Labor Party Rallies Amidst Challenges

0:00It's April 18th. This is Sydney News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. Tasmanian Labor just kicked off its first day conference in seven years. The first since 2019, after three straight election losses. Day 1 zeroed in on housing shortages and education cuts, with the party trying to rally after over a decade out of power at the state level. Federal Labor MP, Andrew Watt fired up the crowd by highlighting their wins in Tasmania, like adding new reps to the caucus and pushing reforms on. Assisted dying and political donations. He then handed the stage to the party's third leader in two years, Josh Willie, who took over last August after their worst result in over a century. Willie called the Tup Times a strength builder for the party, stressing his teacher background and plans to expand kindergarten to five days a week. He slammed proposed $45 million cuts at Tastayev, saying it's a public pillar, not a profit chaser, and deserves better for Tasmanians.

1:01Debates got heated over the state government's 5% short stay accommodation levy for first home buyers. Young labor and some branches push back, wanting a higher rate for social housing or freeze on new approvals until rentals recover, plus zero. Percent deposits for buyers' motions that passed, despite party opposition. Protesters met delegates outside over Greyhound Racing and Sammon Farms, urging policy shifts. None of these motions bind the party, and day two brings pill testing and Palestine to the floor, signaling labor's gearing up for a comeback push.