Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has signalled his intent ahead of the election with a budget reply speech branded “pretty impressive” by Sky News host Paul Murray.
During his budget reply on Thursday night, Mr Dutton promised Australians cheaper energy, a fuel excise cut, lower migration, and more homes.
He also said the Coalition would introduce “four critical pieces of legislation” if elected including the Energy Price Reduction Bill, the Lower Immigration and More Homes for Australians Bill, the Keeping Australians Safe Bill, and the Guaranteed Funding for Health, Education and Essential Services Bill.
After the speech, Murray analysed Mr Dutton’s promises, highlighting the fuel excise as an area to plug a gap the Prime Minister had failed to address.
“Something we’ve spoken about for such a long time, something that the Prime Minister has ignored at the height of the difficulties of the past three years…well, Peter Dutton now has turned every single petrol station and its price board into a billboard for his case for change, because upon his election the fuel tax will be halved,” Murray said.
Murray also highlighted five key things to know from Mr Dutton’s reply, including his efforts to help “now” rather than in a year’s time.
He argued the Opposition Leader would stick to a “real future plan” rather than vague promises, would fight Labor’s “campaign of lies”, will back small business and will “defend values” and set a “path to pride”.
“These are the focuses of a Dutton Government, that education matters, that pride in your nation matters, making sure that a country that is focused on its future matters,” Murray said.
“And that comes from the top. This Prime Minister has a disapproval rating above 50 per cent. More people are unimpressed with his leadership than impressed with his leadership, something Peter Dutton promises to change.”
According to a new Redbridge poll, published by news.com.au, majority of voters believe they are worse off since Anthony Albanese was elected Prime Minister in May 2022.
Only 29 per cent of voters could pinpoint at least one thing the Albanese government had done that had made their lives better in any way, with 54 per cent unable to name a way their lives have been improved.
The electricity rebate, healthcare, and tax cuts were the most frequently highlighted areas people said they felt the Albanese government had enriched their lives.
In his closing remarks, Mr Dutton urged voters to make a “better choice” to get Australia “back on track” after three years under the Albanese government.
“Australians are worse off under the Albanese Government, and Australians cannot afford three more years of this bad Labour Government,” he said.
“I say to Australians tonight, at this election, you can make the right choice. A better choice for you, a better choice, for your family, and a better choice for your country. Together let’s build a stronger, safer and better Australia, and let’s together get our country back on track.”
Murray said the Opposition Leader’s speech was one of “passion” and “force”, declaring it showed Mr Dutton was ready to lead.
“His closing pitch, which will be heard in many ways over many days between now and when you get the chance to vote for or against the current government, this is the closing argument of a man who is ready,” he said.
On Friday, the Prime Minister confirmed the federal election would take place on Saturday, May 3.
