This means that Goulburn Valley Health, Alfred Hospital, the Royal Women’s Hospital and all public hospitals in Victoria will be better resourced under Labor.
REVERSING CUTS TO PATHOLOGY AND IMAGING SERVICES
A Shorten Labor Government will reverse Malcolm Turnbull’s cuts to bulk billing incentives for pathology and diagnostic imaging.
Labor’s measures give pathologists and radiologists a specific incentive to bulk bill.
Without it, bulk billing will fall, co-payments will rise, and patients will be forced to pay more for tests and scans – or to skip them altogether.
PREVENTATIVE HEALTH PACKAGE
Chronic diseases are the leading cause of illness, disability and death in Australia.
Many of these diseases are due to preventable risk factors such as physical inactivity, poor nutrition, smoking and harmful use of alcohol.
Labor has developed a five-point plan to combat chronic disease:  Investing in 50 Healthy Communities nationwide, to help communities at the greatest risk of chronic disease to stay well.
Tackling obesity through Australia’s first National Physical Activity Strategy and a National Nutrition Framework.
Expanding the successful Better Health Channel into a nationwide platform for health information.
Continuing the push to reduce smoking rates, particularly in at-risk communities.
Addressing harmful use of alcohol through a National Alcohol Strategy.
A NATIONAL APPROACH TO SUICIDE PREVENTION
A Shorten Labor Government will target a 50 per cent reduction in suicides over the next 10 years.
Our National Suicide Strategy will provide a strong national commitment to reduce the suicide toll, and coordinate a focused effort across Australia.
Labor will commission Australia’s first national data-set of suicide deaths and invest $72 million over three years for 12 regional suicide pilot projects.
INNOVATION IN HEALTH CARE
Because of Labor, Australia has one of the best health care systems in the world.
But Australia’s health care system continues to face significant challenges.
An ageing population, growing health inequality among many groups, as well as locations of disadvantage, means that Australia requires new and innovative approaches to care.
If elected, a Shorten Labor Government will provide an additional $100 million over two years to develop and roll out new models of primary care around Australia.
LIFE SAVING MEDICAL RESEARCH AND CARE
Labor will invest in life saving research and care for those Victorians suffering from chronic disease.
These commitments include, nationally: $10.6 million to increase the number of prostate cancer nurses.
$8 million for ovarian cancer research.
$7 million to assist women with breast cancer in rural areas and with secondary breast cancer all around Australia.
$1.1 million to assist people managing allergic diseases.
$4 million to improve care and support for people suffering from Motor Neurone Disease.
$84 million to improve access to lifesaving technologies for Australians with type 1 diabetes.
LABOR’S PLAN FOR SCHOOLS, UNIVERSITIES  AND TAFE
Australia cannot be an innovation nation without a world class education system.
Improving education is the key to opportunity, to innovation and to the future economic and social prosperity of our nation.
Labor will make the targeted, needs-based investments we need to give every Victorian child the chance to reach their potential and get ahead in the knowledge economy.
IMPROVING VICTORIAN SCHOOLS - YOUR CHILD. OUR FUTURE
Labor’s Your Child. Our Future plan will put Australia’s schools back where they belong among the very best in the world.
Every student, in every school will be supported to achieve their best through investment in: More one-on-one support.
Better remedial literacy and numeracy programs - and more extension options.
Early intervention programs in every school.
Improved Year 12 retention – supported by more vocational pathways.
Better access to allied health support – like speech and occupational therapists.
Labor’s investment is targeted to improve the results of those students who need it most, including students with disability, Indigenous students, students in regional and rural areas, and students from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Labor’s policy is a $36 billion investment in our nation’s schools over the next decade.
This includes $815 million more in targeted, needs-based funding for Victorian schools in 2018 and 2019 compared to the Liberals.
Whether your child is studying at Ballarat High School or at Strathmore Secondary College, they will get more targeted, needs-based investments under Labor.
KEEPING OUR UNIVERSITIES OPEN TO ALL
Victoria will not have a strong economy if students are forced to pay for $100,000 degrees.
Under the Liberals, many students will be priced out of university – no matter how bright they are.
Labor will deliver a Student Funding Guarantee - removing the need for higher fees.
With Labor, students will be able to study at La Trobe or Monash University based on good marks and hard work, not their bank balance.
PROTECTING TAFE - STRENGTHENING VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
Labor will protect TAFE by introducing a TAFE Funding Guarantee that will ensure a minimum proportion of vocational education funding stays with TAFE.
Labor will also undertake a comprehensive National Vocational Education and Training Sector Review to make sure the system is meeting the needs of students and employers, weed out dodgy providers and enforce strong standards.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHS
Labor will also make sure all Victorian students have the opportunity to learn coding – an essential skill for our future workforce.
Seventy-five per cent of the fastest growing occupations will require skills in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
Nationally, Labor will provide 25,000 teaching scholarships for recent STEM graduates and support a further 25,000 existing teachers to up-skill.
This will mean around 6,500 new or up-skilled STEM teachers for Victorian schools.
Labor will also provide 100,000 STEM Award Degrees – meaning students who graduate from certain STEM courses will do so without a HECS debt.
STRONG FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES
Labor believes that when middle and working class families are succeeding, Australia succeeds.
That is why Labor has a plan to protect the living standards of middle and working class families.
Labor believes in budget repair, but we will not be fixing the Liberals’ budget mess by attacking the family budget.
CHILD CARE
Every one of the 139,580 families in Victoria that rely on the Child Care Benefit will be better off under Labor.
From 1 January 2017 Labor will increase the Child Care Benefit by 15 per cent.
This is an increase of up to $31 per child per week, or up to $1,627 per child per year.
Many of the 185,770 families in Victoria that rely on the Child Care Rebate will be up to $2,500 better off per child per year with Labor’s plan to increase the Child Care Rebate cap from $7,500 to $10,000 from 1 January 2017.
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE
Labor will scrap the Liberals’ plan to cut Paid Parental Leave to around 80,000 new mums each year.
Under Labor, parents will be as much as $11,800 better off when they have a baby.
FAMILY TAX BENEFITS
Labor will oppose the Government’s harsh cuts to Family Tax Benefits.
Under Labor, families earning less than $100,000 will maintain their FTB at current rates.
Families earning over $100,000 will see a modest reduction in their FTB-A end of year supplement.
Under Labor, a couple with a single income of $85,000 and two children in primary school will be around $1,300 better off each year.
A sole parent with income of $65,000 and two children in high school will be around $3,000 better off each year under Labor.
LOCAL COMMUNITY PROJECTS
A Shorten Labor Government will invest in a range of community projects to improve quality of life for the people of Victoria.
These include: $5 million to deliver the Colac Early Years Children’s Centre, providing primary and tertiary health and wellbeing services to young children and their families.
$5 million to fund a major upgrade to the Ballarat Sports and Event Centre project.
$2 million to upgrade car parking at Maroondah Hospital, building more than 300 new spaces to ease chronic congestion.
$6 million for the Wheatsheaf Community Hub in Glenroy – this facility will include a children’s centre, a modern local library, multipurpose community meeting rooms and a Neighbourhood House.
$2 million to redevelop the Bendigo Tennis Centre and support the cultivation of future tennis stars in regional Victoria.
$1.4 million to expand the capacity of the Gisborne Oaks Residential Aged Care Facility to address urgent demand for dementia care in Macedon Ranges region.
THE LIBERALS HAVE HURT VICTORIA
Under the Liberals, Victorians have been through three years of harsh cuts, chaos and broken promises.
Cuts to schools and universities, cuts to Medicare, cuts to Family Tax Benefits and cuts to pensions.
This is the legacy of the Abbott-Turnbull Government.
Victorians can’t afford another three years of cuts and chaos.
YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT
Under the Liberals the youth unemployment rate in Victoria has remained above 12 per cent, more than double the national unemployment rate.
The number of young people in job training across the country has plummeted, and there are now an astonishing 30,000 fewer apprentices in Victoria than there were in 2013.
Labor is committed to ensuring one in ten jobs on our priority projects will be filled by new apprentices, so young people from all across Victoria can learn the skills they need for the jobs of the future.
CUTS TO SCHOOLS
The Liberals have cut more than $7.1 billion from Victorian schools.
This means larger classes, less personal attention and fewer resources for students in Victoria.
It also means Indigenous students, students with disability or additional learning needs and students from lowsocio-economic backgrounds will miss out on the support they need to achieve their best.
CUTS TO UNIVERSITIES
Since 2013, the Liberals have ripped nearly $1.5 billion from Victorian universities.
If the Liberals get their way, students in Victoria would be facing fees of up to $100,000 for their university degrees.
CUTS TO HOSPITALS
The Liberals have cut billions from Victorian hospitals.
This will put further pressure on already stretched public hospitals and push up waiting times for elective surgery and emergency department care.
CUTS TO FAMILIES
More than 379,000 families in Victoria will lose their full Family Tax Benefit A Supplement if the Liberals are re-elected.
That’s a cut of $726 per child, per year.
More than 308,000 single parents and single income families in Victoria will lose their Family Tax Benefit B Supplement if the Liberals are re-elected – a cut of $354 per family per year.
CUTS TO PENSIONS
In 2014, the Liberals tried to cut the indexation arrangement for every one of Victoria’s more than one million pensioners.
If the Liberals are re-elected, pensioners in Victoria who are trying to study will lose $1,600 because of the abolition of the Pensioner Education Supplement and $208 from the abolition of the Education Entry Payment.
Age Pensioners who were born overseas and want to spend more time overseas when they retire will have their pension reduced after six weeks under the Liberals.
CUTS TO VULNERABLE AUSTRALIANS
In their 2014 budget, the Liberals tried to leave young jobseekers with nothing to live on for six months.
In 2015 they tried to leave them with nothing for a month.
The Liberals also tried to cut $2,500 from jobseekers under 25 by changing the eligibility age for Newstart and Youth Allowance.
These measures would have pushed young people into poverty.
A UNITED LABOR TEAM WILL PUT PEOPLE FIRST
From the day Bill Shorten became Leader, Labor’s team has remained united, with a single-minded commitment to deliver those policies that put people first.
A healthcare system underpinned by Medicare.
An education system that gives every child in every school more individual attention – Public, Catholic or Independent.
University and TAFE that is accessible for all.
WE HAVE PUT FORWARD OUR POSITIVE PLANS. WE ARE UNITED. WE ARE READY.
WE'LL PUT PEOPLE FIRST
POSITIVE POLICY
Labor's Positive Plan For South Australia
SOUTH AUSTRALIA LABOR’S POSITIVE POLICIES
A MESSAGE FROM BILL SHORTEN With some of Australia’s best known food and wine regions, a strong manufacturing base and vibrant communities, the future for South Australia is a bright one.But South Australia is going through a difficult transition. I know that many South Australians are anxious about their future, and their children’s future.That is why Labor’s plan backs South Australian jobs." Our plan secures the long-term future of advanced manufacturing, strengthens local steelmakers like Arrium and ensures our submarines are built here, in Adelaide.”We will build the infrastructure – like AdeLINK – that South Australia needs to create jobs and drive growth into the future.Labor will finish the NBN so that South Australian businesses and households can be engaged in the digital economy.Our plan includes record investment in South Australian schools, scrapping the Liberals’ $100,000 degrees and reforming TAFE.Labor will protect Medicare, keep medicine more affordable and invest in hospitals.We will protect penalty rates, scrap the Government’s harsh and unfair cuts to Paid Parental Leave and Family Tax Benefits and give families immediate child care relief.I am committed to working every day to ensuring that South Australian families get the opportunity to build a decent life.On July 2, South Australians have a clear choice: between Labor’s positive plan and the Liberals’ plan for another round of harsh and unfair cuts – all so Malcolm Turnbull can give a tax cut to big business.I invite you to read more about Labor’s positive policies atwww.100positivepolicies.org.au.Bill Shorten
Protecting South Australian jobs today and creating the jobs of the future
Labor will invest in the job-creating infrastructure and manufacturing that will create local jobs and drive South Australia’s economy for the next generation.
Labor’s investments will support thousands of South Australians employed on projects important to South Australia, and support over 200 new apprentices in the State.
Labor will build the infrastructure today, and train the workforce of the future, supported by our investments in TAFE, tradie support and the Apprentice Ready program.
ADELINK
Adelaide needs a public transport system which supports the city’s future.
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $500 million to deliver the initial stages of the AdeLINK tram project, a project that will create 2,000 local jobs extending over four years.
Labor’s commitment, together with additional funding from the State Government, will leverage private sector investment.
It will improve quality of life, boost productivity and decrease congestion for Adelaide residents.
Labor’s apprenticeship commitment will see up to 200 new apprentices working on this project.
BACKING AUSTRALIAN STEEL
Australia cannot be the only advanced economy in the world to let its steel industry die.
Labor will secure more than 3,500 South Australian jobs and lock in a strong steel future for Australian steel through a targeted investment in Arrium.
A Shorten Labor Government will provide $100 million in targeted grants and financing as part of the Steel Reserve, with the South Australian Government providing an additional $50 million.
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING
Labor will work with the South Australian Government to protect and grow new local jobs in the regions worst affected by motor vehicle production closures.
A Shorten Labor Government will commit $59 million to the Manufacturing Transition Boost package.
This jobs package will provide support for automotive supplier and other firms to diversify and improve competitiveness, supporting local jobs and providing new jobs for skilled workers.
Firms will be given new incentives and support to diversify into new products and markets and employ automotive workers who have lost their jobs.
A STRONG, SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING INDUSTRY
Labor is the only party to have been consistently committed to a strong and sustainable shipbuilding industry, with Adelaide at its core.
A Shorten Labor Government will deliver: The construction of nine Future Frigates centred in Adelaide, supporting 2,000 shipbuilding jobs.
The construction of 12 Offshore Patrol Vessels to begin in Adelaide in 2018, before being transferred to Western Australia in 2020.
The construction of 12 Future Submarines, creating 2,800 jobs and supporting a supply chain of at least 1,000 businesses, with a minimum of 70 per cent of the work done in Australia.
These projects will be undertaken as a continuous rolling build, to ensure Australia’s shipyards no longer suffer booms and busts and can build capacity and efficiency over time.
PROTECTING PENALTY RATES
It is clear that the Liberals want to see weekend penalty rates reduced.
Labor does not want some of our lowest paid workers to be forced to take a pay cut.
Labor will intervene in proceedings in the Fair Work Commission to protect weekend penalty rates.
NEW JOBS TAX CUT
Under Labor’s New Jobs Tax Cut, small businesses will be able to claim a tax deduction of up to $20,000 per worker to offset the wages of up to five new employees.
Just like the previous Labor Government’s instant asset write-off, businesses will be able to claim the New Jobs Tax Cut as part of their regular tax return.
