Anthony Albanese is pushing education and training in his first National Press Club address of the year, marking the traditional start of the political year where a tight election will be fought.
He outlined his policy to provide apprentice bricklayers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters and joiners payments of up to $10,000 through a new “key apprentice program”.
“We will keep working every day to keep your wages up, and costs down,” the Prime Minister said.
He also confirmed Victoria and South Australia had signed onto the Better and Fairer Schools funding agreement, which guarantees an increase of the Schooling Resource Standard from 20 per cent to 22.5 per cent.
This leaves Queensland and NSW as the only two hold outs who say the SRS should be funded to 25 per cent to close the gap.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made Labor’s election pitch at a National Press Club speech on Friday. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman
Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher and Communications Minister Michelle Rowland were among senior ministers in the audience.
Mr Albanese used the speech to make his pitch to voters, reiterating Labor’s election tag line of “Building Australia’s Future”, and saying the Coalition did not prioritise education.
“The contrast between us and our opponents in night and day.”
“Building Australia’s future is about your future. Because it’s your effort and sacrifice and aspiration that powers our economy and nourishes our society,” Mr Albanese said.
“And that effort should bring you fair reward. The hard work you do enhances and shapes our country, and it should add up to a better life for you and your family.”
More to come