Why the ALP conference matters

ALP NATIONAL CONFERENCE - WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

- The conference sets the framework for what Bill Shorten and his team will take to the next federal election, due in 2016. That means the approach Labor will take to jobs, taxes, education, health, asylum seekers, national security and other issues of importance to voters.

- Given that Labor is leading the coalition in the polls, its policy platform will indicate how a possible Labor government will operate and what its priorities will be.

- If the conference decides to change the way Labor preselects some election candidates it could change the type of candidates voters are offered. In the past, Labor candidates have largely been former political advisers and trade union officials.

- Disunity is death for a political party, as the 2013 election proved. Shorten must balance debate and dissent on issues with a sense of unity of purpose within the party.

- Voters will be seeking a clear indication that corruption exposed by the royal commission will not be tolerated and is not systemic within the labour movement.

- Shorten is on notice as leader. While Labor leads the polls, his personal standing and preferred prime minister ranking is low and he needs a strong and convincing performance.