This minimises paperwork for busy employers.
This represents a $257 million investment in getting older Australians, parents, carers and younger Australians back to work.
It will help up to 30,000 Australians find a job each year.
Our New Jobs Tax Cut will reward South Australian small businesses that invest in jobs and do their bit to get these Australians back to into work.
GAWLER RAIL LINE ELECTRIFICATION
Labor will invest $76 million to fast track the Gawler Rail Line electrification, enabling the full project to start one year earlier and creating 300 local jobs, including up to 30 new apprentices.
LOCAL JOBS FOR LOCAL PEOPLE
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $68.6 million over the next four years to deliver our Local Jobs for Local People program.
This will connect people in disadvantaged communities with jobs and training opportunities, while tackling the complex social and local issues that can keep Australians from finding work.
Local Jobs for Local People will operate in up to 20 communities across Australia in areas of high unemployment or entrenched disadvantage.
WORKING FUTURES
Labor will get more young people into work and keep them there by delivering real skills and real opportunities through our Working Futures program.
We will support 20,000 people per year aged between 15 and 24 through a comprehensive work and training program that sets them on the right path to ongoing quality jobs.
Working Futures will offer real training for real jobs.
This is in stark contrast to the Liberals’ exploitative Youth PaTH program, which subsidises employers to place jobseekers on internships without sufficient protections.
APPRENTICESHIPS
Labor will help more young people into apprenticeships by creating 10,000 new Apprentice Ready places.
Labor will help retrenched workers gain formal recognition of their skills through accelerated apprenticeships so they can find their next job.
The Apprentice Ready program will offer a 20-week, industry endorsed pre-apprenticeship course for trades on the National Skills Needs List.
Labor is committed to ensuring one in ten jobs on our priority projects will be filled by new apprentices – so young South Australians can learn the skills they need for the jobs of the future.
COMPLETING THE NBN
A Shorten Labor Government will fix Malcolm Turnbull’s mess and build the National Broadband Network Australia needs to create the jobs of the future.
Labor will scale up the rollout of fibre-to-the-premises and phase out the rollout of fibre-to-the-node.
This will deliver fibre-to-the-premises to up to two million homes and businesses across the country that would otherwise get Malcolm Turnbull’s second-rate copper version, including homes and business in Elizabeth, Woodville, Adelaide CBD and Noarlunga.
DRIVING INNOVATION
Labor has a comprehensive plan to drive innovation in our cities and our regions.
This includes: Backing in great ideas through co-investing in early stage and high potential companies through the $500 million Smart Investment Fund.
Bringing together the superannuation, venture capital and startup sectors in an Innovation Investment Partnership to identify barriers holding back investment in Australian-based venture capital funds and early-stage enterprises.
Improving access to finance for startups and micro-businesses through a partial guarantee scheme, Startup Finance.
Getting startups to help solve government problems through Challenge Platforms and support startups to compete in government tenders.
Accelerating innovation in our regions through Regional Innovation Hubs.
Reforming the innovation architecture through Innovate Australia.
Improving the flow of capital to startups through Startup Capital.
Backing our best and brightest overseas through a Landing Pad for Australian innovators.
WORKING WOMEN’S CENTRES
Working Women’s Centres provide specialist advice and advocacy, produce educational materials, deliver community education sessions and provide advice to government on a range of female workforce issues.
The Liberals’ cuts threaten the free, specialist employment advice service for vulnerable women provided by these facilities.
A Shorten Labor Government will keep them open – including the Working Women’s Centre in Adelaide.
Labor will stop the privatization of medicare
First the Liberals tried to introduce a GP Tax, then they introduced a GP Tax by stealth by freezing the Medicare Benefits Schedule and now they are trying to privatise Medicare payments.
The Liberals are doing everything they can to wreck Medicare and take our health care system down the same path as America’s, where it is your credit card and not your Medicare Card that determines the quality of your health care.
By contrast, Labor has a positive plan to protect Medicare and ensure our world class universal health care system continues to deliver good health outcomes for South Australia into the future.
PROTECTING MEDICARE
Labor built Medicare and we will always fight to protect it.
Labor will reverse the Liberal Government’s freeze on the Medicare Benefits Schedule.
This means an average family in South Australia with two children will be more than $400 better off under Labor.
We will prevent the Liberals from privatising Medicare.
SCRAPPING THE LIBERALS’ MEDICINE PRICE HIKE
Labor will scrap the Liberals’ medicine price hike and ensure medicine remains affordable for middle and working class families in South Australia.
Under the Liberals, medicine will go up by as much as $5 per script.
Under Labor, medicines will be more affordable.
INVESTING IN HOSPITALS
Labor will increase funding for South Australian hospitals over the next four years.
This will reduce waiting times for elective surgery and in emergency departments.
Under Labor, hospitals in South Australia can expect to receive around $140 million more than they would under the Liberals.
This means better services and shorter wait times at South Australian hospitals.
INNOVATION IN HEALTH CARE
Because of Labor, Australia has one of the best health care systems in the world.
But Australia’s health care system continues to face significant challenges.
An ageing population, growing health inequality among many groups, as well as locations of disadvantage, means that Australia requires new approaches to care.
If elected, a Shorten Labor Government will provide an additional $100 million over two years to develop, pilot and roll-out new models of primary care around Australia.
LIFE SAVING MEDICAL RESEARCH AND CARE
Labor will invest in life saving research and care for those in South Australia suffering from chronic disease.
These commitments include: $10.6 million to increase the number of prostate cancer nurses
$8 million for ovarian cancer research.
$7 million to assist women with breast cancer in rural areas and with secondary breast cancer all around Australia.
$1.1 million to assist people managing allergic diseases.
$4 million to improve care and support for people suffering from Motor Neurone Disease.
$84 million to improve access to lifesaving technologies for Australians with type 1 diabetes.
Labor´s plan for South Australian Schools, universities and tafe
Every child deserves to have the same chance of succeeding at school, and in life, as any other child in the country.
Improving education is the key to opportunity and to the future economic and social prosperity of South Australia.
Australia cannot be an innovation nation without a world class education system.
Labor will make the targeted, needs-based investments we need to give every South Australian child the chance to reach their potential and get ahead in the knowledge economy.
IMPROVING SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLS - YOUR CHILD. OUR FUTURE
Labor’s Your Child. Our Future plan aims to make South Australian schools among the very best in the world.
Every student in every school will be supported to achieve their best through investment in: More one-on-one support.
Better remedial literacy and numeracy programs – and more extension options.
Early intervention programs in every school.
Improved Year 12 retention – supported by more vocational pathways.
Better access to allied health support – like speech and occupational therapists.
Labor’s investment is targeted to improve the results of those students who need it most, including students with disability, Indigenous students, students in regional and rural areas, and students from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Labor’s policy is a $36 billion investment in our nation’s schools over the next decade, including $355 million more in targeted, needs-based funding for South Australian schools in 2018 and 2019 alone, compared to the Liberals.
KEEPING OUR UNIVERSITIES OPEN TO ALL
South Australia will not have a strong economy if students are forced to pay for $100,000 degrees.
Under the Liberals, many students will be priced out of university, no matter how bright they are.
Labor will deliver a Student Funding Guarantee, removing the need for higher fees.
With Labor, students will be able to study at universities like Flinders University, the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia based on good marks and hard work, not their bank balance.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHS
Labor will make sure all South Australian students have the opportunity to learn coding – an essential skill for the future workforce.
Seventy-five per cent of the fastest growing occupations will require skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Nationally, Labor will provide 25,000 teaching scholarships for recent STEM graduates and support 25,000 existing teachers to up-skill.
This will mean new and up-skilled STEM teachers for South Australian schools.
Labor will provide 100,000 STEM Award Degrees – meaning students who graduate from certain STEM courses will do so without a HECS debt.
PROTECTING TAFE – STRENGTHENING VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
Labor will protect TAFE by introducing a TAFE Funding Guarantee that will ensure a minimum proportion of vocational education funding stays with TAFE.
Labor will undertake a comprehensive National Vocational Education and Training Sector Review to make sure the system is meeting the needs of students and employers, weed out dodgy providers and enforce strong standards.
Supporting families and communities
Labor believes that when middle and working class South Australian families are succeeding, all of South Australia will prosper.
That is why Labor has a plan to protect the living standards of middle and working class families.
With Labor, budget repair will be fair.
Unlike the Liberals, we will not be fixing Mr Turnbull’s budget mess by attacking the family budget.
EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE
There are 41,220 families in South Australia that rely on the Child Care Benefit who will be better off under Labor.
From 1 January 2017 Labor will increase the Child Care Benefit by 15 per cent.
This is an increase of up to $31 per child per week, or up to $1,627 per child per year.
Labor’s plan to increase the Child Care Rebate cap from $7,500 to $10,000 from 1 January 2017 will mean that many of the 53,230 families in South Australia that rely on the Child Care Rebate will be up to $2,500 better off per child per year.
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE
Labor will scrap the Liberals’ plan to cut Paid Parental Leave to around 80,000 new mums each year.
Under Labor, parents will be as much as $11,800 better off when they have a baby.
FAMILY TAX BENEFITS
Labor will reverse the Abbott-Turnbull Government’s cuts to Family Tax Benefits (FTB).
With Labor, families earning less than $100,000 will maintain their FTB at current rates.
For families earning over $100,000 there will be a modest reduction of 50 per cent of their FTB-A end of year supplement.
With Labor, a couple with a single income of $85,000 and two children in primary school will be around $1,300 better off each year.
A sole parent with income of $65,000 and two children in high school will be around $3,000 better off each year under Labor.
With Labor, Family Tax Benefits will be targeted to the South Australian families that need them most.
INVESTING IN SOUTH AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITIES
A Shorten Labor Government will invest in a range of community projects to improve quality of life for the people of South Australia.
These include: $80 million for the Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme.
$44 million for flood mitigation works in the urban catchments of Brown Hill and Keswick Creeks.
$6.6 million for the refurbishment of the Thebarton Oval precinct, home of the South Australian Amateur Football League.
$4 million to build the St Clair Recreation Precinct, multi-use indoor recreation centre and associated facilities for western Adelaide.
$1.5 million to support the construction of the Kilburn Sporting Complex.
$500,000 to upgrade the Yatala Vale Road and Golden Grove Road junction in Adelaide’s northeast
$200,000 to fix fencing on the Goodwood and Millswood Freight Train lines.
$200,000 for safety and fencing upgrades to improve pedestrian access to Millswood train station.
Liberal cuts in South Australia
Under the Liberals, South Australians have been through three years of harsh cuts, chaos and broken promises.
Cuts to schools and universities, cuts to Medicare, cuts to families and cuts to pensions.
This is the legacy of the Abbott-Turnbull Government.
South Australians cannot afford another three years of cuts that hurt South Australian families and the economy.
YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT
Under the Liberals the youth unemployment rate in South Australia has grown by more than a percentage point, and is now the second highest in the country.
The number of young people in job training across the country has plummeted, and there are now an astonishing 14,000 fewer apprentices in South Australia than there were in 2013.
Labor is committed to ensuring one in ten jobs on our priority projects will be filled by new apprentices, so young people from all across South Australia can learn the skills they need for the jobs of the future.
CUTS TO SOUTH AUSTRALIAN AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY
The Liberals took a cut to automotive industry support of $500 million to the last election, having been warned by industry, unions and Labor that this would force Holden and other manufacturers to close.
Upon forming government, the Liberals refused to drop their planned cuts, even though Labor fought against them in Parliament and the industry called for certainty of support from government.
In response to Holden and Toyota’s closure announcement, the Liberals increased targeted support for the diversification of automotive supply chain firms by only $3 million, ensuring these supply chain firms, their workers as well as those at Holden would be left high and dry by the Liberal Government.
CUTS TO SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLS
The Liberals have cut $2 billion from South Australian schools over the next 10 years.
This means larger classes, less personal attention and fewer resources for students in South Australia and fewer jobs for South Australian education workers.
It means Indigenous students, students with disability or additional learning needs and students from low socio-economic backgrounds will miss out on the support they need to achieve their best.
CUTS TO SOUTH AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES
The Liberals will rip $463 million from South Australian universities over the next five years.
If the Liberals get re-elected, students in South Australia will be facing fees of up to $100,000 for a university degree.
CUTS TO SOUTH AUSTRALIAN FAMILIES
More than 117,000 families in South Australia will lose their full Family Tax Benefit A Supplement if the Liberals are re-elected. That’s a cut of $726 per child, per year.
More than 95,000 single parents and single income families in South Australia will lose their Family Tax Benefit B Supplement if the Liberals are re-elected – a cut of $354 per family per year.
Under the Liberals, single parents whose youngest child is 13 or over will have their Family Tax Benefit reduced by around $1,785, and those whose youngest is aged 16-19 and in full time school will lose the full payment of $2,785.
CUTS TO SOUTH AUSTRALIAN PENSIONERS
In 2014, the Liberals tried to cut the indexation arrangement for every one of South Australia’s 352,000 pensioners.
If the Liberals are re-elected, many pensioners in South Australia will lose up to $1,600 because of the abolition of the Pensioner Education Supplement and $208 from the abolition of the Education Entry Payment.
Under the Liberals, age pensioners who were born overseas and want to spend more time overseas when they retire will have their pension reduced after six weeks.
CUTS TO VULNERABLE SOUTH AUSTRALIANS
In their 2014 Budget, the Liberals tried to leave young jobseekers with nothing to live on for six months.
In 2015 they tried to leave them with nothing for a month.
The Liberals tried to cut $2,500 from jobseekers under 25 by changing the eligibility age for Newstart and Youth Allowance.
These measures would have pushed young people into poverty.
CUTS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES
The Liberals cut $52 million from assistance grants to South Australian councils in the 2014 Budget.
These cuts are ongoing, and significantly impact on the ability of councils in South Australia to deliver basic community services like child care and libraries.
It has led to cuts in road maintenance, and has cost local jobs.
The Liberals cut supplementary local roads funding for South Australian councils in the 2014 Budget.
This represented a loss of $18 million per year to sparsely populated councils with many local roads to maintain.
This was on top of the financial assistance grants.
A UNITED LABOR TEAM WILL PUT PEOPLE FIRST
From the day Bill Shorten became Leader, Labor’s team has remained united, with a single-minded commitment to deliver those policies that put people first.
A healthcare system underpinned by Medicare.
An education system that gives every child in every school more individual attention – Public, Catholic or Independent.
University and TAFE that is accessible for all.
WE HAVE PUT FORWARD OUR POSITIVE PLANS.
WE ARE UNITED.
WE ARE READY.
