Kate Ellis is back – and the heat of political debate is higher than ever, incoming Labor president says

Jul 21, 2026 - 23:50

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Kate Ellis is back – and the heat of political debate is higher than ever, incoming Labor president says

The former Rudd/Gillard government minister has a plan for fighting back against populists including Pauline Hanson

The incoming Labor president, Kate Ellis, says toxicity in politics is spilling into the broader community and public debate, warning that threats against MPs’ safety are limiting how elected politicians do their jobs.

Due to succeed Wayne Swan as the leader of Labor’s organisational base at this week’s national conference, the former Rudd/Gillard government minister said fighting back against populists including Pauline Hanson was best achieved by demonstrating policies that improve voters’ lives.