Federal Election 2022: Scott Morrison’s final pitch to Australian voters

Scott Morrison has penned a message to voters, admitting the government is “not perfect”. But he has asked them to choose the Coalition for a stronger future.

The past few years have been very tough.

However, on almost any measure – economic growth, jobs growth, debt levels, fatality rates or vaccine rates – Australia’s recovery is leading the world.

Just two years ago, Treasury predicted unemployment could reach 15 per cent.

This week, unemployment fell to 3.9 per cent – the lowest level in nearly 50 years.

Around Australia, we are approaching the point where everyone with the capacity and the desire to work can get a job.

With more people working and fewer on welfare, the recent Budget showed the largest financial turnaround in over 70 years.

Scott Morrison says it has been a tough two years but Australia’s recovery is leading the world. Picture: Jason Edwards

Our Government is not perfect. You may see some flaws. But you can also see what we’ve achieved for Australia in very difficult circumstances.

And you can see our plan for the future.

Our plan will create 1.3 million new jobs over the next five years.

Our plan lowers tax for workers and small businesses, with the small business tax rate now at its lowest in half a century.

We are providing practical relief for cost-of-living pressures, with tax relief, more affordable child care, cost-of-living payments for pensioners and carers, freezing deeming rates for retirees, reducing fuel excise and making medicines cheaper.

A re-elected government would provide practical relief for cost-of-living pressures, including more affordable child care. Picture: Jason Edwards

NSW

Our plan delivers $120 billion in investments in new roads, rail, airports, water, and energy.

Our government made the decision to build Western Sydney International Airport which is under construction. When finished, the airport will create tens of thousands of new jobs in Western Sydney.

QUEENSLAND

Our plan delivers $120 billion in investments in new roads, rail, airports, water, and energy – with projects such as the Brisbane to Sunshine Coast Rail Extension, the Brisbane to the Gold Coast Faster Rail upgrade, continued work on the Bruce Highway and building Inland Rail.

We partnered with the AOC, state and local governments to secure Brisbane 2032 and will ensure the Olympics and Paralympics are transformational events for South East Queensland.

VICTORIA

Our plan delivers $120 billion in investments in new roads, rail, airports, water, and energy – with major road and rail projects such as the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, Geelong Fast Rail and Inland Rail.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Our plan delivers $120 billion in investments in new roads, rail, airports, water, and energy – with projects such as the North South Corridor, Marion Road and the Gawler Line electrification.

Infrastructure always means jobs. For example, our major investment in Inland Rail is relying on steel from the Whyalla steelworks.

TASMANIA

Our plan delivers $120 billion in investments in new roads, rail, airports, water, and energy – with Tasmanian projects such as the Battery of the Nation and the Marinus Link, as well as the New Bridgewater Bridge, the Bass, Lyell and Murchison Highway upgrades and Freight Rail Revitalisation.

NT

Since our election, our government has committed over $3.7 billion towards infrastructure projects in the NT. The most recent budget committed $361 million for projects supporting over 1000 jobs.

Our plan invests heavily in Territory jobs, with $2.6 billion for infrastructure projects to transform the NT into an industrial hub for next generation exports, including a new industrial facility at Middle Arm and logistics hubs at Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine.

We are investing heavily in skills, with 220,000 trade apprentices now in training – the highest number since records began.

We are rebuilding our Defence Force, after Labor reduced funding to its lowest level since 1938.

With 70 new ships and vessels to be added to our capability this means a massive investment for shipbuilding in Adelaide.

With a strong economy, we can deliver more funding in essential services. Since our election in 2013, federal funding for South Australian hospitals has increased by almost 70 per cent.

Scott Morrison plans on delivering $120 billion in investments in new roads, rail, airports, water, and energy. Picture: Getty Images

Medicare bulk billing is now at record levels

Our plan also includes the strongest new investment in cybersecurity and $8 billion in defence infrastructure projects in the NT.

With a strong economy, we can deliver more funding in essential services. Since our election in 2013, federal funding for Queensland hospitals has increased by 134 per cent.

Since our election in 2013, federal funding for the Territory hospitals has increased by a massive 164 per cent.

Since our election in 2013, federal funding for Tasmania hospitals has more than doubled.

Medicare bulk billing has increased and is now at record levels.

Telehealth has now been made permanent and has already delivered over 100 million services nationwide since 2020.

We have added 2900 new and amended subsidised medicines on the PBS and are also continuing to invest heavily in schools.

We will reduce emissions to achieve net zero by 2050 with technology, not taxes.

Public safety

I know public safety is a big issue in the Territory. Working with the local council and the community, we are investing $14 million in our Alice Springs Community Safety program. The Program invests in CCTV, community patrols, new services, and much needed mental health support.

Home ownership

Our plan encourages aspiration, including helping more Australians to buy a home by allowing them to invest a responsible portion of their superannuation into their first home.

By contrast, Anthony Albanese doesn’t have an economic plan and he will increase Australia’s debt and deficit. Labor can’t manage money. That’s why they will come after yours with higher taxes.

So this election presents an important choice.

A choice between a strong economy and an Opposition that would weaken it.

A choice between a Government you know and an Opposition you don’t.

Australia’s recovery is leading the world, but we’re just getting warmed up.

Together, we are building a stronger future. Let’s not turn back now.

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Originally published as Federal Election 2022: Scott Morrison’s final pitch to Australian voters