WE'LL PUT PEOPLE FIRST
POSITIVE POLICY
Labor's Positive Plan For the NT
Northern Territory. Labor´s positive policies
A MESSAGE FROM BILL SHORTENEvery year, hundreds of thousands of visitors travel to the Top End to experience the beautiful landscapes, cultures and traditions of the Northern Territory.But the Territory needs more than a healthy tourism industry to secure a prosperous future.That is why I believe that Labor’s plan is the right one for the Territory, because Labor’s plan grows the economy in a way that protects jobs and improves living standards."Labor will build the infrastructure that the Territory needs to create jobs and drive growth into the future."We will finish the NBN so that businesses and households can engage in the digital economy.Labor’s plan includes record investment in Territory schools; scrapping the Liberals’ $100,000 degrees; and reforming TAFE.Importantly, Labor has made a commitment to Indigenous students.Our plan includes protecting Medicare, keeping medicine affordable and investing in hospitals.Labor will protect penalty rates, scrap the Government’s harsh and unfair cuts to Paid Parental Leave and Family Tax Benefits and give families immediate child care relief.I believe that when working and middle class families prosper, all Australians prosper. That is why I am committed to working every single day to ensuring that every Territory family gets the opportunity to build a decent life.On July 2, Territorians have a clear choice: Labor’s positive plan, or the Liberals’ plan for another round of harsh and unfair cuts – all so Malcolm Turnbull can give a $50 billion tax cut to big business.I invite you to read more about Labor’s positive policies atwww.100positivepolicies.org.au.Bill Shorten
PROTECTING NORTHERN TERRITORY JOBS TODAY AND CREATING THE JOBS OF THE FUTURE
Labor will invest in the job-creating infrastructure that will create local jobs and drive the Territory’s economy for the next generation.
Labor has also designed a suite of policies to help prepare Territorians for the jobs of the future.
BUILDING JOB-CREATING INFRASTRUCTURE
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $58 million in an infrastructure package that will create jobs and drive growth in the Territory.
Labor’s commitments include: $12.2 million for a Darwin Rural Area anti-flooding package.
$10 million for the Numbulwar to Ngukurr road.
$2.5 million for Waterhouse River bridge and raised approaches.
$10 million for the Sandover Highway in the Barkly Region.
$500,000 for the Emu Point access road.
$15 million for the Santa Theresa to Alice Springs road.
$8 million for the Papunya to Haasts Bluff road.
NORTHERN AUSTRALIA TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE FUND
A Shorten Labor Government will help northern Australia build the tourism infrastructure it needs to harness the huge economic potential of the Asian tourism boom, creating jobs and driving growth in our regions for decades to come.
Labor will allocate $1 billion from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility to a Northern Australia Tourism Infrastructure Fund, to boost partnerships with the tourism sector and provide incentives for investment in new and upgraded tourism infrastructure across the north.
The following will be eligible for funding:  Projects targeting the expanding Asian tourism market.
Projects promoting Australia’s natural environment such as the Great Barrier Reef.
Eco-tourism.
Indigenous tourism ventures.
Event-based facilities including stadia and convention centres.
Transport and access upgrades, including for ports and airports.
NORTHERN TERRITORY BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL
A Shorten Labor Government will create a new Business Advisory Council on the Northern Territory to develop and deliver a long-term plan for growth.
The Council will take a multifaceted approach to development, working with different industry sectors including the pastoral, agricultural, tourism and mining industries.
Labor wants to ensure Territorians can harness the benefits of the current investment boom in resource projects like the Inpex LNG plant and the ramping up of Defence projects.
The Business Advisory Council will provide advice on the Territory’s economic development, including developing economic and social infrastructure, maximising local industry participation in government projects and improving access to foreign markets.
PROTECTING PENALTY RATES
It is clear that the Liberals want to see weekend penalty rates reduced.
Labor does not want some of our lowest paid workers to be forced to take a pay cut.
Labor will intervene in proceedings in the Fair Work Commission to protect weekend penalty rates.
NEW JOBS TAX CUT
Under Labor’s New Jobs Tax Cut, small businesses will be able to claim a tax deduction of up to $20,000 per worker to offset the wages of up to five new employees.
Just like the previous Labor Government’s instant asset write-off, businesses will be able to claim the New Jobs Tax Cut as part of their regular tax return.
This represents a $257 million investment in getting older Australians, parents, carers and younger Australians back to work.
It will help up to 30,000 Australians find a job each year.
Our New Jobs Tax Cut will reward small businesses that invest in jobs and do their bit to get these Australians back to into work.
LOCAL JOBS FOR LOCAL PEOPLE
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $68.6 million over the next four years to deliver our Local Jobs for Local People program.
This will connect people in disadvantaged communities with jobs and training opportunities, while also tackling the complex social and local issues that can keep Australians from finding work.
Local Jobs for Local People will operate in up to 20 communities across Australia in areas of high employment or entrenched disadvantage
WORKING FUTURES
Labor will get more young people into work and keep them there by delivering real skills and real opportunities through our Working Futures program.
We will support 20,000 people per year aged between 15 and 24 through a comprehensive work and training program that sets them on the right path to ongoing quality jobs. Working Futures will offer real training for real jobs.
This is in stark contrast to the Liberals’ exploitative Youth PaTH program, which subsidises employers to place jobseekers on internships without sufficient protections.
INDIGENOUS RANGERS
A Shorten Labor Government will double the number of Indigenous rangers employed under the Indigenous Rangers – Working on Country Program, boosting jobs and environmental stewardship in remote areas.
The Working on Country program was established in 2007 and currently employs 775 Indigenous people in communities across Australia.
Under Labor that number will double to 1,550 Indigenous rangers by 2020-21.
WORKING WOMEN’S CENTRES
Working Women’s Centres provide specialist advice and advocacy and produce educational materials, deliver community education sessions and provide advice to government on a range of female workforce issues.
The Liberals’ cuts threaten the free, specialist employment advice service for vulnerable women provided by these facilities.
A Shorten Labor Government will keep them open – including the two working women’s centres in Darwin and Alice Springs.
THE DEFENCE COMMUNITY
The Territory has a long history of supporting Australia’s Defence Forces, and the presence of defence personnel and their families continue to play a major role in the Top End economy.
The 2016 Defence White Paper outlines $20 billion in additional spending on Northern Territory defence facilities over the next two decades.
Labor supports these commitments, understanding the benefits for the local community including local industry and small business.
It was under Labor in 2011 that Australia and the United States agreed to the Force Posture Initiatives in the Territory, which once fully realised will see 2,500 personnel and equipment rotate through Australia, and US aircraft making regular visits to our northern air bases for exercises and training.
This will be a significant boost to the Territory economy, estimated to be worth $5,000 per marine, per year.
BUILDING STRONG REMOTE COMMUNITIES
Labor is committed to working with Indigenous people living in outstations to build strong remote communities and to create opportunities for economic development.
As the majority landowners across the Territory, Labor is committed to working with Indigenous Australians in a joint project of development for the Northern Territory.
APPRENTICESHIPS
Labor will help more young people into apprenticeships by creating 10,000 new Apprentice Ready places.
Labor will also help retrenched workers gain formal recognition of their skills through accelerated apprenticeships so they can find their next job.
The Apprentice Ready program will offer a 20-week, industry endorsed pre-apprenticeship course for trades on the National Skills Needs List.
Labor is also committed to ensuring one in ten jobs on our priority projects will be filled by new apprentices – so young Territorians can learn the skills they need for the jobs of the future
THE NATIONAL BROADBAND NETWORK
A Shorten Labor Government will fix Malcolm Turnbull’s mess and build the National Broadband Network the Northern Territory needs to create the jobs of the future.
Labor will scale up the rollout of fibre-to-the-premises and phase out the rollout of fibre-to-the-node.
This will deliver fibre-to-the-premises to up to two million homes and businesses across the country that would otherwise get Malcolm Turnbull’s second-rate copper version.
Labor will also commission Infrastructure Australia to manage the development of a plan that outlines how and when the parts of Australia left with Mr Turnbull’s second-rate NBN – such as Alice Springs and Tennant Creek – should be transitioned to fibre-to-the-premises.
DRIVING INNOVATION
Labor has a comprehensive plan to drive innovation in our cities and our regions.
This includes:  Backing in great ideas through co-investing in early stage and high potential companies through the $500 million Smart Investment Fund.
Bringing together the superannuation, venture capital and start-up sectors in an Innovation Investment Partnership to identify barriers holding back investment in Australian-based venture capital funds and early-stage enterprises.
Improving access to finance for start-ups and micro-businesses through a partial guarantee scheme, Start-up Finance.
Getting start-ups to help solve government problems through Challenge Platforms and support start-ups to compete in government tenders.
Accelerating innovation in our regions through Regional Innovation Hubs.
Reforming the innovation architecture through Innovate Australia.
Improving the flow of capital to start-ups through Start-up Capital.
Backing our best and brightest overseas through a Landing Pad for Australian innovators.
LABOR WILL SAVE  MEDICARE
First the Liberals tried to introduce a GP Tax, then they introduced a GP Tax by stealth by freezing indexation of the Medicare Benefits Schedule and now they are trying to privatise Medicare payments.
The Liberals are doing everything they can to wreck Medicare and take our health care system down the same path as America’s, where it is your credit card and not your Medicare Card that determines the quality of your health care.
By contrast, Labor has a positive plan to protect Medicare and ensure our world class universal health care system continues to deliver good health outcomes for the Northern Territory into the future.
PROTECTING MEDICARE
Labor built Medicare and we will always fight to protect it.
Labor will reverse the Liberal Government’s freeze on the indexation of the Medicare Benefits Schedule. This means an average family in the Territory with two children will be around $400 better off under Labor.
We will prevent the Liberals from privatising Medicare.
INVESTING IN HOSPITALS
Labor will increase funding for Territory hospitals over the next four years.
This will reduce waiting times for elective surgery and in emergency departments.
Under Labor, hospitals in the Territory can expect to receive around $20 million more than they would under the Liberals.
This means better services and shorter wait times at Territory hospitals.
CLOSING THE GAP IN INDIGENOUS HEALTH
A Shorten Labor Government will continue the work of the previous Labor Government and work to close the gap on Indigenous health outcomes.
Labor will provide $5.5 million a year to roll out the Deadly Choices initiative across the country.
Labor will convene a National Taskforce on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Kidney Disease as a priority to look for holistic solutions to the current crisis.
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $9.5 million to close the gap in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander vision loss.
THE FIRST TERRITORY PET SCANNER AND CYCLOTRON
A Shorten Labor Government will commit $15 million to fund the Territory’s first PET scanner and associated equipment at the Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre.
The Territory is the only Australian state or territory without a PET scanner, forcing Territorians with cancer to travel interstate for this potentially lifesaving treatment.
DANILA DILBA CLINICS IN THE GREATER DARWIN REGION
A Shorten Labor Government will commit $1.8 million to establish two new Danila Dilba Health Service clinics in Rapid Creek and Coolalinga.
Danila Dilba provides vital primary health care and comprehensive community services to over 15,000 Indigenous Australians every year through their five existing locations.
SCRAPPING THE LIBERALS’ MEDICINE PRICE HIKE
Labor will scrap the Liberals’ medicine price hike and ensure medicine remains affordable for middle and working class families in the Territory.
Under the Liberals, medicine will go up by as much as $5 per script. Under Labor, medicines will be more affordable.
INNOVATION IN HEALTH CARE
Because of Labor, Australia has one of the best health care systems in the world.
But Australia’s health care system continues to face significant challenges.
An ageing population, growing health inequality among many groups, as well as locations of disadvantage, all mean that Australia requires new approaches to care.
If elected, a Shorten Labor Government will provide an additional $100 million over two years to develop, pilot and roll out new models of primary care around Australia.
LIFE SAVING MEDICAL RESEARCH AND CARE
Labor will invest in life saving research and care for those in the Territory suffering from chronic disease.
These commitments include: $10.6 million to increase the number of prostate cancer nurses.
$8 million for ovarian cancer research.
$7 million to assist women with breast cancer. in rural areas and with secondary breast cancer.
$1.1 million to assist people managing allergic diseases.
$4 million to improve care and support for people suffering from Motor Neurone Disease.v
$84 million to improve access to lifesaving technologies for Australians with type 1 diabetes.
INVESTING IN NORTHERN TERRITORY SCHOOLS, UNIVERSITIES AND TAFE
Every child deserves to have the same chance of succeeding at school, and in life, as any other child in the country.
Improving education is the key to opportunity and to the future economic and social prosperity of the Territory.
Australia cannot be an innovation nation without a world class education system.
Labor will make the targeted, needs-based investments the Territory needs to give every Territory child the chance to reach their potential and get ahead in the knowledge economy.
IMPROVING TERRITORY SCHOOLS - YOUR CHILD. OUR FUTURE
Labor’s Your Child. Our Future plan aims to make Territory schools among the very best in the world.
Every student in every school will be supported to achieve their best through investment in: More one-on-one support.
Better remedial literacy and numeracy programs - and more extension options.
Early intervention programs in every school.
Improved Year 12 retention – supported by more vocational pathways.
Better access to allied health support – like speech and occupational therapists.
Labor’s investment is targeted to improve the results of those students who need it most, including students with disability, Indigenous students, students in regional and rural areas, and students from low socio-economic backgrounds
Labor’s policy is a $36 billion investment in our nation’s schools over the next decade, including $100 million more in targeted, needs-based funding for Territory schools in 2018 and 2019 alone, compared to the Liberals.
One hundred Indigenous teaching scholarships will be provided by Labor to increase the number of Indigenous teachers and provide role models for students.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS
Labor will also make sure all Territory students have the opportunity to learn coding – an essential skill for the future workforce.
Seventy-five per cent of the fastest growing occupations will require skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Nationally, Labor will provide 25,000 teaching scholarships for recent STEM graduates and support 25,000 existing teachers to up-skill.
This will mean new and up-skilled STEM teachers for Territory schools.
Labor will also provide 100,000 STEM Award Degrees – meaning students who graduate from certain STEM courses will do so without a HECS debt.
SUPPORTING A NEW GENERATION OF YOUNG INDIGENOUS LEADERS
A Shorten Labor Government will boost Territory Indigenous students’ access to education and leadership opportunities by investing in the AFL Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre’s full-time Indigenous training facility.
Labor will invest $8.4 million to create more than 7,000 new spots in the Stars Foundation mentoring program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls across Australia.
The Stars Foundation program links students with full-time mentors, and aims to inspire and engage young women and girls in a bid to improve school attendance and Year 12 attainment.
The program also plays a key role in addressing health issues and social wellbeing.
KEEPING OUR UNIVERSITIES OPEN TO ALL
The Territory will not have a strong economy if students are forced to pay $100,000 for university degrees.
