Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has outlined his vision for his second term of Government.
In an address to the National Press Club, Albanese repeated his election pledges, including building more houses, investing in renewable energy, and making healthcare more affordable.
He also committed to increasing Australia’s productivity through a summit of industry leaders.
Here’s your breakdown.
Housing
Albanese referenced the Government’s $43 billion plan to go towards “social and affordable housing,” with the ultimate goal of 1.2 million new homes by mid-2029.
Australia is likely to fall short of this target, according to analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics data by the Housing Industry Association.
In his address, the PM said there was “unnecessary regulation” involved in construction, including local council approvals. He said his Government would try to “cut through on some of the red tape”.
Renewables
Albanese also mentioned the legislated target to reduce emissions by 43% from 2005 levels by the end of the decade.
He spruiked the ‘Future Made in Australia’ (FMIA), a plan to invest and build more green energy projects in Australia.
Albanese said the FMIA is focused on making “more things here” to help with the energy transition to “renewables, backed by gas, batteries and hydro”.
Healthcare
During the campaign, Albanese committed to a long-term plan to make more GP visits fully covered by Medicare.
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The plan, matched by the Coalition, will give GPs an extra bonus if they fully bulk bill all their patients.
Labor said it would cap the price of medicines listed on the Government-subsidised Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to $25, down from $31.60. It’s also committed to setting up a free 24/7 ‘1800 MEDICARE’ phone line where medical professionals can give non-urgent health advice.
Economy
Business, union, and industry leaders will attend a summit at Parliament in August, the PM confirmed in his address.
He said it would focus on “economic reform to drive growth [and] boost productivity... in a time of global uncertainty.”
Productivity refers to the level of output compared to hours worked. The Government-funded Productivity Commission said last month that Australia’s productivity levels have hit a 60-year low.
The Commission identified 15 areas to shake up work and industry. It recommended up-skilling workers and harnessing AI in the workplace.
The new summit resembles the 2022 Jobs and Skills Summit, hosted soon after the election, which precipitated a series of workplace reforms.
The Coalition said Australia is in the middle of a “productivity disaster,” noting the summit needed to go beyond a “talkfest”.
Democracy
Albanese told the Press Club the future of a healthy democracy hinges on “delivering” election promises.
Brewing “frustrations” can lead to “the feeling that government isn’t working,” Albanese said.
“To counter this, we have to offer the practical and positive alternative, to prove that a good, focused, reforming Labor Government can make a real and positive difference to people’s lives.”
