Face of Nation : Prime Minister Scott Morrison is set to address the Liberal party’s state conference in Western Australia after members debate policy motions, including a call to lengthen the federal parliamentary term from three years to four.
The motion was put forward by the Tangney division, held by former state director Ben Morton, who Mr Morrison anointed assistant minister to the prime minister and cabinet after the post-election reshuffle in May. Other federal motions to be discussed at the conference on Saturday include removing any references to race from the constitution, and merging the ABC and SBS.
Members will also debate opposing WA government plans to introduce buffer zones around abortion clinics, making the commercial operations of trade unions taxable, and repealing laws that prevent the development and utilisation of nuclear energy.
Arguably the most contentious state policy motion is a four year moratorium on the introduction of WA’s proposed voluntary assisted dying legislation to give time to scrutinise such laws in Victoria, which were passed in November 2017 and came into effect last month. The bill is due to be introduced in the WA parliament next month ahead of a conscience vote.