Under the Liberals, many students will be priced out of university, no matter how bright they are. Labor will deliver a Student Funding Guarantee, removing the need for higher fees.
With Labor, students will be able to study at universities like Charles Darwin University on good marks and hard work, not their bank balance.
PROTECTING TAFE – STRENGTHENING VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
Labor will protect TAFE by introducing a TAFE Funding Guarantee that will ensure a minimum proportion of vocational education funding stays with TAFE.
Labor will also undertake a comprehensive National Vocational Education and Training Sector Review to make sure the system is meeting the needs of students and employers, weed out dodgy providers and enforce strong standards.
SUPPORTING FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES
Labor believes that when middle and working class Territory families are succeeding, all of the Territory will prosper.
That is why Labor has a plan to protect the living standards of middle and working class families.
With Labor, budget repair will be fair.
Unlike the Liberals we will not be fixing Mr Turnbull’s budget mess by attacking the family budget.
EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE
There are 3,350 families in the Territory that rely on the Child Care Benefit who will be better off under Labor. From 1 January 2017 Labor will increase the Child Care Benefit by 15 per cent.
This is an increase of up to $31 per child per week, or up to $1,627 per child per year.
Labor’s plan to increase the Child Care Rebate cap from $7,500 to $10,000 from 1 January 2017 will also mean that many of the 6,310 families in the Territory that rely on the Child Care Rebate will be up to $2,500 better off per child per year.
FAMILY TAX BENEFITS
Labor will reverse the Abbott-Turnbull Government’s cuts to Family Tax Benefits (FTB).
With Labor, families earning less than $100,000 will maintain their FTB at  current rates.
For families earning over $100,000 there will be a modest reduction of 50 per cent of their FTB-A end of year supplement.
With Labor, a couple with a single income of $85,000 and two children in primary school will be around $1,300 better off each year.
A sole parent with income of $65,000 and two children in high school will be around $3,000 better off each year under Labor.
With Labor, Family Tax Benefits will be targeted to the Territory families that need them most.
INVESTING IN NORTHERN TERRITORY COMMUNITIES
A Shorten Labor Government will invest in a range of community projects to improve quality of life for the people of the Territory.
These include: $10 million for the Darwin Rural Area Pool and Leisure/Sports Centre.
$1.5 million to upgrade the Tennant Creek Hospital operating theatre.
$1 million to upgrade Darwin Entertainment Centre.
$250,000 for the Elizabeth River Boat Ramp infrastructure.
LIBERAL CUTS IN THE  NORTHERN TERRITORY
CUTS TO NORTHERN TERRITORY SCHOOLS
The Liberals have cut $325 million from Territory schools over the next 10 years.
This means larger classes, less personal attention and fewer resources for students in the Territory and fewer jobs for Territory education workers.
It also means Indigenous students, students with disability or additional learning needs and students from low socio-economic backgrounds will miss out on the support they need to achieve their best.
CUTS TO NORTHERN TERRITORY UNIVERSITIES
The Liberals will rip around $56 million from the Territory’s university – Charles Darwin University – over the next five years.
If the Liberals get re-elected, students in the Territory will be facing fees of up to $100,000 for a university degree.
CUTS TO NORTHERN TERRITORY HOSPITALS
The Liberals have made massive cuts to Territory hospitals.
This will put further pressure on already stretched public hospitals and push up waiting times for elective surgery and emergency department care and put the health of Territorians at risk.
CUTS TO NORTHERN TERRITORY FAMILIES
More than 17,600 families in the Territory will lose their full Family Tax Benefit A Supplement if the Liberals are re-elected.
That’s a cut of $726 per child, per year.
More than 15,500 single parents and single income families in the Territory will lose their Family Tax Benefit B Supplement if the Liberals are re-elected – a cut of $354 per family per year.
Under the Liberals, single parents whose youngest child is 13 or over will have their Family Tax Benefit reduced by around $1,785, and those whose youngest is aged 16-19 and in full time school will lose the full payment of $2,785
CUTS TO NORTHERN TERRITORY PENSIONERS
In 2014, the Liberals tried to cut the indexation arrangement for every one of the Territory’s 25,000 pensioners.
If the Liberals are re-elected, many pensioners in the Territory will lose up to $1,600 because of the abolition of the Pensioner Education Supplement and $208 from the abolition of the Education Entry Payment.
Under the Liberals, age pensioners who were born overseas and want to spend more time overseas when they retire will also have their pension reduced after six weeks.
CUTS TO VULNERABLE NORTHERN TERRITORY JOBSEEKERS
In their 2014 Budget, the Liberals tried to leave young jobseekers with nothing to live on for six months.
In 2015 they tried to leave them with nothing for a month.
The Liberals also tried to cut $2,500 from jobseekers under 25 by changing the eligibility age for Newstart and Youth Allowance. These measures would have pushed young people into poverty.
A UNITED LABOR TEAM WILL PUT PEOPLE FIRST
From the day Bill Shorten became Leader, Labor’s team has remained united, with a single-minded commitment to deliver those policies that put people first.
A healthcare system underpinned by Medicare.
An education system that gives every child in every school more individual attention – Public, Catholic or Independent.
University and TAFE that is accessible for all.
WE HAVE PUT FORWARD OUR POSITIVE PLANS.
WE ARE UNITED.
WE ARE READY.
WE'LL PUT PEOPLE FIRST
POSITIVE POLICY
Labor’s Plan To Close The Gap
A Shorten Labor Government will reset relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in a renewed push to close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage.
It was Labor that created the Close the Gap framework, and only Labor has a clear plan to meet the ambitious targets we designed when last we were in government.
Addressing Indigenous disadvantage will not happen in one term of government.
This is a multigenerational task and it is critical that we continue to build on the progress we have made to date.
After three years in which the Liberals have sidelined the voices of Aboriginal people, slashed funding for community controlled services and neglected the Closing the Gap Framework, Labor has put forward a series of positive policies to help close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage.
Labor’s positive policies include: Funding of $15 million for the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples to provide a national voice for Indigenous Australians
Replacing the Liberals’ failed Indigenous Advancement Strategy with a fairer approach to funding Indigenous services that clearly aligns with the Closing the Gap framework.
Setting new Closing the Gap targets on justice, higher education and disability.
Increasing support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services.
Preventing and addressing family violence will be a key priority.
Reforming the way fines are collected to reduce incarceration.
Establishing a Kidney Health Taskforce to address gaps in service provision for people with chronic kidney disease.
Rolling out the Deadly Choices program to help Indigenous Australians make healthy lifestyle choices.
Closing the gap in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander vision loss.
Investing more than $100 million to support Indigenous students to succeed at school and engaging young Indigenous girls and boys in education through mentoring
Investing $57 million in Indigenous Child and Family Centres.
These investments will help improve early childhood outcomes, health outcomes, education and employment outcomes, as we drive a new agenda for tackling the outrageously high levels of Indigenous incarceration and victimisation.
Most importantly – unlike the Liberals – Labor is committed to working in a meaningful partnership with Indigenous Australians to close the gap and improve outcomes for Indigenous Australians.
POSITIVE POLICY
Labor's Positive Plan For Queensland
Queensland Policies
LABOR’S POSITIVE
A MESSAGE FROM BILL SHORTENQueensland is an economic powerhouse – a great state, and the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party.Queensland’s economy is transitioning, and as the mining construction boom tapers off Labor has a clear plan to transition the Queensland economy in a way that protects jobs and improves living standards." We will build the infrastructure that Queensland needs to generate well-paying jobs and drive long-term growth across the state."Labor will invest in the people of Queensland, understanding that when middle and working class Queenslanders are succeeding, the whole of Australia will prosper.Queensland had to withstand the shocking cuts of the Newman State Government, compounded by the Abbott-Turnbull cuts from Canberra.A Shorten Labor Government will protect Medicare, keep the price of medicine affordable and invest in Queensland’s hospitals.Labor will properly fund schools, reform TAFE and scrap the Liberals’ plans for $100,000 degrees – knowing that we cannot be an innovation nation without a world class education system.Labor will protect Queensland jobs today and create the jobs of the future.Labor has developed more than 100 positive policies to build a fairer Australia – I invite you to read more about them at  www.100positivepolicies.org.au.On July 2, the people of Queensland will have a choice between Labor’s positive plan and the Liberals’ next round of harsh and unfair cuts – all so that Malcolm Turnbull can give a $50 billion tax cut to big business.This election, my commitment to the people of Queensland is that I will always put people first.Bill Shorten
Labor will protect Queensland jobs today and create the jobs of the future
Labor is committed to ensuring everyone in Queensland has the opportunity to work to their full capacity, from the Far North to the Gold Coast, and right across the outback.
BACKING SMALL BUSINESS TO CREATE LOCAL JOBS
Under Labor’s New Jobs Tax Cut, small businesses in Queensland will be able to claim a tax deduction of up to $20,000 per worker to offset the wages of up to five new employees.
Just like the previous Labor Government’s instant asset write-off, businesses will be able to claim the New Jobs Tax Cut as part of their regular tax return.
This minimises paperwork for busy employers. This represents a $257 million investment in getting older Australians, parents, carers and younger Australians back to work.
It will help up to 30,000 Australians find a job each year.
Our New Jobs Tax Cut will reward Queensland small businesses that invest in jobs and do their bit to get these Australians back into work.
PROTECTING THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
A Shorten Labor Government will act to protect the Great Barrier Reef, and the 70,000 jobs it supports, from the disastrous effects of climate change and other environmental threats.
Since 1985, the Reef has lost 50 per cent of its hard coral cover.
The Reef is under pressure from poor water quality (nutrients, sediments and pesticides), coastal development, extreme weather events, including freshwater inundation, ocean acidification and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish.
Labor will implement our Great Barrier Reef Plan – a long-term, coordinated and properly resourced strategy. It will be supported by a fund of $500 million over five years.
WORKING FUTURES
Labor will get more young people into work – and help to keep them there, by delivering real skills and real opportunities through our Working Futures program.
We will support 20,000 people per year aged between 15 and 24 to complete a comprehensive work and training program, setting them on the right path to high-quality and long-lasting jobs.
Working Futures will offer real training for real jobs.
This is in stark contrast to the Liberals’ exploitative Youth PaTH program, which subsidises employers to place jobseekers on internships without proper workplace protections.
REAL SKILLS, GOOD JOBS
Labor will help more young people into apprenticeships by creating 10,000 new Apprentice Ready places, offering a 20-week, industry endorsed pre-apprenticeship course for trades on the National Skills Needs List.
A Shorten Labor Government will help retrenched workers to gain formal recognition of their skills through an accelerated apprenticeship program to help them find their next job.
A National Skills Recognition Entitlement program will help 5,000 mature-aged, retrenched workers turn their extensive work experience into formal qualifications.
WORKING WOMEN’S CENTRES
Working Women’s Centres provide specialist employment advice for vulnerable women, including producing educational materials, delivering community education sessions and providing advice on a range of female workforce issues.
The Liberals’ cuts threaten this specialist service.
A Shorten Labor Government will keep them open – including the working women’s centre in Brisbane.
COMPLETING THE NBN
A Shorten Labor Government will fix Malcolm Turnbull’s mess and build the national broadband network that Australia needs to create the jobs of the future.
We will scale up the rollout of fibre-to-the-premises and phase out the rollout of fibre-to-the-node.
This will deliver fibre-to-the-premises to up to two million homes and businesses across the country that are still waiting for Malcolm Turnbull’s second-rate copper version, including hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses across Queensland – Gladstone, Morayfield, North Mackay, Mango Hill, and Shailer Park will all get world class fibre-to-the-premises broadband.
PROTECTING PENALTY RATES
It is clear that the Liberals want to see weekend penalty rates reduced.
Labor does not want some of our lowest paid workers being forced to take a pay cut.
Labor will intervene in proceedings in the Fair Work Commission to protect weekend penalty rates.
LOCAL JOBS FOR LOCAL PEOPLE
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $68.6 million over the next four years to deliver our Local Jobs for Local People program, connecting people in disadvantaged communities with jobs and training opportunities, while tackling the complex social and local issues that can keep Australians from finding work.
Local Jobs for Local People will operate in up to 20 communities across Australia in areas of high employment or entrenched disadvantage.
INDIGENOUS RANGERS
A Shorten Labor Government will double the number of Indigenous rangers employed under the Indigenous Rangers – Working on Country program, boosting jobs and environmental stewardship in remote areas.
The Working on Country program was established in 2007 and currently employs 775 Indigenous people in communities across Australia. Under Labor that number will double to 1,550 Indigenous rangers by 2020–21.
DRIVING INNOVATION IN OUR CITIES AND OUR REGIONS
Labor has a comprehensive plan to drive innovation in cities and regions right across Queensland. This includes:
Supporting great ideas with co-investment in early stage and high potential companies through the $500 million Smart Investment Fund.
Bringing together the superannuation, venture capital and startup sectors in an Innovation Investment Partnership to identify barriers to investment in Australian-based venture capital funds and early-stage enterprises.
Improving access to finance for startups and microbusinesses through a partial guarantee scheme, Startup Finance.
Getting startups to help solve government problems through Challenge Platforms and support startups to compete in government tenders.
Accelerating innovation in our regions through Regional Innovation Hubs.
Reforming the innovation architecture through Innovate Australia.
Improving the flow of capital to startups through Startup Capital.
Backing our best and brightest overseas with Landing Pad hubs for Australian innovators.
Labor´s plan for Queensland schools, universities and tafe
Improving education is the key to boosting opportunity and driving the future economic and social prosperity of our nation.
Australia cannot be an innovation nation without a world class education system. Labor will make the targeted, needs-based investments Queensland needs to give every child the chance to reach their potential and get ahead in the knowledge economy of the future.
KEEPING OUR UNIVERSITIES OPEN TO ALL
Queensland will not have a strong economy if students are forced to pay for $100,000university degrees.
Under the Liberals, many students will be priced out of university, no matter how bright they are.
Labor will deliver a Student Funding Guarantee, removing the need for higher fees.
With Labor, students will be able to study at universities like Griffith, CQU and James Cook because of their good marks and hard work, not their bank balance.
PROTECTING TAFE – STRENGTHENING VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
Labor will protect TAFE by introducing a TAFE Funding Guarantee to ensure that our vocational education system is properly funded into the future.
Labor will undertake a comprehensive National Vocational Education and Training Sector Review to make sure our system is meeting the needs of students and employers, and weed out dodgy providers and enforce strong standards.
IMPROVING QUEENSLAND SCHOOLS - YOUR CHILD. OUR FUTURE
Labor’s Your Child. Our Future plan will put Australia’s schools back among the very best in the world.
Every student in every school will be supported to achieve their best through investment in: More one-on-one support.
Better remedial literacy and numeracy programs - and more extension options.
