Analysis: Labor’s campaign machine works overtime to link Peter Dutton with Donald Trump
Anthony Albanese may refuse to say his name, but there’s no doubt the Labor campaign machine is working overtime to link Peter Dutton with Donald Trump, writes James O’Doherty.
Analysis
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Anthony Albanese is still refusing to say Donald Trump’s name, but the PM’s speech to Labor’s campaign launch leaves no doubt that Labor wants voters to think of the US president when they look at Peter Dutton.
While pouring buckets of cash out the door in the form of government-funded housing, Commonwealth-secured mortgages, and a new tax cut, the PM tried to sharpen the contrast between two parties that are promising variations of the same.
“Your vote may not change the world Australia has to deal with - but your vote will decide how Australia deals with the world,” he said.
Albanese is refusing to link Dutton with Trump directly - he is leaving that up to his lieutenants - but Labor’s campaign machine is working overtime to tie the Opposition leader with the US President.
“We don’t want a wages system where people have to rely on tips to make ends meet,” he told Labor faithful.
“We don’t want Australian students burdened by a lifetime of debt.
“And we never, ever, ever want an American-style health system in this country.”
On his own plans, Labor’s $10 billion pledge to build 100,000 new homes received whoops and cheers from party faithful, as did his vow to let all first home buyers purchase a home with a five per cent deposit.
So too did the PM’s surprise announcement, declaring he would let all taxpayers claim $1000 worth of tax deductions, automatically, “forever”.
The PM stuck tightly to his script, and delivered a restrained, polished performance.
But the vibe was, largely, flat.
The 500-strong crowd of WA Labor faithful sat dead silent at the start of the launch when Men At Work’s “Down Under” played at a barely audible volume.
There were cheers for the ‘special guest,’ former PM Julia Gillard, who was the only former Labor PM in attendance.
There is some irony that relations with the US meant that other Labor luminaries were unable, or perhaps unwilling to attend.
Former PM turned US Ambassador Kevin Rudd is busy trying to get Australia a better deal on tariffs, and former PM Paul Keating last month launched a broadside against his own party over the AUKUS defence pact.
Events in the US have cast a shadow on this campaign from the outset. Labor is trying to ensure that continues.
Originally published as Analysis: Labor’s campaign machine works overtime to link Peter Dutton with Donald Trump
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