A tale of two launches

It’s a tale of two launches, each with its distinct flavour. One exudes a sense of amateurishness, and the other radiates professionalism. The stark contrast between the two is a fascinating insight into the current political landscape.

The sound ebbed and flowed, fading into the distance before returning, muffled and hollow, like echoes bouncing off a sound system past its used by date.

It lingered for what felt like an eternity, a surreal soundscape that seemed to stretch time itself. Gradually, clarity returned, and various voices filled the air, animatedly in praise of a party that just three short years ago seemed all but extinguished.

It was as if a spell of camaraderie had swept through the crowd, with people effusively overpraising one another, their words dripping with nostalgia for relationships that seemed to have deep roots. Was it all imaginary?

In the front row, former Prime Ministers sat stoically, their presence commanding yet burdened by the weight of ill-forgotten grievances and past conflicts, oblivious to the shadows of history that loomed behind them.

Mr Dutton’s children fidgeted restlessly, their expressions a mixture of confusion and longing as though they wished to escape to a world far removed from this gathering.

Then, after a long, indulgent parade of flattery that would make even the most seasoned orator blush, the leader rose to speak, his voice unsteady and resonant, cutting through the lingering murmurs with the promise of something significant about to unfold.

It was as if money was raining down from the sky, the leader’s promises casting a spell on the audience. A one-off $1200 tax cut in 2026, a reduction in fuel excise, and the prospect of first-home buyers deducting interest payments on their mortgages-these were the enticing offers that could sway even the most sceptical voter.

In an ambitious promise to alleviate the burdens of homebuyers, Dutton passionately declared his commitment to empower first-time buyers of newly constructed homes. He proposed a groundbreaking initiative that would permit these eager homeowners to deduct a portion of the interest paid on their mortgages from their income taxes, should he secure victory in the upcoming election.

This bold plan, he said, aims to transform the dream of owning a new home into a more attainable reality for many Australians.

Then, l read an article in The Guardian last Wednesday suggesting that Peter Dutton plans to scrap the free TAFE program when experts warn that it would push housing prices even further out of reach by prospective buyers.

Why am I mostly discussing the Opposition’s policies? It’s because the government’s policies are out there, for better or worse, along with the details. The Coalition’s, on the other hand, are shrouded in mystery. You’ll likely see them with costings the day before campaigning ends, leaving voters in the dark until the last minute.

“Is he trying to buy the election?”

You might do that when you see the latest News poll results. The Poll Bludger reports the weekly campaign Newspoll is little changed on last week, with Labor holding a steady two-party of 52-48. Still, it is notable that the Coalition’s primary vote has been at its lowest level since October 2023, following a one-point drop to 35%. Labor and the Greens are steady at 33% and 12%, with One Nation up a point to 8%. A few days later, Roy Morgan had it at an election-winning two-party preferred lead of 54.5% to 45.5% for the L-NP.

Albanese’s lead over Dutton in the latest Guardian Essential poll is a testament to the effectiveness of his policies. Labor has extended its lead against the Coalition, with the ‘two-party-plus’ measure putting Labor ahead 50% to 45%, leaving only a tiny balance undecided. This strong performance is a reassuring sign of the party’s leadership and ability to connect with voters. Sportsbet have Labor at $1.31 and the LNP at $3,48.

The LNP’s campaign, which has been overshadowed by a glaring absence of clarity and economic breakdowns, struggles to gain momentum. Dutton’s predictable and lacklustre speeches, often blaming Albanese for everything wrong with the world, leave viewers unengaged, sceptical, and bored. This lack of clarity is a cause for concern, as it could have significant implications for the election outcome.

The party faces the glaring void of a compelling, well-articulated policy platform that would resonate with voters as election day approaches. Interestingly, there is a notable silence surrounding the topic of Nuclear Power, a once-discussed issue now seemingly relegated to the shadows of their campaign discussions.

The unexpected twist in their campaign surely lies in the striking reality that no one should be taken aback by Jacinta Price confidently embracing the MAGA ideology, even going so far as to share family photos adorned with its bold slogan.

Labor’s campaign launch unfolded like a well-choreographed arrangement, strikingly contrasting the LNP’s approach. Nestled in the heart of the west, they struck all the right chords, unveiling their vision amidst the grandeur of Perth Stadium, seamlessly executing their plans without a hint of production mishaps.

In a heartfelt display, they reached out to a state often feeling distant and overlooked, promising its citizens that they had a sympathetic ear ready to listen – a companion who truly understood their struggles and aspirations.

“To be honest, he’s barely been away ever since,” Premier Roger Cook told the crowd at yesterday’s launch as he revved them up for their leader’s arrival.

Then, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a new initiative featuring two key components: a 5 per cent deposit option for first-home buyers and a $10 billion investment to build 100,000 homes for this group.

For many aspiring homeowners, securing their dream residence often begins with a daunting hurdle: amassing a hefty 20 per cent deposit. This financial challenge can feel overwhelming, and for those who can’t reach that threshold, the spectre of Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance looms large, threatening to inflate their overall expenses significantly.

However, the First Home Buyers Guarantee program emerges as a beacon of hope in this landscape. Stepping in as a guarantor alleviates the burden of insurance costs. It paves the way for first-time buyers, transforming the dream of homeownership from a distant aspiration into a tangible reality.

Of the two schemes, Saul Eslake thought Labor had the best because it had less potential to increase the price of houses generally. He did say, however, that they were both poor.

The government has announced policy consistently since the start of the year. Albanese has been on top of his game. Well briefed and well delivered. He knows the details of each, and his ministers have been there to back him. Dutton has harmed himself by reneging on the work-from-home issue and proposing to sack some 40,000 public servants.

In addition, deciding to be “Trump-like” has been a disaster for him.

The forced early budget hasn’t done either side much good in terms of policy formation and knowing how each will be paid for, more so the Opposition, although they have had three years to think about it.

“Who do you trust?” must now be given some serious thought.

With Easter and Anzac Day providing a short week or two, Wednesday’s debate gave both leaders another chance to impress. I will report on the debates shortly. Interrupting my thoughts, however, is a breaking report that Dutton has “fabricated a statement.”

My thought for the day

When you lie, you deny the other person’s right to the truth.

PS: Back to you soon.

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