Early intervention programs in every school.
Improved Year 12 retention – supported by more vocational pathways.
Better access to allied health support – like speech and occupational therapists.
Labor’s investment is targeted to improve the results of those students who need it most, including students with disability, Indigenous students, students in regional and rural areas, and students from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Labor’s policy is a $36 billion investment in our nation’s schools over the next decade, including $725 million more in targeted, needs-based funding for Queensland schools in 2018 and 2019 alone, compared to the Liberals.
Across Queensland, Labor’s investment in local schools means more targeted, needs-based funding: In South East Queensland, Labor will invest $503 million more for schools in 2018 and 2019 alone, compared to the Liberals.
In Central Queensland, Labor will invest $99 million more for schools in 2018 and 2019 alone, compared to the Liberals.
In North Queensland, Labor will invest $140 million more for schools in 2018 and 2019 alone, compared to the Liberals.
In Far North Queensland, Labor will invest $50 million more for schools in 2018 and 2019 alone, compared to the Liberals.
One hundred Indigenous teaching scholarships will be provided by Labor to increase the number of Indigenous teachers and provide role models for students.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS
Labor is committed to ensuring that all Queensland students have the opportunity to learn coding – an essential skill for the future workforce.
Seventy-five per cent of the fastest growing occupations of the future will require skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Labor will provide 25,000 teaching scholarships for recent STEM graduates and support 25,000 existing teachers to up-skill across Australia.
This will see around 9,500 new and up-skilled STEM teachers in Queensland schools.
Labor will provide 100,000 STEM Award Degrees – meaning students who graduate from certain STEM courses not be burdened with a HECS debt.
INVESTING IN INDIGENOUS STUDENTS
A Shorten Labor Government will invest an additional $100 million to support Indigenous students and boost the number of Indigenous teachers.
Labor’s Your Child. Our Future will provide an additional $96 million towards improving outcomes for Indigenous students around Australia in 2018 and 2019.
In addition, Labor will provide $4.8 million to fund 100 scholarships per year for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teachers.
Investing in the infrastructure Queensland needs.
Labor will build the infrastructure Queensland needs.
Our initiatives will create thousands of local jobs for Queensland, by supporting Gladstone Port, Cairns Airport and Brisbane’s Cross River Rail project.
Labor will undertake proper planning to ensure that scarce taxpayer dollars are spent on the projects that will promote new jobs.
Our infrastructure investments will be properly analysed and assessed by Infrastructure Australia.
A FIRST CLASS STADIUM FOR TOWNSVILLE
Labor will provide $100 million to build a first class Townsville Stadium in partnership with the Queensland Labor Government.
For too long, football fans have been watching rugby league and other sports at sub-standard facilities compared to the football stadiums in southern Queensland and New South Wales. Labor will change this.
Modern community infrastructure is critical to local economies, particularly in regional centres, helping to drive economic growth and local jobs.
Construction of the project is expected to support over 700 jobs in the region and provide a significant boost to the local economy.
BRISBANE’S CROSS RIVER RAIL
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $800 million in the Brisbane Cross River Rail project, easing congestion, improving transport connections and creating local jobs for a growing city.
Queensland’s highest priority infrastructure project, it will cater for future growth, unlock economic opportunities and make Queensland a more internationally competitive state.
The Cross River Rail project includes a 10.2 kilometre link from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills, with 5.9 kilometres of tunnel under the Brisbane River and CBD.
It will connect to northern and southern rail networks, making the commute faster from both directions.
Stations will be developed at five important locations: Boggo Road, Woolloongabba, Albert Street, Roma Street and the Exhibition showgrounds.
As well as increasing the capacity of the entire Brisbane public transport network, and expanding the network to accommodate future growth, the full project will create 1,600 new local jobs, including up to 160 apprenticeships.
NORTHERN AUSTRALIA TOURISM FUND
A Shorten Labor will establish a $1 billion Northern Australia Tourism Infrastructure Fund, to boost partnerships with the tourism sector and to provide incentives to business for investment in new and upgraded tourism infrastructure across Northern Australia, including in Queensland north of the Tropic of Capricorn, and in Gladstone.
Categories of tourism eligible for the funding will include (but not be limited to): Projects targeting the expanding Asian tourism market.
Projects promoting Australia’s natural environment such as the Great Barrier Reef.
Eco-tourism.
Indigenous tourism ventures.
Event-based facilities including stadia and convention centres.
Transport and access upgrades, including for ports and airports that support tourism.
Funding would be available through concessional loans and other forms of project finance, ensuring that projects will need to stack up and potentially attract private financing.
UPGRADING THE GATEWAY-M1 MERGE
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $168 million to upgrade the Gateway-M1 merge, easing congestion and boosting productivity in one of the fast-growing regions of Queensland.
With congestion in this busy area frequently causing long queues and delays for motorists, Labor will add additional southbound lanes on the M1 between Eight Mile Plains and Springwood to improve the merge with the Gateway Motorway.
The full project will create almost 550 new local jobs.
CENTRAL QUEENSLAND ROADS PACKAGE
Despite the Abbott-Turnbull Government talking big about infrastructure in the north, they have failed to deliver a single new major infrastructure project for Northern Australia over the last three years.
Queensland is a large state which relies heavily on roads for the movement of people and freight.
North and Central Queenslanders rely upon roads to connect their communities and provide access to services.
A Shorten Labor Government will commit $418 million to improve road safety, create more than 1,000 jobs, boost productivity and make life easier for North and Central Queenslanders.
Gladstone Port Access Road – $80 million
This project will extend the existing Port Access road from Glenlyon Road to Blain Drive, including a new bridge to be constructed over Glenlyon Road.
Gladstone families will benefit from the safer roads with heavy truck traffic removed from Glenyon Road to Blain Drive and Gladstone’s ring roads.
Walkerston Bypass – $150 million
The realignment of the Peak Downs Highway to bypass Walkerston will increase safety on the existing route through the main street of Walkerston by minimising heavy vehicle traffic and removing the interaction between heavy vehicle traffic and local traffic.
The new route will offer a safer and more efficient link for the mining industry in the northern Bowen Basin to Mackay and, in particular, the industrial area of Paget.
Additionally, Labor will deliver the following road upgrades in central and northern Queensland: Rockhampton to Yeppoon road ($30 million).
Hann Highway ($43 million).n Capricorn Highway overtaking lanes ($19 million).
Capricorn Highway between Rockhampton and Gracemere ($75 million).
Rockhampton (Bajool to Port Alma Road) port access road ($15 million).
Cairns Airport access upgrade ($6 million).
These projects will create 1,100 new local jobs.
UPGRADING THE IPSWICH MOTORWAY
Labor will commit $200 million to the first stage of upgrading the Ipswich Motorway between Rocklea and Darra, tackling traffic congestion on Brisbane’s southside.
The upgrade will boost the capacity of the Ipswich Motorway from four lanes to six between Granard and Oxley roads, reducing travelling times for 85,000 motorists who use it each day, including 12,000 trucks hauling freight.
The full project will create over 1,000 local jobs.
INVESTIGATING TOWNSVILLE WATER OPTIONS
A Shorten Labor Government will contribute $4 million to a major Water Infrastructure Feasibility Study for Townsville.
The study will consider upgrades to existing water infrastructure, including: Raising the wall of the existing Burdekin Dam.
Duplicating the existing pipeline between Burdekin and Ross River dams.
A water treatment plant to be used with the existing pipeline.
Other affordable water efficiency measures.
Labor will stop the privatization of medicare
First the Liberals tried to introduce a GP Tax, then the Liberals introduced a GP Tax by stealth by freezing the indexation of the Medicare Benefits Schedule.
The Liberals are doing all they can to destroy Medicare. We will prevent the Liberals from privatising Medicare
In contrast, Labor has a positive plan to protect Medicare and ensure our world class universal health care system continues to deliver the best health outcomes for every Australian into the future.
PROTECTING MEDICARE
Labor built Medicare and we will always fight to protect it.
Labor will reverse the Abbott-Turnbull Government’s freeze on the indexation of the Medicare Benefits Schedule.
This means that under Labor an average family in Queensland with two children will be more than $400 better off.
SCRAPPING THE MEDICINE PRICE HIKE
Labor will scrap the Liberals’ medicine price hike and ensure medicine remains affordable for middle and working class Queensland families.
Under the Liberals, medicine will go up by as much as $5 per script. Under Labor, medicines will be more affordable.
INVESTING IN HOSPITALS
Labor will increase funding for Queensland hospitals over the next four years.
This will reduce waiting times for elective surgery and in emergency departments.
Under Labor, hospitals in Queensland will receive $400 million more than they would under the Liberals.
UPGRADING CAIRNS HOSPITAL
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $11.6 million to upgrade Cairns Hospital to address bed shortages at this regionally vital hospital.
This commitment will see 2,100 square metres of currently unused hospital space fitted out to accommodate the growing number of patients presenting at the Cairns Hospital emergency department.
REFURBISHMENT OF LOGAN HOSPITAL
The birth rate per capita in the Logan area outstrips that of the state by almost 20 per cent, with more than 3,500 births at the hospital each year.
A Shorten Labor Government will fund a $10 million refurbishment of Logan Hospital’s maternity and special care services facilities.
This refurbishment will give the hospital the option of co-locating antenatal services, providing a complete maternity service environment and genuine continuity of patient care.
PET SCANNER FOR ROCKHAMPTON HOSPITAL
A Shorten Labor Government will purchase a new PET scanner at Rockhampton – reducing the need to travel to Brisbane for scans and treating up to 1,000 patients in Central Queensland.
REVERSING CUTS TO PATHOLOGY AND IMAGING SERVICES
A Shorten Labor Government will reverse Malcolm Turnbull’s cuts to bulk billing for pathology and diagnostic imaging.
Labor’s measures give pathologists and radiologists an incentive to bulk bill.
Without it, bulk billing will fall, co-payments will rise, and patients will be forced to pay more for tests and scans – or to skip them altogether.
PREVENTATIVE HEALTH PACKAGE
Chronic diseases are the leading cause of illness, disability and death in Australia.
Many of these diseases are due to preventable risk factors such as physical inactivity, poor nutrition, smoking and harmful use of alcohol.
Labor has developed a five-point plan to combat chronic disease:
Investing in 50 Healthy Communities nationwide, to help communities at the greatest risk of chronic disease to stay well.
Tackling obesity through Australia’s first National Physical Activity Strategy and a National Nutrition Framework.
Expanding the successful Better Health Channel into a nationwide platform for health information.
Continuing the push to reduce smoking rates, particularly in at-risk communities.
Addressing harmful use of alcohol through a National Alcohol Strategy.
A NATIONAL APPROACH TO SUICIDE PREVENTION
A Shorten Labor Government will set a target to reduce deaths by suicide by 50 per cent over the next 10 years.
Our National Suicide Strategy will provide a strong national commitment to reduce the suicide toll, and coordinate a focused effort across Australia.
Labor will commission Australia’s first national data set of suicide deaths and invest $72 million over three years for 12 regional suicide pilot projects.
CLOSING THE GAP IN INDIGENOUS HEALTH
A Shorten Labor Government will continue the work of the previous Labor Government and work to close the gap on Indigenous health outcomes.
Labor will provide $5.5 million a year to roll out the Deadly Choices initiative across the country.
Labor will convene a National Taskforce on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Kidney Disease as a priority to look for holistic solutions to the current crisis.
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $9.5 million to close the gap in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander vision loss.
INNOVATION IN HEALTH CARE
Because of Labor, Australia has one of the best health care systems in the world.
But Australia’s health care system continues to face significant challenges.
An ageing population, growing health inequality among many groups, as well as locations of disadvantage, all mean that Australia requires new and innovative approaches to care.
If elected, a Shorten Labor Government will provide an additional $100 million over two years to develop and roll out new models of primary care around Australia.
LIFE SAVING MEDICAL RESEARCH AND CARE
Labor will invest in life saving research and care in Queensland. Our nationwide commitments include: $10.6 million to increase the number of prostate cancer nurses.
$8 million for ovarian cancer research.
$7 million to assist women with breast cancer. in rural areas and with secondary breast cancer.
$1.1 million to assist people managing allergic diseases.
$4 million to improve care and support for people suffering from Motor Neurone Disease.
$84 million to improve access to lifesaving technologies for Australians with type 1 diabetes.
YOUTH DRUG AND ALCOHOL DETOX FACILITY
Labor will invest $5 million in drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment facilities in Townsville in partnership with the Salvation Army.
It means people who are struggling with ice addiction, families who are trying to get treatment for their children, trying to turn their lives around, will have access to local treatment.
Additionally, a Shorten Labor Government will develop a new National Drug Strategy, delivering smart, cost-effective policies that help vulnerable communities in the grip of illicit drug abuse.
Labor will ensure that people who want to turn their life around don’t have to wait six months or more for a treatment service.
Strong families and communities
Labor will repair the federal Budget without smashing family budgets.
FAMILY TAX BENEFITS
Labor will oppose the Liberal Government’s harsh cuts to Family Tax Benefits (FTB).
Under Labor, families earning less than $100,000 will maintain their FTB at current rates.
Under Labor, a couple with a single income of $85,000 and two children in primary school will be around $1,300 better off each year.
A sole parent with income of $65,000 and two children in high school will be around $3,000 better off each year under Labor.
EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE
Every one of the 134,000 families in Queensland that rely on the Child Care Benefit will be better off under Labor.
From 1 January 2017 Labor will increase the Child Care Benefit by 15 per cent.
This is an increase of up to $31 per child per week, or up to $1,627 per child per year.
In South East Queensland, 116,290 families receiving the Child Care Benefit will be better off.
In Central Queensland, 8,370 families receiving the Child Care Benefit will be better off.
In North Queensland, 11,370 families receiving the Child Care Benefit will be better off.
In Far North Queensland, 5,630 families receiving the Child Care Benefit will be better off.
Labor’s plan to increase the Child Care Rebate cap from $7,500 to $10,000 from 1 January 2017 will mean that many of the 172,000 families in Queensland that rely on the Child Care Rebate will be up to $2,500 better off per child per year: In South East Queensland, many of the 149,070 families receiving the Child Care Rebate will be better off.
In Central Queensland, many of the 11,200 families receiving the Child Care Rebate will be better off.
In North Queensland, many of the 15,360 families receiving the Child Care Rebate will be better off.
In Far North Queensland, many of the 6,680 families receiving the Child Care Rebate will be better off.
In addition, Labor will invest $25 million to upgrade facilities and improve the quality of programs in Budget Base Funded early education and care services, which serve many remote communities.
Many of these services face an uncertain future under the Liberals’ proposed child care changes.
Labor will provide $57 million to the 38 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Family Centres to increase places and provide better education, health and family support for local families.
