Two key things Anthony Albanese can do to win the federal election

Voters are frustrated, and this stems from fear about the future. Peter Dutton has been the beneficiary of this. But Anthony Albanese can do two things to change it, argues Joe Hildebrand.

Anthony Albanese can win this election and he will if he projects two things: Strength and action.

Voters are frustrated and angry, and this stems from anxiety and fear about the future.

Peter Dutton has been the beneficiary of this. While he may not rate highly for likability, he is seen as having clear values and being prepared to make tough decisions.

And like all political strongmen — indeed like all opposition leaders — it is his job to paint Australia as being in a state of disaster and decline that only he has the courage and conviction to fix. That plays well in difficult times.

But two forces have already buffeted Dutton from either side. His populist style was penetrating and refreshing in the afterglow of the Trump election but now that Trump’s strongman tactics are hurting Australia — not to mention Ukraine — that style seems suddenly out of favour.

On the other hand his rush to neutralise issues by matching Labor commitments on Medicare and power bill relief make him look weak and out of ideas.

Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese addresses the media at Parliament House. Picture: Getty

The PM’s steady and methodical no-frills approach, by contrast, now seems to be paying off. In uncertain and turbulent times — as opposed to just plain tough times — it is often the familiar pair of hands that voters turn to, despite their misgivings.

But if the PM cannot convince the nation that he has the ticker to stand up for Australia to global giants such as China and the US, and, more importantly, has a plan to deliver them from economic privation then being the devil they know will not be enough.

It is therefore ironic that the Budget we had to have when even the government didn’t want to deliver it may end up delivering the PM to salvation.

The opportunity to announce further tax cuts — however modest — as part of a detailed economic plan rather than a campaign press release has reset the national debate. Talking about government tax cuts is good for the government no matter how big or small they are.

And while Peter Dutton’s plan to slash fuel excise also has good cut-through — see what I did there? — it is very much seen as a response to Labor’s tax cuts.

Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese arrives at Government House to meet with the Commonwealth of Australia Governor General Sam Mostyn. Picture: Getty

In other words it is the PM and the government setting the agenda and forcing the opposition to respond, just as it did on the $8.5 billion Medicare package and the $150 power bill rebate.

Peter Dutton quickly matched both and was accused by many on his own side of weak “me too” politics. He then flipped and vowed to repeal the tax cuts and so can be accused of trying to take money from people’s pockets in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.

So suddenly we have a hardman Liberal leader throwing money at Medicare and vowing to jack up taxes. What is this, opposites day?

This what leading from the front looks like: Setting the agenda with bold clear positions and forcing your opponent to scramble together a catch-up response.

And after what was perceived to be a period of inertia, it also shows the electorate that Albanese appreciates the depth of their pain and is prepared to do whatever it takes to ease it.

In short, strength and action. And we have finally started to see some of both.

Originally published as Two key things Anthony Albanese can do to win the federal election