'Aspirational' LNP votes for energy reform

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has described the LNP as the party of "aspiration" at its state convention in Brisbane, as members voted for energy reform.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at the LNP convention in Brisbane.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull spoke at the LNP convention, saying it's the party of aspiration. (AAP)

Malcolm Turnbull has told the Liberal National Party faithful in Brisbane the LNP is the party of aspiration compared with Labor's "party of grievance".

Speaking at the LNP's annual convention, Mr Turnbull focused his comments mostly on federal issues, taking aim at Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

Mr Turnbull accused Mr Shorten of being "weak" while pushing his own coalition government's ability to lead the nation, with an eye to the Super Saturday by-elections on July 28.

"We are the party of aspiration, of enterprise. Labor has become a party of envy, negativity, pessimism and grievance," Mr Turnbull said.

"It is so against that fighting Australian spirit. No wonder people are turning away from Bill Shorten, and saying we don't want your lies."

Mr Turnbull's strong address followed party president Gary Spence's focus on the 10-year anniversary of the merged party in Queensland.

"Ten years of a centre-right party that is as committed to the values of our forebears as we are committed to delivering a better Queensland for generations to come," Mr Spence said.

"It is no accident that the theme of this year's state convention is celebrating the membership."

The membership were not shy about letting their voices be heard, arguing for a number of resolutions, in particular a call for the federal coalition to consider the feasibility of nuclear power in Australia.

Several members spoke against the resolution, on the grounds it would be a distraction at the by-elections and the federal election, but those for it argued nuclear power was still 20 years away and this would merely start the process.

The resolution narrowly passed.

Other resolutions passed on Saturday included a call for the federal government to own and operate the rail line servicing Adani's Carmichael coalmine, as well as a broader resolution for the federal coalition to support building more coal-fired power stations in Queensland.

A resolution to call on the government to review Australia's immigration intake failed on the basis the government regularly reviews the intake levels already.

The convention will conclude on Sunday, with the members still to debate resolutions around abortion and euthanasia laws, and protecting Christmas.

The LNP's parliamentary wing is not bound by any resolutions considered at the convention.


Share
3 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world