Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese clashed over the cost of living during the second leaders’ debate over the election.
Mr Albanese rejected the Prime Minister’s plan to ease the pressure on households by giving a one-time additional tax relief for low and middle income earners and temporarily halving fuel tax until May. 9.
After Mr Morrison introduced these measures in the early stages of the Channel Nine challenge, Mr Albanese said: ‘The problem with what Scott just said, the cost of living measures he’s talking about are all just that. temporary.
Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese clashed over cost of living during Monday’s leaders debate over election
‘They have all the sincerity of a fake tan, they go away once people vote and people back themselves up again. “
The Labor leader said Australians need more lasting relief like his proposal for cheaper childcare and policies that boost wages.
He said his ‘goal’ is to raise wages through industrial relations reform – but cannot guarantee real wage increases.
In his opening statement, Mr Albanese promised a ‘better future’ should he be elected on May 21.
“A better future is within our grasp, and if I lead, the provisional Labor government, what a better future will look like,” he said.
‘We’ll have cheaper childcare, we’ll have stronger Medicare, including cheaper drugs to make it easier to see a doctor. We will have safer jobs and we plan to raise wages. ‘
Mr Morrison urged voters to stick with him if they wanted a ‘strong economy’.
Incumbent Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese shake hands before the debate
Mr Morrison urges voters to stick with him if they want a ‘strong economy’
“This is a choice between strength and weakness, a choice between certainty and uncertainty,” he said.
‘What you know about the government and what you don’t know about the Labor Party and the opposition, who have had three years to tell you but haven’t.
‘So today, tonight, it’s all about choosing between who can best manage that economy for a stronger future, because a strong economy means a stronger future. stronger. ”
The debate comes after a busy weekend of campaigning for the two leaders.
Mr Morrison on Sunday announced a $53 million package to help cut the costs of IVF for expectant mothers and fathers.
Mr Morrison said he understood the obstacles and difficulties many Australians face when trying to have children, following his own family’s IVF journey.
“I want to help thousands more Australians achieve their dream of becoming a parent,” he said.
Approximately 50,000 patients received Medicare-funded assisted reproductive technology services between 2020-21, including through IVF, and now patients with cancer or those with genetic diseases will be subsidized storing eggs, sperm or embryos for the first time.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, wife Jenny, daughters Lily and Abbey and mother Marion at a Liberal Party rally in Melbourne on Sunday
Mr Morrison said: “For people battling cancer or limiting their risk of genetic diseases, this has been an uphill battle and this new grant will give them more choices about what to do. aspiration to become a parent.
‘Just when these aspiring moms and dads need our help most, we’ll be there.’
Meanwhile, Anthony Albanese said Labor will invest $11 million to help new parents connect with their local playgroups.
The Labor Government will help playgroups recover from the Covid-19 disruption and expand their networks across Australia.
“We know that more than 90 per cent of a person’s brain development takes place in the first five years,” says Albanese.
‘Group play plays an important role in that development with children learning together and developing social skills, as well as creating an important network for parents.’
Research shows that children who are part of playgroups are more likely to start school and are ready to learn with better communication, language and cognitive skills than children who are not in playgroups.
‘On Mother’s Day, I can’t think of a better way to come out of the pandemic than strengthening the communities built for mothers and children through increased funding for development and support. play groups around the country.’
Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and Labor candidate for Bass Ross Hart’s seat in Tasmania on Sunday
