Rudd chews his pen

Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd has been busy at the drawing board drafting a 4-page policy platform document for the 400 delegates that will be attending the ALP conference next month. The platform centres on Labor's model for economic growth and free trade.

Labor has to embrace the challenges of the new century, Rudd said when asked about his blueprint. He made references to things like the rise of China, climate change, the skills shortage, and the need for a national broadband.

Many from within the ranks of the party Left, however, may not be happy with Rudd's plans.

According to some commentators, he encourages support for the casualisation of the workforce, takes a hard line on indigenous welfare and the welfare system generally, and has softened Labor’s position on private health policy.

In other policy moves Rudd has scrapped the former Labor Leader's controversial forestry policy. And will overturn policies on federal funding for schools and uranium mines.

Although Rudd intends to scrap WorkChoices he has not yet pledged a return to unfair dissmissal laws.

Despite potential criticism from within his own party Rudd remains confident that his party will endorse the platform.

“When it comes to our party and our movement putting forward the best plan possible for the economy of the 21st century, some may oppose that, but I intend to prevail,” he said.

The Government is sceptical of Rudd's conviction, saying that he is all words and will eventually kowtow to the unions.

Rudd has accused the Government of riding on the economic boom of the mining industry and lacking any real economic vision.

Kevin Rudd Labor economy