The government is preparing to use a multibillion-dollar universal childcare package that would be passed only if Labor is re-elected as the headline act in its pitch to voters who, fresh polling shows, remain deeply sceptical of its ability to rein in the cost of living.

A day after staring down the Senate to secure the passage of legislation for the vast bulk of his policy agenda, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured voters “we have got your back” as he flagged a suite of measures on the cost of living ahead of the election, due by May at the latest.