Minister Barr: Continuing to make Labor’s platform for government even more inclusive and progressive
- Written by ACT Government
Released 18/12/2018
Federal Labor’s National Platform now commits our party to properly fund Australia’s great national institutions, pursue further tax reforms to help first home buyers and reduce discrimination against gay men by limiting the deferral period for blood donations following amendments I moved during the 48th National Conference.
Labor delegates also unanimously passed my resolution in support of Territory rights, which called on all MPs to vote in favour of restoring democratic rights for our community when this matter next comes before federal Parliament.
Labor’s National Platform is our party’s guiding manifesto and sets out a bold agenda for the next Labor Government. Amending the platform to include these important commitments shows our Government is taking every opportunity to pursue the ACT’s inclusive and progressive agenda nationally.
The national institutions amendment commits Labor to end years of cuts and underinvestment by the federal Liberal Government in our national cultural institutions, the majority of which are based in Canberra. Labor will prioritise sustainable funding for our national institutions and support them to continue growing their capacity to contribute to Australia’s cultural life.
My amendment on improving support for first home buyers acknowledges that stamp duty can be a significant barrier to buying a home, and confirms Federal Labor will work with the states and territories to explore further tax reform options that can offer better help for those seeking to find their own place to call home.
The blood donations amendment recognises that the existing deferral periods for gay men are outdated and stigmatising, while also restricting the available supply of badly-needed donor blood. Labor will act quickly on the basis of clinical advice to reduce the deferral period as another step towards addressing the exclusion faced by LGBTIQ Australians.
Over the past three days, Labor has debated and set a positive, progressive platform which responds to the needs and priorities of people around Australia, including Canberrans who are sick of the negativity and out-of-touch conservatism of the Liberals.
Updating the platform to address these important issues is another way we are working to deliver the ACT Government’s inclusive and progressive agenda for the Canberra community.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
