Anthony Albanese poised to speak at Labor conference in defence of AUKUS

The prime minister has indicated he will take part on Friday in what is expected to be the most contentious debate on the floor of Labor's national conference — that surrounding the AUKUS security pact — as the government attempts to quell internal disquiet over the contentious deal with the US and UK. Key points: The Labor conference can expect a statement in support of AUKUS from Richard Marles The motion will include reassurances that AUKUS will lock in well-paid jobs for unionised workers The government has committed to disposing of waste from the submarines His deputy, Defence Minister Richard Marles, is planning to introduce a 32-paragraph statement in support of AUKUS to the party's official platform. A group led by New South Wales state Labor MP Anthony D'Adam is seeking to remove a clause that says the deal will "enhance" Australia's self-reliant defence policy from the party's platform. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he will "quite possibly" contribute to the debate at the Labor conference. The prime minister pushed back on the suggestion that his government was trying to "fend off" the wider party's attempts to change its positions at the conference.