Labor leader Anthony Albanese used a campaign-style rally before supporters in Sydney’s inner-west to detail elements of his election pitch to voters.
Key points:
- Labor has unveiled a $1.2 billion plan to create 65,000 new university and TAFE places if it wins next year’s election
- Mr Albanese described the plan as “affordable and achievable” during a pitch to voters in inner-west Sydney
- Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited Bathurst 1000 and flood-affected residents of Forbes
While the next election could be as much as six months away, both Mr Albanese and the Prime Minister spent part of Sunday conducting campaign-style events, sharpening their messages for next year’s poll.
Mr Albanese used the rally to detail a $1.2 billion education and skills policy and argued not only was the Morrison government tired after a decade in office, but Labor was ready to govern.
“I know Labor has the right plans and policies and people for this moment,” he said.
But he took on a measured tone when outlining his vision for a future Labor government.
“We are seeking renewal — not revolution,” he said.
“Not a rejection of everything that has gone before but building on the enduring values which have helped make this such a great country.”
Mr Albanese delivered the speech in the marginal Liberal-held seat of Reid, which could prove vital to Labor’s chances at next year’s election.
Scott Morrison visited the Bathurst 1000 on Sunday morning, meeting race fans and taking a lap in the safety car.
He later visited flood-affected Forbes, in the New South Wales central west, speaking with volunteers and farmers affected by the recent flooding.
Asked if a campaign of sorts was underway, Mr Morrison said it was important he saw the impact of the disaster first-hand.
“That’s why we’re here today, someone else is campaigning and politicking back in the inner-city,” he said.
“We’re here in central-western New South Wales, listening carefully to the impact of these floods on their properties and their futures.
This week, Labor announced plans to create 65,000 new university and TAFE places if it wins next year’s election, with a bold promise of covering the fees of almost half a million TAFE students over the next four years.
The plan relies on a future federal Labor government entering a shared funding arrangement with the states and territories.
Labor has pledged to cover 465,000 TAFE places over the forward estimates in areas hit hardest by COVID-19, such as hospitality, tourism and construction, as well as creating 45,000 new TAFE places.
It also promised to create up to 20,000 new university places across 2022 and 2023, in a bid to address address skills shortages.
Universities will receive funding over six years from 2021, with places prioritised for First Nations Australians, people in remote and regional areas, and those who are the first in their family to study at university.
