PM touts delivery on cost of living

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese vowed to make cost of living his government’s priority in 2024 after acknowledging that 2023 was a tough year for many Australians.

In a New Year’s Eve message, Mr Albanese relayed a suite of relief measures he intended to push forward in the new year and fired a pre-midnight shot at the opposition for accusing him of ignoring the economic crisis facing the nation.

“We know Australians have been doing it tough and in 2024 our number one priority will continue to be taking the pressure off Australian families,” Mr Albanese said.

“Since the country voted for change in 2022 we’ve been working for Australia every day.

“We’ve delivered on our promises, and provided $23bn in cost-of-living relief.”

Ahead of 2024, Mr Albanese said his government would roll out more fee-free TAFE places and continue its work towards universal childcare.

He flagged changes to the aged care pension, due to kick in on January 1, which will enable pensioners and veterans to work more without having welfare payments reduced.

“A significant priority will be implementing all elements of our Housing Australia plan, including passing our Help to Buy legislation to get first homeowners into their own home,” he said.

Mr Albanese said his government would continue working with states and territories to ease the pressure on hospitals and attract GPs and nurses to build the healthcare workforce.

He also flagged Australia’s imminent vape ban.

Starting January 1, the importation of disposable vapes will be outlawed and a new prescription scheme will kick in.

To send off 2023, the prime minister opted to throw a lastminute jab at the Coalition, which he said had “nothing positive to offer the country”.

“That’s what Australians can expect from a government that delivers. In contrast, the Coalition have opposed all the cost-of-living measures we have taken,” Mr Albanese said.