UPDATE: ACT Labor members have just announced a critical stance against allowing artificial intelligence to dominate public service decision-making. This urgent call for transparency in AI use was made during the party’s 52nd annual conference held on October 7, 2023, at the Southern Cross Club in Canberra.
The party’s resolution comes in response to increasing concerns about the risks posed by AI in government operations. “AI, if used incorrectly, can undermine the integrity of the public service and the trust of the community,” warned conference delegate Mariusz Kalinowski. Delegates emphasized that AI must be employed thoughtfully to enhance government services, not diminish them.
In addition to this pressing issue, delegates also voted to enhance the diversity within the party’s parliamentary ranks. However, a proposal to review a controversial Brindabella preselection was struck down, highlighting ongoing tensions within the party structure.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr addressed the conference, asserting that Labor has listened to Canberrans’ needs during the recent territory and federal elections. “We are committed to growing our university sector, despite the challenges faced this year,” Barr stated. He emphasized the need for new investments and stability in university enrolments to bolster job growth and financial health in the sector.
During the conference, Lachlan Clohesy, secretary of the National Tertiary Education Union ACT division, called on the federal government to ensure the Australian National University (ANU) sets a standard for governance. The motion highlighted past failures at ANU, including job cuts and financial mismanagement. “The ANU must recover and become a model of exemplary governance moving forward,” Clohesy urged.
As bargaining for ACT public servants begins, Maddy Northam, regional secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union, revealed plans to secure real pay rises for public servants. “Our members have faced a recruitment freeze this year, and they deserve support to address these challenges,” Northam stated. She also pushed for paid reproductive leave and stronger cultural leave protections in the new agreement.
The conference further endorsed a motion urging the ACT government to collaborate with unions to address staffing shortages and fill critical vacancies. Labor delegates voted overwhelmingly to ensure AI is not misused in public services, reinforcing the party’s commitment to maintaining public trust.
In a potentially controversial twist, a motion calling for the CFMEU to be pulled from administration faced a lack of support, and thus was not debated. Instead, delegates focused on a motion to divest from companies involved in human rights violations in Palestine, reflecting the party’s broader social justice priorities.
The conference marked a pivotal moment for ACT Labor, being the first since their significant electoral wins in October 2024 and May 2025. Andrew Leigh, the federal Labor member for Fenner, celebrated their historic achievement, stating, “We have won more seats than any political party in Australian history.”
As the conference concluded, Barr reiterated the government’s focus on delivering for Canberra, stating, “We will maintain Canberra’s reputation as one of the most livable places on the planet.”
With these developments, ACT Labor sets a decisive agenda for the future, prioritizing transparency in technology use and advocating for the needs of their constituents. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.
