Gillard revs up Victorian Labor

AAP - Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard has told delegates at Labor's Victorian state council that Labor is the right party to be in government at this time.

The easy days when Australian governments could spend a decade surfing the resources
boom were over, Ms Gillard told delegates at Melbourne's Moonee Valley Racecourse.
She said Australia faced unparalleled challenges that extend well beyond its borders.
"We must show our true strengths. We must stick together. When things get tough, the
Labor Party is the right party of government," Ms Gillard said as anti-abortion
campaigners protested outside the venue amid tight security.
Also, many of the hundreds of delegates attending the gathering wore T-shirts
calling for the abolition of the industry watchdog, Australian Building and
Construction Commission (ABCC).
And, as Ms Gillard spoke about the government's education revolution and workplace
reform, members of the party called out "get rid of the ABCC".
Premier John Brumby was applauded after praising the Victorian MPs for passing
contentious legislation decriminalising abortion.
He said it had been an important week in Victorian politics.
But, he added, the Victorian economy was not immune to the global financial crisis
and the state faced its worst drought in more than 100 years.
"Now is not a time for the faint-hearted. Now is a time for decisive action and
clear direction," he said.
Delegates at the council then went on to discuss 18 motions, covering a range of
issues, including transport, water, public holidays, industrial relations
legislation and reform of public funding of political parties.