Australian leaders make last pitch to voters

SYDNEY: Australia’s political leaders yesterday made their last big pitch to voters ahead of a May 18 election, with the opposition Labor leader calling for generational change and conservative Prime Minister Sco Morrison promising economic stability.

In contrasting campaigns, Labor leader Bill Shorten offered voters an egalitarian dream and reform agenda, saying “It’s Time” for a change, while Morrison warned a change to Labor would risk the nation’s long-held economic prosperity.

While Morrison’s re-election prospects have been li ed by tightening polls a er early fears he would lose decisively, Labor is still on track to end six years of conservative rule.

An Essential Poll for The Guardian newspaper yesterday showed Labor ahead of Morrison’s coalition government by a margin of 51.5-48.5 on a two-party preferred basis where votes are distributed until a winner is declared.

Both Morrison and Shorten have campaigned urgently since the election was called last month, squeezing in trips to the outback north and island south, along with obligatory big city tours.

Morrison delivered his last major campaign speech in Canberra, while Shorten gave his in Sydney.

The opposing candidates begged voters to see Saturday’s ballot as essentially, a fight between Morrison’s aspirations and Shorten’s reforms.

“I will burn for you everyday, every single day, so you can achieve your ambitions, your aspirations, your desires. That is what’s at the top of my agenda,” said Morrison.

While Morrison promised stability, Shorten promised “real change”, reducing inequality through tax reform, higher wages and be er public infrastructure.

“Our political opponents stand where they always have stood – against change, against progress, and are servants to the same vested interests – the big banks and big business,” Shorten said.

Climate change policy has consistently polled as one of the most significant issues this election, prompting a movement in marginal seats to remove government hardright politicians who champion coal-fired power.

Morrison’s Liberal-led coalition and centre-le Labor are vying for a majority share of 151 lower house seats to form government. There are also 76 Senate spots which determine how difficult it will be for the next government to enact policy.

While Morrison, who took over as prime minister last year amid party infighting, has kept the government within reach of an election upset, his path to victory remains narrow.