Albanese to outline poll promises

FEDERAL Opposition

Leader Anthony Albanese has locked in his priorities for the first term of a Labor government, promising pay rises for workers, an end to discrimination and a First Nations voice to the parliament.

In a major speech on Tuesday, he will outline his campaign plans for the May federal election and declare that under his leadership, the best days “our nation has ever seen” will be ahead.

He will say that if he defeats Prime Minister Scott Morrison, it will be his “fundamental responsibility” to learn the lessons of the Covid crisis by making sweeping policy changes, including cutting childcare, costs, upgrading the NBN, tackling insecure work and supporting manufacturers “to make more things here”.

Speaking at the National Press Club, Mr Albanese will paint the federal election as a chance for Australians to move on from a summer of “bad news, uncertainty, inconvenience, disruption and separation from loved ones”.

“Australia’s best days are ahead of us … Together, we are ready for it,” he will say.

“If we get this moment right, and I have every confidence we can,

Australia can emerge from this once-in-a-century crisis better, stronger, more fair, and more prosperous.

“What stands before us now is the opportunity to build on the best qualities that characterise

Australians, and to fulfil our potential as a people and a nation more fully than at any time in our history.”

Mr Albanese’s commitments for his first three years if he wins power include a constitutionally recognised First Nations voice to parliament, “rising living standards”, and an “inclusive society where gender, race or religion are no indication of a person’s opportunities or possibilities”.