 23 Trading with the World ................................................................................................................. 26 Skilled Migration ............................................................................................................................ 34 Temporary migration .................................................................................................................... 37 A Fair and Efficient Tax System ..................................................................................................... 37 Housing affordability ..................................................................................................................... 39 Innovation and the Economy of the Future .................................................................................. 40 Manufacturing ............................................................................................................................... 42 Science and Research .................................................................................................................... 47 Australia’s Research institutions ................................................................................................... 48 Science for Australia’s Future ........................................................................................................ 49 Industry, Science and Research Collaboration .............................................................................. 50 Strengthening the services sector ................................................................................................. 50 Chapter 3: Building Australia’s future ................................................................................................ 53 The contemporary challenge ........................................................................................................ 53 Labor values ................................................................................................................................... 53 Labor priorities .............................................................................................................................. 54 Transport infrastructure ................................................................................................................ 54 Institutional arrangements ............................................................................................................ 56 Financing........................................................................................................................................ 57 High Speed Rail .............................................................................................................................. 57 Priority investment programs ....................................................................................................... 58 Public transport ............................................................................................................................. 58 Active transport ............................................................................................................................. 58 Road safety .................................................................................................................................... 59 Developing Regional Australia....................................................................................................... 59 Aviation .......................................................................................................................................... 60 2 Shipping ......................................................................................................................................... 61 Transport regulations .................................................................................................................... 63 Australia’s cities: productive, liveable, sustainable ...................................................................... 63 National Broadband Network ....................................................................................................... 65 Local government .......................................................................................................................... 65 Tourism .......................................................................................................................................... 66 Agriculture, fisheries & forestry .................................................................................................... 67 Minerals & resources .................................................................................................................... 69 Uranium ......................................................................................................................................... 69 Northern Australia ......................................................................................................................... 72 External territories ........................................................................................................................ 72 Chapter 4: Tackling climate change, securing our energy future & addressing our environmental challenges ........................................................................................................................................... 74 The contemporary challenge ........................................................................................................ 74 Labor values ................................................................................................................................... 75 Labor priorities .............................................................................................................................. 76 Creating a clean energy future to renew our energy systems and address climate change ........ 76 National environmental law .......................................................................................................... 80 National and World Heritage ........................................................................................................ 81 Securing the health of the Great Barrier Reef .............................................................................. 82 Protecting biodiversity and natural resources .............................................................................