He described the embattled Mr Shorten’s leadership role as “safe as houses”.

Dr Jennings said the recent Labor conference clearly demonstrated that.

“Bill Shorten’s profile is growing slowly but surely,” he said.

Dr Jennings said Bill Shorten has taken on the toughest job in politics.

He said while a lot of different opinions on Mr Shorten’s leadership were put forward at the conference that is a very good thing. 

“Having an entire party saying only one way to view an issue is a bad thing,” Dr Jennings said.

“Labor is about looking after the majority of people it serves so having robust debate is a good thing,” he said.

Speaking about some of the issues that were focused on during the conference Dr Jennings said at the end of the day Labor is more or less approving of marriage equality.

“The ball is in the Coalition’s court,” Dr Jennings said. “However, if Tony Abbott had wanted it he would have done it by now.”

Another issue that received a lot of media attention during the conference was the ALP’s immigration stance.

Dr Jennings said there is one major point of difference regarding this issue.

“Very clearly Labor has never and will never demonise refugees for political gain, which is what the government is trying to do,” he said.

“We made a decision regarding a humane and safe strategy. We also made a commitment to double the refugee intake which is a big part of that difference. In the end it was an extremely difficult decision. 

“How would you feel if people were drowning under a policy you implemented. You would feel personally responsible.”

Dr Jennings said Labor’s renewable energy targets are fantastic and he looks forward to Australia joining the rest of the world in terms of renewable energy under Labor.

He added there would be benefits to Calare such as the development of Flyers Creek wind farm that will bring plenty of employment opportunities.

“They have zero confidence to proceed with their wind farm under the Abbott government.”

Cr Jennings added that he also thinks Labor’s commitment to have women make up 50 per cent of parliament is a good one.

“Warren Aubin’s claim that it would make no difference is utter rubbish,” Dr Jennings said.

“We know that kind of blokey club does not yield the best results.”

Dr Jennings added that the broad direction of Labor’s agriculture policy is very strong.

“Labor is on the right track with the national food plan,” he said.