Labor leader Anthony Albanese had shaky start to election campaign
It was a tale of two sales pitches – and if it is an indication of what’s to come, Labor leader Anthony Albanese will need to lift his game, writes Matthew Killoran.
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It was a tale of two sales pitches – and if it is an indication of what’s to come, Labor leader Anthony Albanese will need to lift his game.
Australia could well be staring down a hung parliament, as voters decide between an unpopular Prime Minister and an unknown Opposition leader.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison kicked off events with an 11-minute press conference, taking just six questions from journalists.
Despite a fumble in claiming Alan Tudge remained in his Cabinet, he kept the messaging tight. Strong economic management, against an uncertain future. He mentioned Covid just once, instead focusing on economic achievements.
Mr Albanese started well, narrowing down his pitch to a simple message: “More secure jobs, stronger Medicare, cheaper child care and making our future here”.
But as he sought to make a point of standing up for longer and taking more questions, he got off message and appeared to be running down the clock rather than giving straight answers.
He has sought to avoid the questioning from the press gallery, leaving him not match fit as he heads into the daily onslaught of the campaign.
Voters can also expect to see both leadership aspirants’ partners throughout the campaign.
Jenny Morrison is often referred to as Mr Morrison’s secret weapon, so much so the description is something of a misnomer.
Mr Albanese’s partner Jodie Haydon made a rare appearance on the first day of the campaign at the Sydney show.
Pundits have suggested close-ups of Mr Morrison’s wedding ring in a recent campaign video was intended to show him as a family man in contrast to divorcee Mr Albanese. But the tactic could backfire in a world where the nuclear family is no longer always the norm and families coming in different shapes and sizes.
It wasn’t a smooth start for either leader, but in a campaign anything can happen.
Originally published as Labor leader Anthony Albanese had shaky start to election campaign
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