NSW Premier admits Labor must 'climb Everest' to stay in power amid protests

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns admitted the Labor party faces a monumental task, likening their challenge to "climbing Everest" to stay in power, especially with the rising influence of One Nation. Minns addressed the NSW Labor conference, acknowledging the ongoing protests that have marked previous party gatherings.

As Minns approached the stage, two men unfurled a Palestinian flag from a balcony before being removed by police. The premier, who received a standing ovation, stated he was not there for a "victory lap." He emphasized the need to focus on economic recovery, announcing plans to invest in workers, grow the economy, and strengthen industry in NSW.

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I’m not here to do a victory lap.

Key policy announcements included extending the state's apprenticeship program and bringing train manufacturing back to the Hunter region. The government has identified potential sites for a state-owned, privately operated facility, projecting significant job creation through a $12 billion commitment over 15 years. The announcement was met with applause from delegates.

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The economy is nowhere near where we need it to be for working families, so today I want to speak about the next chapter in our plan to invest in workers, to grow the economy and to build the kind of industry that makes NSW strong.

Outside the conference, protesters, including members of Labor Friends of Palestine, were kept at bay by security. Simultaneously, 56 Labor branches passed motions calling for the repeal or review of controversial anti-protest laws, a move supported by the entire left faction. Concerns were raised about the limited debate time for issues like protest laws, gambling reform, and the Aukus agreement, with social justice and global affairs platforms relegated to the end of the agenda.

Minns acknowledged the protesters, noting they were not the first to attempt disruption. A potential dispute over the eight-person Labor ticket for the upper house next year was resolved before the conference, with candidates agreeing to the order, led by Daniel Mookhey and Penny Sharpe. Anthony D’Adam, a critic of protest laws and Aukus, is fourth on the ticket, while Tara Moriarty faces a challenge from One Nation.

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They are not the first to try and disrupt our democratic conference and they probably won’t be the last - we’ve seen it all before.