The Liberals cut funding for these vital services.
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE
Labor will scrap the Liberals’ plan to cut paid parental leave to around 80,000 new mums each year.
Under Labor, parents will be as much as $11,800 better off when they have a baby.
LOCAL COMMUNITY PROJECTS
A Shorten Labor Government will invest in a range of community projects to improve quality of life for the people right across Queensland.
These include:  $6.7 million in funding for the new Port Douglas reservoir, ensuring water security.
$1.2 million to deliver much-needed upgrades to sporting facilities on Brisbane’s south side, boosting local teams and supporting women in football.
$1.3 million to back Brisbane community and arts organisations so they can continue to support local communities.
$3.1 million to contribute to funding Beef Australia Week 2018 and establish the Federal Government as a principal partner.
$560,000 to support football players and their fans in northern Brisbane by upgrading the Ridge Hills United Football Club in Bald Hills
$1 million to revitalise the Sunnybank Pedestrian  Bridge, used by more than 5,000 people per day
$1 million to redevelop the Redcliffe Police-Citizens Youth Club, better enabling support of disadvantaged youth.
$5 million to develop the Philip Street Communities Precinct in Gladstone, matching local council funding.
$7.5 million to contain and reduce the yellow crazy ant population in the Wet Tropics of Queensland.
Under the Liberals, Queensland has been through three years of harsh cuts, chaos and broken promises.
Cuts to schools and universities, cuts to Medicare, cuts to Family Tax Benefits and cuts to pensions.
This is the legacy of the Abbott-Turnbull Government.
Queensland cannot afford another three years of cuts hurting families and the local economy.
YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT
Under the Liberals the youth unemployment rate in Queensland has remained stagnant at 13 per cent, more than double the national unemployment rate.
The number of young people in job training across the State has plummeted.
There are now nearly 23,800 fewer apprentices in Queensland than there were in 2013.
Labor is committed to ensuring one in ten jobs on our priority projects will be filled by new apprentices, so young people from all across Queensland can learn the skills they need for the jobs of the future.
CUTS TO SCHOOLS
The Liberals have cut more than $6 billion from Queensland schools.
This means larger classes, less personal attention and fewer resources for students.
It means Indigenous students; students with disability or additional learning needs; and students from low socio-economic backgrounds will miss out on the support they need to achieve their best.
$4.5 billion has been cut from schools in South East Queensland.
$630 million has been cut from schools in Central Queensland.
$675 million has been cut from schools in North Queensland.
$256 million has been cut from schools in Far North Queensland.
CUTS TO HOSPITALS
The Liberals have cut billions from Queensland health facilities.
This will put further pressure on already stretched public hospitals and push up waiting times for elective surgery and emergency department care.
CUTS TO UNIVERSITIES
Over the next five years the Liberals will rip more than $1.1 billion from Queensland universities.
If the Liberals get their way, university students from Queensland would be facing fees of up to $100,000 for degrees.
Universities across Queensland face massive cuts under the Liberals: Griffith University will lose $228 million over the next five years.
Central Queensland University will lose $87 million over the next five years.
The University of Southern Queensland will lose $115 million over the next five years.
James Cook University will lose $135 million over the next five years.
The University of Queensland will lose $290 million over the next five years.
Queensland University of Technology will lose $250 million over the next five years.
The University of the Sunshine Coast will lose $71 million over the next five years.
CUTS TO VULNERABLE AUSTRALIANS
In their 2014 Budget, the Liberals tried to leave young jobseekers with nothing to live on for six months.
In 2015 they tried to leave them with nothing for a month.
The Liberals tried to cut $2,500 from jobseekers under 25 by changing the eligibility age for Newstart and Youth Allowance.
CUTS TO PENSIONS
In 2014, the Liberals tried to cut the indexation arrangement for every one of Queensland’s 812,000 pensioners.
If the Liberals are re-elected, Queensland pensioners will lose up to $1,600 from the abolition of the Pensioner Education Supplement and $208 from the abolition of the Education Entry Payment.
In South East Queensland, this cut will affect 619,660 pensioners.
In Central Queensland, this cut will affect 82,786 pensioners.
In North Queensland, this cut will affect 80,624 pensioners.
In Far North Queensland, this cut will affect 28,220 pensioners.
Under the Liberals, age pensioners who were born overseas and want to spend more time overseas when they retire will have their pension reduced after six weeks.
CUTS TO FAMILIES
More than 330,000 families in Queensland will lose their full Family Tax Benefit Part A Supplement if the Liberals are re-elected.
That’s a cut of $726 per child, per year.
More than 273,000 single parents and single income families in Queensland will lose their Family Tax Benefit Part B Supplement if the Liberals are re-elected – a cut of $354 per family per year.
CUTS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES
The Liberals cut $200 million from assistance grants to Queensland councils in the 2014 Budget.
These cuts are ongoing, and very significantly impact on the ability of councils in Queensland to deliver basic community services like child care and libraries.
It has led to cuts in road maintenance, and has cost local jobs.
A UNITED LABOR TEAMWILL PUT PEOPLE FIRST
From the day Bill Shorten became Leader, Labor’s team has remained united, with a single-minded commitment to deliver those policies that put people first.
A healthcare system underpinned by Medicare.
An education system that gives every child in every school more individual attention – Public, Catholic or Independent.
University and TAFE that is accessible for all.
WE HAVE PUT FORWARD OUR POSITIVE PLANS.
WE ARE UNITED.
WE ARE READY.
WE'LL PUT PEOPLE FIRST
POSITIVE POLICY
Labor's Positive Policies For Agriculture And Regional Australia
A Shorten Labor Government will provide the policy guidance Australia’s agriculture sector needs to meet its full potential, rise to its challenges and create more prosperity and jobs in our regions.
Australia prospers when our regions prosper.
From cattle farms and wineries to wool, wheat and minerals, regional Australia generates a significant part of Australia’s wealth.
In return, regional communities rightly expect the same high quality services and facilities that people in our major cities enjoy.
Labor will put productivity and sustainable profitability front-and-centre in our determination to see regional Australia thrive and our agricultural industries grow into the future.
Labor understands and shares the aspirations of Australia’s agriculture sector: to boost jobs, strengthen regional communities and move Australia up the value curve for long-term growth.
Our plan for Australian agriculture will allow us to work together with the sector and regional Australians to meet those aspirations in the years to come.
GROWING JOBS, BUILDING SUSTAINABLE PROFITABILTY LABOR’S POSITIVE PLAN FOR AGRICULTURE AND REGIONAL AUSTRALIA
STRONG WORKFORCES STRONG COMMUNITIES
People are the backbone of Australia’s regional economies.
Without new generations of Australians choosing life on the land, our regional cities and towns will slowly wither away.
Labor wants to create more opportunities for industry-relevant education and training close to home so that young people, women and Indigenous Australians can discover the challenges and rewards of a life in agriculture.
PROTECTING REGIONAL UNIVERSITIES AND TAFES
The number of people studying agricultural science disciplines is too low.
According to the University of Queensland, there is strong demand for graduates in agribusiness, agricultural science and food science.
But figures released by the Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture reveal a widening gap between demand and supply of good quality graduates.
National job advertisements for graduates in agriculture number between 4,000 and 4,500, yet only about 800 graduates complete agricultural studies across the country each year.
Those most likely to choose an agriculture-related course at university are those who have grown up in regional Australia.
That’s why Labor is fighting so hard to protect our regional universities and prevent regional students from paying $100,000 for their degrees.
A Shorten Labor Government will introduce a Student Funding Guarantee to provide certainty to universities and remove the need for higher fees.
Regional universities would be hit particularly hard under the Liberals’ plan to deregulate fees because many do not have the same scale of enrolments or capacity to cross-subsidise teaching and research through other channels as city universities do.
Successful farm businesses don’t just require workers with university degrees.
Building a strong agricultural workforce will also require quality vocational education and training (VET) through strong local TAFEs and more apprentices skilled in practical trades.
The Liberals have cut $2.5 billion from the skills portfolio, including $1 billion from apprentice and trainee programs such as Tools for Your Trade and access and mentoring programs.
These cuts have hit apprentices and trainees hard and resulted in the loss of over 120,000 apprentices since September 2013.
Labor will not make the same mistake because we know regional communities, and those right across Australia, cannot afford to see our skills base decline.
That is why Labor will invest in boosting apprenticeships, including by ensuring apprentices are employed on federally-funded infrastructure projects and creating 15,000 new apprentice track training places.
We will also reintroduce Tools for Your Trade – the successful apprentice support program axed by Tony Abbott, because we want to see more young people starting and completing apprenticeships – particularly in regional Australia.
The need for strong regional skills and training is also why Labor has announced a plan to back TAFE into the future by developing a National Priority Plan which will define its unique role and place it squarely as the public provider within the VET sector.
TAFE offers access to training in many places across regional Australia where private providers do not reach, and we must ensure that continues to be the case into the future to build our skilled agricultural workforce.
GROWING THE ROLE OF WOMEN AND INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS IN AGRICULTURE
Women are increasingly playing leading roles in farm businesses across Australia.
They are moving well beyond traditional roles and into planning, planting, cultivating, cropping, testing, analysing and looking after animal welfare.
Indigenous Australians are also combining traditional land management practices with newer agricultural techniques to get the most out of our land while protecting the natural environment.
As farm businesses become more complex and we seek to grow both productivity and output, the role of women and Indigenous Australians will become increasingly important.
Their greater participation will also help to balance out the ageing of our agriculture workforce.
Labor is determined to further promote and support women in agriculture, and will lead by example across the government sector.
We have identified a clear target of having 50 per cent of positions on government boards filled by women within the first term of a Shorten Labor Government.
This would apply to our regional research and development corporations as well as bodies like the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
Increasing the visibility of women in these senior roles will provide pathways and role models for more Australian women to pursue careers in agriculture.
A Shorten Labor Government will also provide just over $200 million over five years to double the number of Indigenous rangers under the Working for Country program, from 775 full-time equivalent rangers in 2016-17 to 1,550 by 2020-21.
This will ensure Indigenous rangers are able to continue and expand their work in the management of fire regimes, biodiversity, feral animals, weeds, land disturbance, cultural sites, heritage values, pollution and climate change impacts.
It will also mean rangers are able to grow their role as role models in local communities, and further leverage the close relationship between Indigenous Australians and the environment to continue building our future agricultural workforce.
STRENGTHENING MENTAL HEALTH IN OUR REGIONS
Mental health should be a priority for any government that puts the wellbeing of Australians first.
It’s also a productivity issue, with the mental health of our regional workforce being crucial to the success and growth of the sector.
In regional Australia, suicide rates amongst men are double those in urban areas.
Farmers are 2.2 times more likely to die by suicide than the broader community.
What’s more, psychiatrists in the cities outnumber those in regional areas three to one.
Labor is committed to reducing suicides in Australia by 50 per cent over the next ten years.
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $72 million to establish 12 suicide prevention initiatives – six urban, four regional and two remote – for place-based initiatives that are tailored to local community need.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples suffer mental illness at three times the rate of other Australians.
Labor will also develop an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Plan to improve mental health and prevent suicides of Indigenous Australians.
Labor’s positive policies will help build a strong regional workforce and in turn, set regional communities up to thrive for generations to come.
BOOSTING LOCAL JOBS THROUGH  TRADE, EXPORTS  AND INVESTMENT
Since the 1980s, billions of people around the world have been lifted out of poverty by economic growth and development.
Within the Asia Pacific region, this trend is transforming poor neighbours into potential customers at a very rapid rate.
An estimated 90 million people will join Indonesia’s middle class by 2030; on current trends 70 per cent of China’s population will also have risen to comfortable prosperity by that time.
India’s middle class is projected to grow from less than 50 million people today to over 475 million within the next 15 years.
By 2030, two in three of the world’s middle class people will live in Asia.
These new consumers like to spend and demand for a wide range of goods and services has skyrocketed as a result.
In 2014 private consumption in China, India and Indonesia was already worth a combined US$5.7 trillion – six times the value of Australian domestic consumption.
Our local wineries, food producers and education providers have been early beneficiaries of this spending boom.
But there are opportunities here for a much wider range of Australian businesses to create new jobs and find new markets.
We will need the right policy settings to fully realise the export potential of our services industries, manufacturers, food and fibre production and agriculture.
That is what a Shorten Labor Government will deliver.
MAKING TRADE WORK FOR BUSINESS
At present, less than 5 per cent of all Australian businesses are exporting overseas, making our economy far less trade-intensive than many comparable countries.
Many businesses are not even considering exporting despite the opportunities in our region – PwC’s Passing Us By report shows two-thirds of Australian businesses have no intention of exporting into Asian markets in the near future.
Opening up access to new markets through trade agreements is a critical first step in boosting exports.
That’s why a Shorten Labor Government will continue to seek high quality international trade agreements to improve market access for Australian exporters.
But governments need to do more than tackle the barriers imposed at the borders.
It is also important to tackle the barriers would-be exporters face at home – such as lack of information and market research, shortages of skills and expertise, market failures in access to finance, a lack of contacts in export markets and the impact of freight costs and red tape in moving goods across borders.
That is why a Shorten Labor Government will: Tackle barriers to Australian exports
We will adopt a strategic approach to improving market access for exporters by carrying out stock takes of trade barriers faced by Australian exporters, both at home and abroad, and produce a regular Trade Barriers Analysis.
Reduce red tape for exporters
We will tackle red tape barriers by working to ensure trade agreements contain easily understood and consistent rules of origin for determining whether Australian goods qualify for preferential access to key export markets.
Several surveys and reports show that many Australian businesses are not utilising market access opportunities available to them.
The complexity and costs of complying with rules of origin are one of the discouraging factors.
While there are no quick fixes, a Labor Government will work with Australia’s trading partners to streamline and harmonise existing rules of origin across trade agreements.
Facilitate trade in our region
Labor will work with key Asian trading partners to help them implement trade facilitation reforms which will encourage more two-way trade by reducing costs and improving efficiency.
The World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement negotiated in 2013 has the potential to significantly reduce trade costs.
But many developing countries need technical assistance and capacity building support to implement these reforms.
A Shorten Labor Government will better target Australia’s “aid for trade” funding towards helping developing economies to implement these reforms.
IMPROVING MARKETING AND BRANDING
Australia is known for the quality and safety of our food products.
Our freedom from many pests and diseases, the environmental stewardship of our farmers and land managers and our world-class food safety management system all contribute to this strong global reputation.
Emphasising the quality of Australian food and finding ways to more clearly identify our clean, green and environmentally friendly credentials will allow exporters to benefit from our valuable national brand.
Labor will work with industry to deliver strong international branding to build upon Australia’s reputation as a leader in the production of premium food and to increase export opportunities.
STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE ON INVESTMENT
To take full advantage of the Asian “dining boom” and other global export opportunities, it has been estimated Australia will need $600 billion of capital investment in the years to 2050.
That means our agriculture sector will need to secure investment of $26 billion a year on top of the $16 billion currently invested.
This is a big gap to close, and to achieve it we will need to look to emerging and non-traditional sources of foreign investment, particularly within our region.
The foreign investment screening changes introduced by the Abbott-Turnbull Government run directly counter to the goal of attracting more investment from new sources.
The Government has imposed new foreign investment screening thresholds of $55 million for investment in agribusiness and $15 million (cumulative) for investment in agricultural land.
These changes have been the subject of widespread criticism from business, including the Business Council of Australia and the Australian Food and Grocery Council.
These business groups have rightly pointed out that this is no way to encourage investment.
In addition to driving away investment when we need it, these changes will undermine, rather than build, the public support that is essential to making foreign investment work.
That is why Labor will restore consistency in screening thresholds by bringing all agricultural land application thresholds into line with those in our trade agreements with Thailand and Singapore.
This $50 million threshold strikes the right balance between maintaining the strength of the screening system and keeping red tape in check.
We will also review the current regime’s discriminatory treatment of investments in non-sensitive sectors by investors from Singapore, Thailand and non-FTA trading partners and the treatment of agricultural land.
Furthermore, a Shorten Labor Government will make the foreign land investment register public so that every Australian can see who is buying agricultural land, and where.
Labor started work on this register when last in office, but this has not been delivered because the Abbott-Turnbull Government broke an election promise to match this by creating a transparent register of its own.
Trade, exports and foreign investment represent huge opportunities to grow jobs and make Australia’s regions more prosperous.
Labor will put the right rules and structures in place to ensure regional Australians benefit, while protecting our environment and resources in the process.
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT & INNOVATION FOR BET TER PRODUCTIVITY
Australia’s agriculture sector has a world-class research and development system.
The current co-funding architecture is a proud Labor legacy.
Research, development, extension, adoption and innovation will be critical to our success in lifting productivity, farming smarter and more sustainably, and securing greater value and return for our limited natural resources.
Further, our growers and producers contribute to our national research and development effort through compulsory levies, so they deserve to know they are receiving value for money.
A Labor Government will review the work and funding arrangements of our agriculture based research and development institutions to ensure they are operating efficiently, focusing on productivity and delivering value for money.
Our performance in research and development has been strong but less impressive in extension and innovation.
In particular, there is scope for a greater allocation of resources to cross-sectoral work where more than one commodity group is the beneficiary.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the area of biosecurity.
We can’t lift productivity across the agricultural sector if we are not seriously tackling some of the things that hold it back: weeds; invasive species; pest animals and disease.
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE FOR BIOSECURITY
Labor will establish an Australian Institute for Biosecurity to manage the challenges of pest animals, weeds and plant disease incursions on the land and in our waterways and oceans.
This initiative will allow the Government, as a major investor in RD&E, to identify and address research gaps relating to long-term sustainability and cross-sectoral issues.
The Institute’s primary role will be to maintain and build on the existing network of research and industry partners across plant, animal, aquaculture and marine biosecurity.
It will support sustainable RD&E projects and identify pathways to enduring long-term strategic management beyond the current 5 to 10-year approach.
The Institute will also deal with the challenges of environmental biosecurity while protecting the livelihood of our farmers and graziers, and those who make their living from the aquaculture and marine industries.
The Institute for Biosecurity will develop a strategic work plan to ensure the long-term health of Australia’s agricultural sector, animal industries and natural environment.
MANAGING YELLOW CRAZY ANTS
Yellow Crazy Ants pose a significant risk to agricultural industries such as the sugar cane industry, and industries such as tourism in Queensland’s Wet Tropics.
They are a serious environmental and agricultural pest, recognised among the world’s 100 most invasive species.
A Shorten Labor Government will inject $7.5 million to contain and reduce the Yellow Crazy Ant population in the Wet Tropics of Queensland.
In 2013, Labor provided $2 million over five years to the Wet Tropics Management Authority through the Caring for Our Country Program to eradicate a large infestation of Yellow Crazy Ants of up to 400ha.
This treatment has successfully reduced ant numbers and has minimised further spread, but more needs to be done.
Labor’s additional $7.5 million commitment will help control the spread of these pests to protect the industries currently threatened by them.
AUSTRALIAN TROPICAL MARINE AND AQUACULTURE CENTRE
Labor will also boost local jobs and science in our regional cities by contributing to the establishment of a new industry-facing aquaculture research facility in central Townsville.
We will contribute $31.7 million to drive deeper collaboration between the Australian Institute of Marine Science and James Cook University, with these funds to go towards the establishment of JCU’s $100 million Australian Tropical Marine and Aquaculture Centre.
Labor will make this investment in the centre to support its development as a new industry-oriented research and commercialisation facility.
It will leverage Townsville’s significant scientific expertise in marine science and aquaculture, helping to grow the industry and deliver new discoveries in sustainable food production and marine resource management.
The aquaculture industry represents a transformative opportunity for Townsville with great economic potential.
Growing this industry will not only create jobs, but also support the  Asia Pacific region and the potential flow-on effects to educational and science tourism.
AUSTRALIAN PESTICIDES AND VETERINARY MEDICINES AUTHORITY
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority plays a crucial role in registering and regulating the products farmers rely on to improve productivity and keep their herds healthy.
Barnaby Joyce plans to disrupt the authority’s work by relocating it from its traditional home in Canberra to Armidale, in his own electorate.
Not only is this an incredible waste of taxpayer money, but it will significantly diminish the authority’s operational capacity.
Its 200-strong workforce is made up of highly qualified professionals and scientists, who live in Canberra, work in Canberra and send their children to Canberra schools.
It is well known that the authority will lose the majority of its professional staff if this forced relocation takes place.
This will be a disaster for our farmers who will lose access to critically important crop protection chemicals and animal medicines.
That is why the National Farmers Federation, Animal Medicines Australia, CropLife Australia and the Veterinary Manufacturers and Distributors Association have all opposed the authority’s move.
Labor will not proceed with Barnaby Joyce’s half-baked plan to move the authority for no good reason.
We will ensure it continues its good work in Canberra with the highly skilled workforce needed to support proper farm science.
FOOD AND FIBRE INNOVATION
Australia’s food and fibre producers are key drivers of wealth in Australia’s regions.
But these sectors are now at a crossroads.
For much of Australia’s history they have been best known as producers of largely homogenous but good quality commodities.
This has left them exposed as price-takers in increasingly competitive global commodity markets.
Productivity is also in decline as changing weather patterns threaten the viability of previously productive land; our farm workforce ages; and road, rail and port infrastructure fails to keep pace with growing demand.
One of Australia’s key competitive advantages is our reputation as a supplier of clean, green, high quality and safe food.
So the most successful strategy for Australia’s food production sector will be the pursuit of new markets for high quality, high value and niche products through innovation.
Some of our producers have already started down this path: developing wheat that is specifically suited to Japan’s udon noodle market; new fruit varieties for Asian tastes; value-added dairy products and marbled wagyu in which the fat is relatively healthy.
There is an opportunity for our fibre producers to do likewise by developing innovative, high quality materials for specialist applications like defence and industry.
That is why Labor will support more producers and manufacturers to deliver product innovation through our Food, Fibre and Advanced Materials Modernisation Grants program.
This competitive merit-based grants program will match investments by producers and manufacturers in projects to improve the efficiency of their operations and increase investment in innovation and new technologies, including energy efficient capital equipment and low emissions technologies.
These grants are a direct response to industry concerns about the difficulty in accessing finance to invest in capital improvements to production and manufacturing facilities that lower costs and improve the competitiveness of Australian industries.
Total funding of $54.2 million over four years will be available to deliver the grants.
The program will offer a range of flexible grants of up to $5 million on a matched funding basis.
Along with this targeted measure, Labor will continue to build industry and research linkages and ensure Australia’s world-class scientific research infrastructure is deployed to best effect to grow local jobs and investment in these critical industries, utilising the formidable strengths of the CSIRO, our universities and the Cooperative Research Centres program.
Key to protecting Australia’s reputation as a provider of clean, green and safe food is the adequate funding and management of the departments and agencies charged with maintaining the integrity and success of our biosecurity system.
When last in government, Labor initiated the Beale Review of Australia’s quarantine and biosecurity arrangements.
The review led to the modernising of the Quarantine Act in line with its recommendations.
But we are concerned that recent budget cuts are undermining the capacity to keep our biosecurity arrangements strong.
A Shorten Labor Government will closely examine the work and capacity of the Department of Agriculture and associated agencies to ensure they are capable of protecting Australia’s valuable biosecurity and clean, green reputation.
Also crucial to the protection of our reputation is the capacity to quickly respond to events which threaten our reputation and brand.
This is why Australia needs a modern and comprehensive traceability system which allows the seller to trace products back to their source and along every point on the value chain.
Technology is making the prospects of a comprehensive electronic satellite-based system more feasible and a Shorten Labor Government will work with the private sector to build a stronger traceability capacity.
REGIONAL INNOVATION HUBS
Australia’s agricultural sector will reap serious benefits from integrating science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)-led innovations into on-farm production.
From farmers increasing their output through real-time monitoring of water and fertilizer use to fibre producers developing new specialty products, innovation will improve output and create more jobs in agribusiness just as much as in every other sector of the economy.
That is why Labor will establish up to 20 new Regional Innovation Hubs across Australia.
The locations will be chosen based on applications from consortia that must include: a regional university or TAFE; one or more local governments; and a local business organisation – such as a Chamber of Commerce – or a group of local businesses.
Each hub will receive funding of up to $500,000 per year for three years, which must be matched at least dollar-for-dollar with funding from the consortium or other sources.
This will be used to provide seed funding to projects and companies that are commercialising research or developing new products that respond to opportunities in Australia’s agricultural sector.
Innovation in food and fibre production and right across the agricultural sector will see Australia build on our strengths for improved productivity and profitability.
Labor’s new investments in research and regional producers will support this important work so that regional communities can reap the benefits.
IMPROVING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
The productive capacity of Australian agriculture will be driven by both human and physical capital.
That is why infrastructure is critical to our future prosperity.
Boosting investment in infrastructure expands our economic opportunities.
In the same way a company invests in its capital stock to underpin future growth, Australia needs to invest in the stock of physical capital to underpin future prosperity, boost productivity and improve our competitiveness.
A Shorten Labor Government will ensure we do.
BETTER ROAD AND RAIL
Labor has a strong record of ensuring that our agricultural industry is well served by efficient road and rail that facilitates the swift passage of goods to local and export markets.
In government, we produced the nation’s first National Land Freight Strategy and National Ports Strategy, setting up the apparatus for better planning and co-ordination of delivery of infrastructure to ensure individual projects are properly integrated into a national network.
Between 2007 and 2013 the former Labor Government doubled federal road funding and built critical regional roads including major upgrades of the Hume, Pacific, Bruce and Great Western Highways.
On rail, we invested $3 billion upgrading 4000 kilometres of the National Freight Network through the Australian Rail Track Corporation.
This cut the average freight trip from Brisbane to Melbourne by seven hours and shrunk the journey from the nation’s east to west coasts by nine hours.
Importantly, Labor also committed $900 million to the proposed Inland Rail link between Brisbane and Melbourne, including $600 million worth of investment upgrading parts of the existing network that will form part of the project and $300 million to continue work.
A Shorten Labor Government will continue to invest in critical economic infrastructure across our regions, including the following projects: Victorian Regional Transport package – VIC – $350 million.
Midland Highway – TAS – $100 million.
Gladstone Port Access Road – QLD – $80 million.
Capricorn Highway – QLD – $75 million.
Northern Territory Infrastructure Package – NT – $58 million.
Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road – QLD – $30 million.
A FIRST-CLASS NATIONAL BROADBAND NETWORK
Labor’s National Broadband Network was designed to bridge the great divide between our cities and regions.
Malcolm Turnbull’s second-rate NBN is short-changing regional Australians, including those on the land.
Labor will pick up the pieces and work towards providing the broadband services regional Australia deserves because we understand the most important piece of infrastructure for our 21st century economy is a first-rate, fibre NBN.
The original Labor NBN would have delivered optic fibre to 93 per cent of homes and businesses, including 70 per cent of regional cities and towns.
The original NBN also delivered universal wholesale pricing, meaning that people in the bush paid the same wholesale price for broadband as people in our big cities.
In 2013, Malcolm Turnbull scrapped Labor’s world class fibre-to-the-premises NBN.
Instead the Liberals are building a slower, second-rate copper NBN that will leave Australia behind and hamstring regional businesses into the future.
Malcolm Turnbull also moved to axe universal wholesale pricing, meaning people in the bush will pay more for broadband than people in our cities.
Under the Liberals, homes and businesses on the NBN satellites have to pay much more than people in our cities just to get the average household download allowance.
A Shorten Labor Government will phase out Malcolm Turnbull’s second-rate copper NBN and scale up the rollout of fibre-to-the-premises.
This will deliver fibre-to-the-premises to up to two million homes and businesses across the country.
Regional Australia will benefit most from Labor’s NBN policy. Gladstone, Emerald, North Mackay, Geelong, Seymour, Bega, Cooma, Batemans Bay, St Georges Basin, Ballina, Lismore, Grafton, Queenstown—these are just a few of the cities and towns that under Labor will get a first-rate, fibre optic NBN instead of Malcolm Turnbull’s second-rate copper NBN. Labor will also review wholesale pricing on the satellite to make it fair again.
Communities in the bush will always be better served by Labor when it comes to the NBN.
IMPROVING MOBILE SERVICES
Labor understands that a lack of mobile phone services is holding our regions back.
That is why a Shorten Labor Government will continue to invest in the roll out of mobile services in regional Australia.
We will allocate a further $60 million to the Mobile Black Spot Program.
Importantly too, we will ensure this money is spent where it is needed, not where it does the most good for Liberal and National MPs.
Of the 499 mobile towers funded in Round 1 of the Mobile Black Spot Program, 416 are in Liberal and Nationals’ electorates.
There have also been some glaring omissions, with locations that should have been funded but were not.
For example, the electorate of McEwen is one of the most fire-prone in the country and there are 95 identified blackspots across the region.
Despite this, McEwen received just two of the 499 towers funded from Round 1 of the Mobile Black Spots Program.
Labor is committed to ensuring that regional Australians have access to the mobile phone services they need.
This is critical infrastructure that saves lives in an emergency and is also central to running successful agricultural businesses from our regions.
Infrastructure is one of the areas where regional Australians notice the gap between the services they receive and those on offer in our big cities most acutely.
