Key facts
- Students in 10 allied health fields will receive up to $338.60 per week for mandatory placements.
- The expanded paid work experience program begins July 1, 2027.
- The Labor Party conference will discuss increasing taxes on gas exports.
- There is internal party tension regarding the stance on the Gaza war and Israel-Palestine conflict.
- A protest against arms trade with Israel is scheduled during the conference.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to announce a significant expansion of Australia's paid work experience program for students, offering financial assistance to those in 10 allied health fields including physiotherapy, speech pathology, and clinical psychology. This initiative, to be detailed in a speech opening the Labor national conference, aims to address the anxiety and frustration felt by the electorate by focusing on practical policies.
The triennial conference will also see the party solidify its long-term policy agenda, with a high-level commitment to increase taxes on gas exports and reduce fuel tax credits expected to be enshrined in the platform. While factional deals are anticipated to prevent major internal disputes, tension is present regarding the party's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict and the Gaza war. Draft text critical of Hamas has drawn pressure from Jewish groups and Israel's embassy, while pro-Palestine supporters within the party are pushing for stronger language. Senior Labor figures believe the current draft strikes a balance, potentially averting a floor debate.
Outside the Adelaide Convention Centre, where enhanced security will be in place for the 3000 attendees, a Students for Palestine protest is planned. Albanese is expected to contrast Labor's approach with that of its political opponents, emphasizing practical solutions over "raging against a system."
The expanded placement program, starting July 1, 2027, will provide up to $338.60 per week to students in courses such as paramedicine, radiography, pharmacy, rehabilitation therapies, and audiology, in addition to the existing support for teaching, nursing, midwifery, and social work students. This move follows advocacy from MPs like David Pocock and Helen Haines.
Conference delegates will begin debating the 126-page draft platform, with economic and climate policies scheduled for Thursday. Discussions are also underway regarding amendments to strengthen positions on tackling online gambling harm, including the potential establishment of a national regulator, a move that goes beyond current government legislation.