Election 2016: Turnbull’s early strategy sets up marathon federal campaign

WITH 74 days to go until the double dissolution, the PM has indicated his chosen battlegrounds — the regular Coalition strongholds of jobs and the economy.

PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull will enter the longest federal election campaign in Australian history with the unlikely tag of underdog.

With 74 days to go until the double dissolution, the PM has also indicated his chosen battlegrounds — the regular Coalition strongholds of jobs and the economy.

Meanwhile the Opposition indicated that while it would also target the eeconomy and employment it would also maintain a focus on Medicare, education and tax.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull / Picture: AAP

Unlike in 2013, where former prime minister Julia Gillard gave notice of an election date eight months ahead of time — this time Mr Turnbull has actually called the election three months out, with tradition usually dictating writs are issued 33 days before an election.

Newspoll has revealed both major parties are in the race, with its latest survey revealing the Labor opposition has retained its 51-49 per cent lead on the government in two-party terms, with the Coalition’s primary vote staying at 41 per cent over the last two weeks.

Labor’s primary vote has also not changed over two weeks, sticking at 36 per cent.

Mr Turnbull remains preferred as Prime Minister ­according to Newspoll, ahead 47 per cent compared to ­Opposition Leader Bill Shorten on 28 per cent.

The PM foreshadowed a his likely campaign themes in parliament yesterday by framing his answers on the economy and job growth.

“Our economic plan is to ensure that we continue to make a successful transition from the mining construction boom to a strong and prosperous 21st century economy,” Mr Turnbull said.

“Every lever of our policy is directed at ensuring our economy is more innovative, more competitive and more productive so that we can deliver great jobs and great opportunities for Australians, our children and our grandchildren.

“The labour force data for March shows strong growth continuing: 26,000 new jobs; unemployment fell to 5.7 per cent. Last year we had more jobs created in Australia than since 2006. We had 3 per cent real GDP growth. Business confidence is resurgent. Business conditions, according to the NAB survey, are at their highest level since early 2008.”

A senior Labor source said the party would base its campaign on “Medicare, jobs, education and taxation,” and would try and position themselves on the economy.

Labor’s push for a banks royal commission is also expected to feature prominently, with the opposition considering the government’s reluctance to adopt this as a chink in its armour.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said Labor was “ready for an election, whenever it is”.

“This will be a contest between Labor putting people first, and a Liberal Party looking after vested interests and the big banks,” he said.

“Australians know where Labor stands: Decent jobs, protecting Medicare, better schools, renewable energy and a fairer tax system.