Australia’s main opposition has prioritized the issue of cost-of-living and housing as it begins its campaign for the next election, which is expected to take place by May 17.
Peter Dutton, leader of the center-right Liberal Party, outlined his plans to become prime minister in his first speech of the year at a campaign event in Melbourne on Sunday. The party’s 12 main priorities were detailed in a report.
Support for the opposition is now almost on par with that of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s ruling center-left Labor government, as voters grow increasingly frustrated with the country’s economic situation. Interest rates have risen to a 13-year high of 4.35% and prices continue to rise. While the government has tried to ease the burden with cost-of-living relief and tax cuts, electoral dissatisfaction remains.
“Australians are currently experiencing the worst decline in living standards on record,” Dutton said at the event. “Everything has become more expensive — food, rent, mortgages, electricity, and insurance.”
Dutton promised several measures aimed at reducing housing costs, which have become a key indicator of the cost-of-living crisis. These measures include a two-year ban on foreign investors and temporary residents purchasing existing Australian homes; a 25% reduction over two years in the number of people admitted to the country through the permanent migration program; stricter limits on international students in urban universities; and a A$5 billion ($3.1 billion) plan to support the construction of essential infrastructure for new housing.
He also outlined plans to improve access to affordable and reliable energy by increasing domestic gas production, and replacing coal-fired power plants with nuclear energy. The Liberal Party had previously outlined a A$331 billion plan to establish a taxpayer-funded nuclear power industry in just over a decade, despite top scientists in the country stating that renewable energy such as wind and solar power is more cost-effective.
Other election priorities for the opposition include investing in small businesses, defense, and regional communities, improving healthcare, reducing government spending, and reviewing Indigenous programs. Dutton mentioned that the party would reveal new policies in the coming days and weeks.
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