In his concluding address at the National Press Club ahead of the federal election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve, calling it the “greatest honour” of his life. As is customary, key party leaders address the Press Club during the final week of the election campaign. Albanese’s speech, delivered in Canberra, highlighted his government’s accomplishments over the past three years, emphasising the control of inflation, continuous growth in real wages for five quarters, and record job creation that outstrips any previous government tenure since Australia’s federation.
Albanese reiterated his commitment to enhancing Australia’s healthcare system, showcasing an $8.5 billion pledge aimed at increasing Medicare bulk billing. However, he argued for the necessity of another term to address the “chaos and dysfunction” left by the previous Liberal government, stressing the importance of a stable, progressive Labor government in transforming lives and rectifying the prior administration’s mistakes.
The Prime Minister launched a critique against Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, calling him out for evading scrutiny regarding the financial implications of his policies and for supporting a controversial $600 billion nuclear reactor initiative unsupported by any state government or investors. Albanese insisted that Dutton must clarify how this scheme would be funded prior to the election, ensuring transparency for the electorate.
Wrapping up his address, Albanese appealed directly to Australians for their support in the upcoming election, highlighting the significance of his role in making a positive impact on citizens’ lives. He envisioned a future where his administration could further improve the nation and committed to dedicating every single day of the next three years to prove their worthiness of public trust.
Recent polling data shows Labor leading with 53 per cent to the Coalition’s 47 per cent on a two-party preferred basis. If Albanese wins a second term, he would become the first prime minister to secure consecutive victories since John Howard in 2004, a feat not seen since James Scullin when a sitting government lost after just one term in 1932.