Tony’s Pitch: Choose change
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has delivered a plea to Australians to “choose change” at the Coalition campaign launch in Brisbane.
In a speech focusing on his plans for office, Mr Abbott also described the Rudd-Gillard leadership as the “worst government in our history”.
His launch speech, traditionally regarded as the most crucial performances of the campaign, eschewed any sign of theatrics – a move in line with Mr Abbott’s desired image of offering stability.
“We will be a no-surprises, no-excuses government, because you are sick of nasty surprises and lame excuses from people that you have trusted with your future,” Mr Abbott said.
The launch, peppered by a syrupy song named after the Coalition slogan of “Hope, Reward and Opportunity”, featured some new policy announcements, targeting both young and old Australians.
Key Points:
Mr Abbott announced that an incoming Coalition government will index eligibility thresholds for the Commonwealth Seniors’ Health Card and boost funding for dementia research by $200 million over five years.
Mr Abbott also promised $85 million to support apprentices through interest-free loans.
His speech largely focused on the Coalition’s big-picture promises with Mr Abbott outlining his plan for “day one” in the prime minister’s job, for the first 100 days and for the first term of an Abbott government.
“From day one, it will be obvious that Australia is under new management and once more open for business,” he said.
“Within 100 days, legislation to abolish the carbon tax and to abolish the mining tax will be in the Parliament.”
Mr Abbott also pointed to the “$17 billion in sensible savings” already announced – including cuts to the Commonwealth public service, staying the increase to the refugee intake, scrapping the school kids bonus and the low-income super offset.
“By the end of a Coalition government’s first term, the budget will be on track to a believable surplus,” he said.
The alternative prime minister told party faithful and party luminaries gathered in the main theatre of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre that the election was “all about trust”.
• Clive’s Pitch: Slash taxes, spend money
The Palmer United Party has promised to cut taxes, increase the pension and boost health spending at a presidential-style campaign launch at Clive Palmer’s resort on the Sunshine Coast.
The Queensland-based mining magnate says the election campaign’s focus should be on what Australia can do to reclaim its status as “the lucky country”.
“This election has been devoid of ideas. Neither Abbott nor Rudd have offered any hope for Australia,” Mr Palmer said.
“Abbott wants to cut government expenditure, shrink the economy to the size of a pea, and Rudd wants to join Abbott, and together they both want to tax us to oblivion.”
Mr Palmer says his party will cut income tax, abolish the fringe benefits tax and halve the tax rate paid on second jobs.
“From July 1, 2014, Palmer United will reduce personal income tax by 15 per cent for all Australians,” he said.
“This will mean the average Australian taxpayer will around $2,500 extra in his pocket every year.
“This increased demand and activity will boost jobs, investment and small business profits. It will stimulate the economy and create more jobs.
“It’s money we know that our citizens can spend better than our government.”
The party also proposes to provide pensioners with an extra $150 each fortnight, and inject $80 billion into the federal health budget.
“We cannot tolerate Australians dying in the corridors of our hospitals,” Mr Palmer said.
