Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appeared at the Labor Party's NSW conference this morning to rally support for an election campaign.
While his message to the party faithful was mostly well received, some members of the Electrical Trade Union walked out during Albanese's speech in Sydney's Town Hall in protest of the exclusion of the CFMEU's construction division from the Labor party.
Outside, protesters filled the Town Hall Square and forecourt, calling for an end to the war in Gaza.
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Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protestors read speeches and chanted, even as the Australian government last night joined Canada and New Zealand in a statement calling for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.
A significant police presence separated protestors from the entrances to Town Hall.
Inside, the Prime Minister spoke on the need for unity within the party.
"In the end, when we've had our say, we go forward together as one, knowing we're part of something bigger than any of us are as individuals."
The PM's keynote speech otherwise highlighted the government's actions around cost of living relief.
"Every single Australian taxpayer, all 13.6 million of them, are getting Labor's tax cuts," Albanese said.
"The liberals have nothing to offer but the relentless negativity that takes us nowhere.
"This is the choice, this is what is at stake, and this is why we have to win."
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In Victoria, Peter Dutton addressed the Liberal Party's state council, likewise beginning preparations for an eventual election campaign.
"The coalition will go the next election as a patriotic party for patriotic Australians," he said.
"Can we win the next election? Yes we can, and yes we must."