Federal election: 10 key policy differences between Labor and Coalition

The lead up to this federal election has many people in doubt over a clear winner, but the Albanese Government and the Coalition’s stance on these top issues give away some clues.

Labor’s energy plan aims to increase the amount of renewable energy in the grid to 82 per cent come 2030. It is also funding a $2bn expansion of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to unlock billions worth of investments in renewable and low emissions technologies.

Labor’s energy plan aims to increase the amount of renewable energy in the grid to 82 per cent come 2030. It is also funding a $2bn expansion of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to unlock billions worth of investments in renewable and low emissions technologies.

But nuclear energy and gas is at the heart of the Coalition’s plan to bring down power prices and keep the lights on as old coal-fired power stations retire. Peter Dutton will introduce an East Coast gas reservation plan that would secure an extra 10-20 per cent of domestic supply that would be exported. He also plans to build seven nuclear power plants by 2050 at a cost of $331bn to taxpayers.

Nuclear energy and gas is at the heart of the Coalition’s plan to bring down power prices. Picture: AFP

EDUCATION

Labor has vowed to slash 20 per cent from all HECS student loans, make fee-free TAFE permanent and offer $10,000 incentives for construction apprentices.

The Coalition opposes Labor’s first two policies, has committed to set a target of 400,000 apprentices and will offer $12,000 for small and medium businesses in critical industries to support them. It also wants to “restore a curriculum” that teaches core values, “responsible citizenship and common sense”.

IMMIGRATION

The Coalition will cut permanent migration from 185,000 to 140,000, or almost 25 per cent, over two years.

MENTAL HEALTH

The Albanese government has provided extra funding for digital mental health services and says its investment in bulk billing will benefit mental health items. It says workforce measures it is rolling out will also result in more training for psychologists.

The number of Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions will double from 10 to 20 under a Dutton government. An extra $400m will also be invested in youth mental health services to expand the Early Psychosis Youth Services model in the regions, and increase capacity at existing headspace centres.

COST OF LIVING

Labor has promised two income tax cuts, saving the average working Australian $268 a year in 2026-27 and $538 a year in 2027-28. The Coalition has opposed this - instead offering immediate hip-pocket relief by halving the fuel excise from 50.8c to 25.4c for 12 months, saving the average motorist $750.

The Anthony Albanese Government has promised two income tax cuts. Picture: AFP

The Coalition is offering immediate hip-pocket relief by halving the fuel excise. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

DEFENCE

The Albanese government brought forward $1bn in defence spending in the federal budget. The Coalition has committed $3bn to buy 28 new F-35 fighter jets and has signalled it will also boost funding but is yet to say by how much.

HOUSING

Labor’s signature Help to Buy policy will be expanded under an $800m investment that will increase price caps for eligible properties. It will also spend $54m on technology to build faster and cheaper prefabricated homes to boost housing in regional, rural and remote areas.

The Coalition will allow first home buyers to access up to $50,000 of their super for a home deposit. It will also invest $5bn in essential infrastructure to get stalled housing projects off the ground, unlocking 500,000 homes, and reinstate the construction watchdog.

Labor’s signature Help to Buy policy will be expanded under an $800m investment.

BUSINESS & JOBS

Non-compete clauses for workers earning less than $175,000 a year will be banned under Labor.

The Coalition will enable deductions of up to $20,000 a year for business related meals and entertainment. It will also raise the instant asset write off by $10,000 to $30,000, make it permanent, and reverse Labor’s increase of 41,000 Canberra-based public servants.

CHILDCARE

Labor has guaranteed three days of subsidised care for every family. It will also scrap the activity test and spend $1bn on build 160 childcare centres in areas of shortage over four years.

INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS

Labor is promising to improve food security, focus on economic empowerment, boost critical services to address family and domestic violence, extend the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme.

A Dutton government will launch a Royal Commission into Sexual Abuse in Indigenous Communities, reintroduce the Cashless Debit Card for working-aged welfare recipients, and boost law and order in Indigenous communities.

Originally published as Federal election: 10 key policy differences between Labor and Coalition