The whole day was dominated by Labor’s 2026 Budget changes to Capital Gains Tax and Negative Gearing at the 50th party conference, Adelaide, 23, 24, 25 July, 2026. Speaking at the conference PM Anthony Albanese emphasised about unity, Labor’s history, and selling the government’s economic agenda as the answer to current cost-of-living and housing pressure.
The PM said, “No matter what situation Australia is in… no matter what crisis we face… our approach is the same: get through it together, and then plan for a brighter tomorrow.”
“We’re never satisfied with simply muddling through and returning to how things were.”
“To build our nation and shape it to the benefit of the Australian people. All our people.”
“No one should be left behind, and no one held back by a lack of opportunity for a better future.”
Background: The budget included key changes to CGT and negative gearing. Reactions have been mixed
Pressure: One Nation and other groups have labelled the government “liars” for making changes not signalled before the 2025 election
Labor MPs speaking: Ed Husic spoke and defended looking at tax breaks, saying the system needs to be “fairer” and focused more on housing supply. He also urged caution about “jumping to conclusions” before measures are implemented.
theguardian.com adds: “Outspoken Labor MP Ed Husic claims the party has become “allergic” to dissent and dispute, warning the unity on show at its tightly controlled national conference could backfire.
The former industry minister broke ranks with the government on the first day of Labor’s 50th party conference to support a gas export tax, endorse Indigenous truth-telling and press for more criticism of Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
Political Context
Right-wing realignment: Pundits are calling this a “realignment” moment. One Nation has surged in polls, with some showing them matching Labor’s primary vote
Farrer by-election: One Nation’s first federal lower house win in the 2026 Farrer by-election was a major talking point
Former Labor strategist Kos Samaras said the surge means “the classic two-party system of Australian politics had effectively been dismantled”
Protests Outside
Protest groups gathered outside the Adelaide Convention Centre with the message: “Stop the Cuts. Defend Our Rights”. NDIS and budget cuts were the main focus.
Conference Business
This is the 50th triennial National Conference and the party’s highest decision-making body
Delegates are debating the National Platform – the statement of party policy drafted by the National Policy Forum
20 members of the National Executive will be elected by the conference
Key Themes for Day 1
Defending the budget – PM Albanese and senior ministers fronted media to sell the CGT/negative gearing changes
Party unity – Messaging focused on staying united against the One Nation surge
Housing + Cost of living – Tax reform framed as making housing more affordableThe conference runs until 25 July 2026, so expect more debate on tax, AUKUS, and party rules over the next 2 days.
NOTE – AI also used for the above text wrap up of ALP’s National Conference, Adelaide, 23 July, 2026. Any mistake will be corrected. Conference runs until Saturday 25 July 2026
