Future Geelong 2024: Albanese, Dutton make pitch to Geelong

The Prime Minister and Opposition Leader shared their visions for our region in videos for the Future Geelong event. Watch the videos.

Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton both focused on Geelong’s growth and future prosperity in video speeches provided for the Future Geelong event on Monday.

Both leaders acknowledged Geelong’s status as a regional powerhouse, with an emphasis on infrastructure, housing and economic growth a common theme.

But their speeches diverged as the Opposition Leader criticised the Prime Minister’s leadership, while Mr Albanese emphasised the work his government is doing on Medicare and bulk billing.

You can watch both the leader’s videos below.

Mr Albanese said that a “growing and thriving Geelong” was at the heart of his government’s vision for building Australia’s future.

“That’s why we’re building the new roads, better rail and the new homes to support Geelong’s growth and to ensure this remains a fantastic community to live and raise a family,” he said.

“We’re supporting families with cost of living right now, with record investments in stronger Medicare, more bulk billing and cheaper medicines.

“And at a time when it’s never been more important for our nation to stand on its own two feet and make things here along, it’s home to the people and skills who will power a new generation of advanced manufacturing.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles spoke in-person at the event and echoed Mr Albanese’s messages.

Mr Marles praised the return of vehicle manufacturing to “our town” and called the Medicare investment “the most important decision that we’ve made as a government most recently”.

In Mr Dutton’s message he promoted a “back to basics” economic agenda, focused on cost of living, energy prices and infrastructure.

“Geelong and the Surf Coast are an exciting part of the world, but it’s at a crossroads, one of the fastest growing regions in the country and a powerhouse of Victoria,” he said.

“I want Geelong to continue to punch above its weight, and I want to lead a government that creates the economic opportunities for Geelong to continue to thrive and prosper.

“Addressing issues such as affordable housing, infrastructure and sensible urban planning is paramount to this task.”

Mr Dutton also made a commitment in his address that a Coalition government would contribute $5m to the development of a sporting precinct at Devlins Road Reserve.

Ahead of the federal election, both leader paid mention to their local candidates in Corio and the key seat of Corangamite.

Originally published as Future Geelong 2024: Albanese, Dutton make pitch to Geelong