Trusting people to pursue their own futures invariably provides better outcomes. Money goes where it is needed, rather than being absorbed by administration costs.

Labor is at its best when we are the party of ideas and action - ideas that empower the powerless and actions that build a better Australia for the long term.

What I believe to be every Australian's right - a good, safe job with proper pay and conditions.

Productivity is driven at the enterprise level. Better wages, better performing workplaces, are driven at the workplace level.

To the best of my knowledge, when I became national secretary and, indeed, Victorian secretary, the - my predecessors in the union had detected wrong activities, activities which aren't in the best traditions of the AWU or, indeed, trade unionism.

I want to build a Big Labor party. A party of big ideas. A party which is deeply connected to the community. A party which reflects our diverse nation.

When I entered federal parliament at the end of 2007, I was appointed parliamentary secretary for disabilities.