The ALP's 47th national conference has begun in Melbourne with an indigenous welcome to country.
Labor national president Mark Butler introduced state ALP leaders, including Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk who he described as a "giant slayer" for defeating the coalition's Campbell Newman after a single term.
Federal leader Bill Shorten, who will address the opening, will be introduced by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and federal deputy Tanya Plibersek.
Mr Butler told the conference it had a huge responsibility to "set the firmest, broadest possible foundation for us to bring down the Abbott government".
"We need to be united and disciplined," he said.
"We come to this conference much more united than we have been for too many years."
Mr Butler told the conference it had a huge responsibility to "set the firmest, broadest possible foundation for us to bring down the Abbott government".
"We need to be united and disciplined," he said.
"We come to this conference much more united than we have been for too many years."
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews set the conference laughing when he appeared to introduce Mr Shorten before the federal leader was scheduled to come into the convention centre.
The 397 delegates stood, looked around and applauded but were told to sit down as it was not the right time for the leader to enter.
"Who says this isnt a compliant conference?" Mr Andrews quipped.
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