A $12 billion injection for train manufacturing in the NSW Hunter Valley was the centrepiece of Premier Chris Minns' day-one address to the annual Sydney gathering of branch members and unions delegates.
The multibillion-dollar pledge to resurrect local train-building and cut reliance on overseas outsourcing comes as his government prepares for an election in March 2027.
"For generations, highly skilled Australian workers made our Tangaras, our red rattlers, our V Set, our S Set," Mr Minns told the sea of supporters in red lanyards on Saturday.
"All until 2012, when the last train rolled off the line at Broadmeadow after being outsourced to China, Spain and South Korea."
Mr Minns promised 550 manufacturing jobs and hundreds more to construct the facility in one of two possible sites in Teralba or Broadmeadow.
An expanded apprenticeship program has also been promised, with another 400 government-funded roles open for students and school leavers to study and learn on the job.
Delegates were vocal about the threat posed by One Nation, with the Pauline Hanson-led populist party rising solidly in the polls.
Many responded to Senator Hanson's criticism of multiculturalism in favour of a "mono-cultural" society, as outlined in a controversial National Press Club address in June.
"If you have a different face, a different surname, there is a place for you in this country," federal Labor MP Ed Husic told delegates on Saturday.
"Do not drop your chin in fear."
Outside the Labour Party proceedings, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered to demand police drop all charges in relation to demonstrations against a visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog in February.
Scrutiny on protest law and policing in the state has intensified following demonstrations that resulted in a violent clash between officers and protesters, including the widely condemned shoving of Muslim worshippers in prayer.
The rally was restricted by laws passed following Bondi's terror attack in December, which have since been struck down in the NSW Supreme Court.
Internal pressure to repeal anti-protest laws has been building among the Labor rank and file, with more than 50 motions passed by party branches and trade unions ahead of the conference.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the member for Grayndler, is expected to address the state gathering on Sunday.
6°C