Low-cost housing, cheaper medicines, sovereign manufacturing and a better paid and stronger care sector are at the core of Anthony Albanese’s official pitch to become just the fourth Labor leader in 70 years to take his party from opposition to government.

In the first-ever campaign launch by a major party in Perth, Mr Albanese promised to unite the country after the ravages of COVID-19, restore integrity in government and to look after the young, the sick and the elderly.