With the first week of the election campaign wrapping up, both Labor and the Coalition have hit the ground running, with Labor squarely focused on cost of living and healthcare, and the Coalition campaigning on economic management, infrastructure upgrades, and home ownership.
Interestingly, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese kicked off Labor’s election campaign in Brisbane with a visit to Peter Dutton’s marginal electorate of Dickson. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also kicked off the Liberal Party’s campaign in Brisbane but was quick to move the campaign to the outer suburbs of Western Sydney. Although not a marginal seat, Mr Dutton campaigned in the electorate of McMahon, held by Labor Frontbencher, Chris Bowen. This saw the two share an awkward handshake together.
By the end of the week, both campaigns converged in Sydney for the Daily Telegraph’s Western Sydney Summit. Both leaders are expected to make significant commitments to the all-important region, with Albanese expected to commit to extending the instant asset write off, to building a maternity ward at Rouse Hill hospital, and the widening and upgrading of Windsor Road at Rouse Hill. In his address, Mr Dutton is expected to announce an additional $231 million funding package for infrastructure in Western Sydney, including the completion of the final stage of the Mulgoa Road corridor upgrade in Penrith and a range of other road and infrastructure upgrades.
Current polling shows Labor and the Prime Minister gaining momentum, but don’t count the Coalition out of the fight yet. A lot can happen in just a month’s time.
Top talking points
📊 Newspoll Update: Labor leads the Coalition 51–49 on a two-party preferred basis. Anthony Albanese remains ahead of Peter Dutton as the preferred PM.
🎤 National Press Club Speeches: Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor[Video] and former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull[Video] delivered keynote addresses at the National Press Club this week.
💼 Wages & Industrial Relations: Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt spoke[Paywall] at the AFR Workforce Summit, pledging more workplace reforms and a focus on boosting real wages.
📦 US Tariffs on Australia: 10 per reciprocal tariffs on Australian imports into the US were introduced by US President Trump. This follows earlier tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium imposed last month.
🏦 RBA Interest Rates: After cutting interest rates in February, the RBA held the cash rate steady at 4.10 per cent.
Making headlines this week
Strategic waters under watch
A Chinese research vessel, Tan Suo Yi Hao, has been observed operating near Australia’s southern coastline, prompting renewed attention to maritime activity in the region. This follows the February presence of three Chinese warships within Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
The Opposition has questioned[Paywall] the government’s response, raising concerns about the vessel’s potential purpose. The Prime Minister has not yet publicly addressed the claims, and officials have not confirmed any threat to critical infrastructure.
Things to watch
📺 Leaders’ Debate: Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton will take part in the first leaders’ debate of the 2025 Federal Election campaign next Tuesday, 9 April. Hosted by The Daily Telegraph and Sky News, the debate will feature questions from 100 undecided voters.
🏛️ Parliamentary Sittings: The WA, ACT and Tasmanian parliaments are scheduled to sit next week.
ASIC Sharpens Focus on Super, Sustainability and Market Integrity
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) this week released its Taking Ownership of Death Benefits report, outlining 34 recommendations for superannuation trustees to enhance how death benefit claims are handled. The recommendations, developed after a two-year investigation into 10 super funds, highlight the need for improved customer service, faster response times and more compassionate engagement with vulnerable individuals. Industry bodies including ASFA and SMC have acknowledged the findings and expressed support for the improvements.
Separately, ASIC released a new regulatory guide on sustainability reporting, offering clearer guidance on the disclosure of climate-related financial information following a period of public consultation.
ASIC also joined the Reserve Bank of Australia in issuing a joint letter to the ASX, raising concerns about the exchange’s progress on governance and risk management reforms and urging stronger measures to restore confidence.
Strengthening trade and defence industry growth
Austrade has reported success in accelerating access for Australian healthcare providers to Chinese markets, with 97 Australian products approved in 2024 under the Chinese Government’s Medical Device Connect policy.
Former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh has been appointed to the Centre for Australia-India Relations Advisory Board, which aims to support bilateral economic growth and encourage deeper business engagement.
The Australian Defence Export Catalogue will return in 2025, supporting international investment and expanding export opportunities for the domestic defence industry.
Energy Policy and Mining Sector Developments
Peter Dutton has committed to halving Australia’s fuel excise for 12 months if elected. He also outlined plans for an east coast gas reservation scheme, aimed at lowering wholesale prices and addressing supply concerns in New South Wales and Victoria.
In state resources policy, the Queensland Government has launched a review into Resources Safety and Health Queensland’s health and safety regulatory model. It has also appointed Ken Singer as interim commissioner, following a long-term vacancy.
Elsewhere, the New South Wales Government announced $2.5 million in seed funding for critical minerals, as part of its Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy.
Infrastructure appointments and olympic planning
Janet Finlay, Jill Rossouw, Michael Carter and Ingilby Dickson have been appointed as Non-Executive Directors to the Australian Rail Track Corporation for three-year terms, with Marlene Kanga appointed for two years.
In Queensland, the government announced that Craig Davidson, CEO of Tourism and Events Queensland, will lead planning for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Health election commitments
Labor has submitted a proposal to the Fair Work Commission calling for an above-inflation wage increase for 2.9 million low-paid workers.
In health, the government announced a $600 million investment to support the availability of Support at Home aged care services in rural and remote areas. The Coalition has pledged $150 million for the Flinders HealthCARE Centre at Flinders University if elected.
In case you missed it...
📺 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese taking a tumble off the stage: