Peter Dutton, the Opposition Leader, has made several key promises in his budget reply speech as part of his campaign to become Australia's next prime minister. Here are the main points:
Gas Plan Specifics
Dutton's national gas plan includes auditing development-ready projects, particularly in southern states facing potential shortfalls. He also aims to halve approval times for these projects to expedite their development.
Gas Infrastructure Fund
The $1 billion critical gas infrastructure fund will not only increase pipeline and storage capacity but also enforce "use it or lose it" stipulations. This means gas drilling companies must actively develop their offshore gas fields or risk losing their rights to them.
Electricity Price
Dutton claims his plan will be 44% cheaper than Labor's, potentially saving Australians $263 billion. He argues that cheaper plans will lead to lower electricity prices as fewer costs are passed on to consumers.
Youth Mental Health Expansion
The expansion of the National Centre for Excellence in Youth Mental Health, which Dutton established in 2014, aims to enhance support and services for young people struggling with mental health issues.
Support for Businesses
Small and medium businesses in critical industries will receive $12,000 to support apprentices and trainees, aiming to boost the workforce in essential sectors.
Legislative Priorities
On the first sitting day of the next parliament, Dutton promises to introduce four critical pieces of legislation focusing on energy, immigration, housing, health, and community safety.
Public Service Cuts
By reversing Labor's increase of 41,000 Canberra-based public servants, Dutton aims to save $7 billion annually and over $10 billion over the forward estimates.
Defence Funding
While specific details were not provided, Dutton teased a significant funding commitment to defence, emphasizing the importance of national security amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Spending Cuts
The Coalition plans to cut $10 billion in spending by eliminating what they consider "inflationary, ineffectual and imprudent spending." This includes ending the $20 billion rewiring the nation fund, Labor's $10 billion housing fund, and $16 billion in production tax credits for critical minerals and green hydrogen.
Support for Vulnerable Australians
Despite the spending cuts, Dutton reassured that funding for health, aged care, veterans' support, the NDIS, and defence would not be reduced. Additionally, he pledged $50 million for food charities helping vulnerable Australians.
Dutton's speech builds on previous election pledges, including allowing first home buyers to use up to $50,000 in super for their deposit and promising a major housing policy during the campaign. He positions himself as a strong and steady leader.
This is following on from the Budget post https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/899250?page=1#comment-1638…
Poll thoughts on the budget and who do you think presents a 'better' way forward for Australia with the looming election
Only idiots dislike migration anyway. I can understand people feeling uneasy about accepting migrants if those migrants have a criminal history or a chequered background. That is a minority. In general, migration is a great thing. Bringing smart, skilled people into the country with good work ethic can only help society. The ones who are worried about migration are signalling to the rest of us that they are insecure about their work ethic or their ability to compete in the job market. They're worried that they won't measure up. It's a bit pathetic.
The more migrants the better. Australia is a big, welcoming country. We're not even close to full.