Anthony Albanese accuses the PM of running a ‘scare campaign’

Anthony Albanese pivoted into attack mode during a passionate press conference today, accusing Scott Morrison of running a “scare campaign” six times.

Anthony Albanese has come out swinging today, repeatedly accusing Prime Minister Scott Morrison of running a “scare campaign” in what could mark a turning point in the ALP’s campaign.

The Labor leader was visibly fired up on Tuesday morning during a press conference at Brisbane electric vehicle charging company Tritium in Brisbane, where he spoke passionately about the ALP’s energy policies.

After a first week of campaigning dominated by a string of fumbles and concerning polls, it was a more confident and polished performance from Mr Albanese today, who has long supported environmental causes – and one which indicated a pivot into attack mode.

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Labor leader Anthony Albanese fired up at Tuesday’s press conference in a way that has not been seen so far this election campaign. Picture: Toby Zerna

In fact, the phrase “scare campaign” was mentioned by Mr Albanese and his colleagues at least six times today, with the ALP boss speaking more loudly and forcefully than he has so far, and repeatedly sledging the opposition.

“The delay, prevarication and inaction from this government has meant that we’re missing out on opportunities,” Mr Albanese said.

“There’s such a thing as first mover now, we’ve lost that advantage. Now, we’ve lost that, but what we need to do is embrace the action that is there from climate change which will actually be good for our economy and good for jobs.

“And yet what today’s scare campaign really highlights is that nothing has changed for this government. All they’re left with is a scare campaign, no substance, which is why Scott Morrison went to the Glasgow conference, gave an empty speech to an empty room and has nothing to say about Australia’s future.”

The ALP boss spoke more loudly and forcefully this morning. Picture: Sky News

Mr Albanese was particularly keen to rip into comments by Energy Minister Angus Taylor, who claimed an Albanese government would see Aussie power bills rise by $560 a year on average, based on the ALP’s Re-Wiring the Nation policy, which would update the nation’s infrastructure to accommodate far greater renewable energy.

“That scare campaign is based upon a view somehow that renewables aren’t the cheapest form of new energy,” Mr Albanese said in response, with Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers chiming in to accuse Mr Taylor of adding “fuel to the bin-fire of lies that this government tells about renewable energy”.

Despite his repeated hits against Mr Morrison, Mr Albanese, who also spoke about natural disaster relief and the NDIS during his fourth day in the crucial Sunshine State, also insisted his campaign was dominated by a sense of optimism and hope for the future.

Albo insisted that his campaign was fuelled by optimism and hope on Tuesday. Picture: Toby Zerna

“I want to back Australian jobs. I want to back Australian industries, this government don’t,” he said.

“My opponent is running on fear instead. He did that in 2019. And the truth is he got elected just on my agenda.

“My agenda is about optimism, is about creating opportunity, is about backing the Australian side, is about backing Australian industry and backing Australian jobs.

“I want a high productivity, good wage economy going forward.”

Mr Albanese’s reinvigorated appearance today marks the end of the Easter “truce” between the two leaders, with media on the campaign trail noting a change in his body language and speculating it could mark a turning point as the campaign enters its second week.

But it comes after a damaging few days for the 59-year-old, with the latest Newspoll revealing both the Coalition and Labor’s primary vote had slumped while support for minor parties and independents had increased – while Scott Morrison remains the preferred Prime Minister.