Pledge is substitute for last six years of anxiety

EXTENDING affordable health care to more retirees and repairing transport infrastructure in regional Australia has formed the forefront of the Coalition’s campaign launch.

Coalition leader Tony Abbott has also pledged to offer HECS-type loans to apprentices to help them finish their training and build the workforce.

The Liberal National Party kicked off its campaign in Labor-heartland Brisbane on Sunday, a week before Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will do the same. Increasingly familiar faces on their father’s campaign trail, Bridget Abbott and sister Frances introduced their dad and his embarrassing gaffes to an applauding crowd of hundreds.

The daughters spoke about their father’s enthusiastic sideline antics on the netball court before labelling him an honest listener.

“My dad doesn’t judge, but asks questions and listens,” Bridget said. “That’s the type of dad he is for us – and if elected, I know that’s the type of prime minister he will be for Australia.”

Mr Abbott promised to index the Commonwealth Seniors Heath Card in line with CPI each year.

He also reiterated previously announced moves, including scrapping the carbon and mining taxes, before titling September 7 the most important election of a gen- eration.

“It pits the Liberal and National parties’ positive plans for the future against more of the same from a confused and chaotic Labor Party,” he said.

The Coalition also unveiled a plan to offer interestfree loans of up to $20,000 to apprentices to complete their training.

Nationals leader Warren Truss drew the focus to regional Australia, including a pledge to focus on Queensland’s big ticket item - the Bruce Hwy. Mr Truss said a Coalition Government would spend $300 million to repairing bridges, similar to the Roads to Recovery program.

“So the next Liberal National Party will be able to do for local bridges what Roads to Recovery has achieved for roads and streets,” he said.

The Labor Government seized on Mr Abbott’s approach to smaller government but greater expenditure putting the two together to mean “deep cuts” if the Coalition wins.