Labor will work to close this gap because we understand the difference it makes both to quality of life and productivity in our regions.
STRONGER PEST MANAGEMENT
It is critical we protect Queensland graziers from the threat wild dogs pose to their livelihoods. That is why a Shorten Labor Government will invest $5 million to expand wild dog fencing across Western Queensland.
This funding matches the Queensland Government’s additional $5 million funding to bring sheep back to Western Queensland.
Labor is the only party that will help our resilient farmers in Western Queensland protect and replenish stock numbers that have been in decline because of severe drought and wild dogs.
Queensland graziers are well aware both the former State and current Federal Liberal-National Governments have not done enough to combat this plague.
This funding will ensure the success of the much larger wild dog control program with the ultimate goal of returning sheep in big numbers into Western Queensland, which will be good for farmers and good for sustainable agriculture productivity.
The extra funding will also benefit local contractors, particularly fencing contractors and agricultural supply companies.
TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change will severely impact on those families, farmers and businesses that depend on natural resources like agriculture, forestry and fisheries for their livelihoods.
That’s because climate change means longer droughts in parts of Australia, which are estimated to cost Australia $7.3 billion annually from 2020, reducing GDP by 1 per cent a year.
Such droughts will be broken by more damaging floods, more frequent bushfires and more severe storms.
Beyond the flashpoints of these events, there are the creeping, incremental consequences: A massive decline in agricultural production.
Irretrievable damage to the Great Barrier Reef.
Widespread shortages of urban water supply.
Spikes in global food prices.
Increases in heat-related deaths and increased airborne disease.
Heightened instability in the coastal megacities of our region.
The farming sector has made the most substantial contribution to emissions reduction in Australia over the past twenty years; largely through the land clearing restrictions placed on the sector at the State level as well as the successful Carbon Farming Initiative implemented by the last Labor Government.
It is in the national interest that the sector be able to exploit the new, enhanced export opportunities in a way that is consistent with responsible land management.
The forestry and agricultural sector represents Australia’s largest opportunity in coming years to sequester carbon pollution – through soil carbon methods, reforestation, avoided deforestation and more.
That is why a Shorten Labor Government will continue to support the sector in these areas and will exclude agriculture from our proposed Emissions Trading Scheme.
Australia’s land sector emissions were around 135 million tonnes CO2e in 1990 or around one quarter of the national total; in 2014, they were just 14 million tonnes.
That huge reduction was overwhelmingly due to land clearing restrictions introduced in Queensland over time between 1999 and 2009 (some of which were supported by John Howard who understood the benefits in achieving the Kyoto commitment).
Not only was this reduction enormously important from a climate perspective; it also had a huge impact on biodiversity in the region.
That is why a Shorten Labor Government will also introduce a “climate trigger” in federal legislation to allow the Federal Government to regulate broadscale land clearing.
In government, we will also explore other ways of ensuring that State land clearing laws are consistent with Australia’s international obligations and commitments; including by re-invigorating COAG’s National Vegetation Management Framework.
A changing climate is making farming more challenging as drought events become more regular and protracted.
We can’t have a productivity agenda without a sustainability agenda.
Government has a role to play in helping farmers make the adjustment to hotter and drier conditions.
That is why a Shorten Labor Government will resurrect Commonwealth, State and Territory dialogue of the kind previously carried out through the Council of Australian Government’s Standing Committee on Primary Industries, and put drought assistance
PRIORITY SECTORS
FORESTRY
Australia’s forestry sector employs around 70,000 Australians, predominantly in the regions.
The forest, wood and paper products industry is also Australia’s sixth largest manufacturing industry with an annual turnover of around $21 billion.
There is rightly much talk about Australia’s transition from the “Mining Boom” to the Asia Pacific’s “Dining Boom”.
But there is also an emerging “Fibre Boom”, driven by growing demand in Asia and at home, and the advent of innovations like Cross Laminated Timber and wood-to-plastics technologies.
Wood is a renewable product that stores carbon.
Increasingly it will displace energy intensive steel and cement products in the construction industry.
A Shorten Labor Government’s priorities in the forestry sector will be to: Lift the R&D effort.
Expand our plantation estate by working with private landholders, including farmers and Indigenous communities in the locations where plantations are most viable.
Bring the forest sector into the Carbon Farming Initiative as a means of incentivizing investment in plantations.
Identify key forestry infrastructure to lift productivity.
Lift Australian content in government procurement.
FISHERIES
As a country with an extensive coastline, fresh fish and seafood are an important part of our identity.
While millions of Australians enjoy recreational fishing, most of us also rely on commercial fishing and aquaculture for the fish and seafood we consume.
Productive and sustainable fisheries depend on the health of our marine ecosystems.
Australia has the world’s third largest marine area and we produce many high value species, such as lobster and abalone, for which there is strong demand in Asian markets.
Our fisheries sector has long been moving up the value curve.
However, because of limited nutrient upwelling and low nutrient run-off from the Australian landmass our surrounding seas are typically nutrient poor and not very productive by international standards.
Worldwide, aquaculture is the fastest growing primary industry sector. It now accounts for more than half the world’s seafood supply.
Australia’s clean, clear waters are ideal for aquaculture products, such as salmon, tuna, oysters, prawns, abalone and mussels.
Labor believes significant scope exists to increase our aquaculture production to create jobs and strengthen regional industries in places like Townsville.
Our key tasks will be to: Lift productivity and refine production techniques through investment in aquaculture research
Provide national leadership and planning for growth value industries such as the oyster industry.
Develop a national aquaculture policy that encourages community acceptance of the industry whilst simplifying aquaculture regulation and promoting sustainable development.
Australia’s five million recreational fishers also make a significant contribution to our regional economies.
Too often though, they are not properly consulted when Federal Governments are making decisions which can impact on them.
A Shorten Labor Government will provide $100,000 to establish a National Recreational Fishing Council that will give our recreational fishers a seat the decision making table.
Chaired by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Council will include representatives of both recreational fishers and relevant government departments.
The Council will tackle issues like small pelagic fisheries management, boating and fishing infrastructure, conservation, access to national marine parks, national Gone Fishing Day and other issues of concern to recreational fishers.
WELFARE IN ANIMAL PRODUCTION
Protecting animal welfare and boosting agricultural profitability aren’t competing aims – they support one another.
The growing demand for high quality food produced in an ethical way means Australia’s agricultural producers must embrace the highest animal welfare standards to stay internationally competitive.
When last in government, Labor put in place a comprehensive animal welfare strategy and took a lead role in coordinating this through the Australian Animal Welfare Advisory Committee and the Standing Council on Primary Industries (SCoPI).
Since coming to office, the Abbott-Turnbull Government has abolished both the advisory committee and the SCoPI.
Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce has also washed his hands of delivering the animal welfare strategy, instead shifting responsibility for this to an external industry body.
This has left a vacuum of leadership and direction when it comes to protecting and improving animal welfare in this country.
Labor will step up where the Abbott-Turnbull Government has failed by re-establishing national leadership on animal welfare in Australia.
A Shorten Labor Government will:  Establish an independent Inspector-General of Animal Welfare.
Re-build State and Territory cooperation on animal welfare matters, including by establishing an independent Office of Animal Welfare.
Renew the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy.
Review the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System.
Provide more transparency and accountability.
Ban animal testing for cosmetics within Australia and the importation or sale of new products tested on animals overseas.
In delivering our plan to better protect animal welfare, Labor will consult with State and Territory Governments and stakeholders across primary industry to ensure these policies promote international competitiveness for producers and do not undercut it.
A UNITED LABOR TEAM WILL PUT PEOPLE FIRST
From the day Bill Shorten became Leader, Labor’s team has remained united, with a single-minded commitment to deliver those policies that put people first.
A healthcare system underpinned by Medicare.
An education system that gives every child in every school more individual attention – Public, Catholic or Independent.
University and TAFE that is accessible for all.
WE HAVE PUT FORWARD OUR POSITIVE PLANS.
WE ARE UNITED.
WE ARE READY.
WE'LL PUT PEOPLE FIRST
Our Plan
In this very uncertain world, Australia needs political stability and a strong economic plan for jobs and families.
Australia is transitioning from the mining construction boom to a new and more diverse economy.
The Coalition’s Plan for a Strong New Economy is supporting this transition.
Our Plan will provide growth, jobs and a secure future for Australian families.
ISSUE 01
A Strong New Economy
In this very uncertain world, Australia needs a strong economic plan for jobs and families.
Australia is transitioning from the mining construction boom to a new and more diverse economy – fuelled by innovation
, the opening of new markets and more investment in Australian enterprise.
The Coalition’s Plan for a Strong New Economy is supporting this transition.
Our Plan will provide growth, jobs and a secure future for Australian families through:
An innovation and science programme bringing more great Australian ideas to market
, providing tax incentives to invest in start-up businesses
and helping prepare our children for the jobs of the future by boosting participation in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
A defence industry plan that will secure the nation
and supports innovative Australian companies.
, local advanced manufacturing and hi-tech jobs, particularly in regional Australia
Export trade deals to generate new business opportunities, give our farmers a competitive edge and open doors into expanding markets for our service industries.
Tax cuts and incentives for small businesses and hard working families.
A sustainable budget with crackdowns on tax avoidance and loopholes.
Guaranteed funding for health,
education
and roads
The restoration of the rule of law in the construction industry by re-establishing the Australian Building and Construction Commission.
We are restoring honesty and fairness to the workplace relations system.
Our Plan will deliver the benefits of a growing economy and a better community to all Australians.
Our Plan will deliver a strong new economy with more than 200,000 new jobs for Australian workers.
Our Economic Plan is seeing results:
The Australian economy is growing at 3% a year – faster than any of the G7 economies.
Around 300,000 new jobs were created last year, the strongest growth in employment since 2007.
But there is more work to do to continue the successful transition of our economy.
That’s why the Coalition is directing every lever of policy to secure our nation’s prosperity and economic security for the 21st century.
ISSUE 02
Innovation and Science Agenda
The Turnbull Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda will help create a strong new economy with more jobs, by investing in the talents and ideas of the Australian people.
The Coalition is investing $1.1 billion to incentivise innovation and entrepreneurship and help bring more great Australian ideas to market, by:
Providing tax incentives to encourage investment in innovative start-ups so they can survive and thrive;
Attracting more venture capital investment into high potential start-ups;
Making it easier for aspiring entrepreneurs to access crowd-sourced equity funding;
Helping small businesses attract world-class staff by improving employee share schemes; and
Providing long-term funding certainty for cutting-edge, national research infrastructure.
The Agenda will also help prepare our children for the jobs of the future by boosting participation in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in schools.
The National Innovation and Science Agenda focuses on four priority areas:
Culture and capital – to help businesses embrace risk and incentivise early stage investment in start-ups;
Collaboration – to increase the level of engagement between businesses, universities and the research sector to commercialise ideas and solve problems;
Talent and skills – to train Australian students for the jobs of the future and attract the world’s most innovative talent to Australia; and
Government as an exemplar – leading by example in the way it invests in and uses technology and data to deliver better quality services.
For more details about specific measures, click here.
LINK: https://www.liberal.org.au/innovation
The National Innovation and Science Agenda
There has never been a more exciting time to be an Australian.
Advances in technology are transforming just about every part of our lives, from the way we work to the way we communicate and access services.
Innovation and science are critical for Australia to deliver new sources of growth, maintain high-wage jobs and seize the next wave of economic prosperity.
Innovation is about new and existing businesses creating new products, processes and business models.
It is also about creating a culture that backs good ideas and learns from taking risks and making mistakes.
Innovation is important to every sector of the economy – from ICT to healthcare, education to agriculture, and defence to transport.
It is about tech entrepreneurs working on the latest product
but, equally, about farmers using sensor technology to improve yields
or a business bringing new products to market.
Innovation keeps us competitive.
It keeps us at the cutting edge.
It creates jobs.
And it will keep our standard of living high.
Australia is well-placed to take advantage of the opportunities presented by these exciting times.
But to succeed, there are areas where we need to improve.
The National Innovation and Science Agenda will focus on four key pillars:
Culture and capital
Collaboration
Talent and skills
Government as an exemplar
Together these pillars provide a framework for Australian innovation policy.
The initiatives are worth $1.1 billion over four years.
The National Innovation and Science Agenda will drive smart ideas that create business growth
, local jobs
and global success.
Issues 3
Backing Small Business
Small business is the engine room of the Australian economy, employing 4.7 million Australians.
Small and medium businesses are driving jobs growth in Australia and must continue to do so.
That is why last year, we announced:
A 1.5 percentage point tax cut for incorporated small businesses with a turnover of less than $2 million per year;
A 5% tax discount for unincorporated small businesses;
Immediate tax deductions for each and every asset purchased up to $20,000; and
Immediate deductibility of professional expenses when establishing new small businesses.
The Turnbull Government’s Ten Year Enterprise Tax Plan will support growth, higher wages and jobs by lowering the tax rate for companies over time to an internationally competitive level.
We will: Cut the small business company tax rate to 27.5 per cent for small businesses with a turnover less than $10 million.
Increase the unincorporated tax discount from 5 per cent to 8 per cent, capped at $1,000 for small businesses with a turnover less than $5 million.
Extend access to the instant asset write off so that small businesses with a turnover less than $10 million can instantly deduct each and every asset under $20,000.
Make life easier by simplifying Business Activity Statements (BAS), reducing reporting labels from seven to three.
The company tax rate will be progressively lowered to 25 per cent by 2026-27 for all companies.
We are also supporting small business by:
Cutting red tape by $4.5 billion, including simplifying the process for establishing an employee share scheme and removing almost 450,000 small businesses from the PAYG system;
Opening new markets by signing export trade agreements with China, Korea and Japan;
Extending protections against unfair contract terms to small businesses; and
Appointing the first ever Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.
The Coalition is also fixing Australia’s competition laws to help small to medium companies compete with larger established ones and to ensure they’re not shut out of markets unfairly by the big players.
Adopting the recommendations of the Harper Review, the Coalition will repeal the current Section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act and replace it with a new provision that prevents firms with substantial market power from engaging in conduct that has the purpose, effect or likely effect of substantially lessening competition.
This will prevent the misuse of market power and benefit small businesses.
It will enhance competition, support innovation, benefit consumers and boost jobs and growth.
This is an important reform for Australia’s more than two million small businesses.
Issue 4
Cleaning Up the Construction Industry
The Coalition will reintroduce the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC), to restore the rule of law in the construction industry.
The construction industry employs more than 1 million Australians, in around 340,000 (predominantly small) businesses.
Unfortunately, bullying, intimidation and lawlessness are rife.
As at March 2016, there were over 100 officials of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) before the courts for allegedly breaching workplace laws.
Currently, around 2 out of every 3 working days lost to industrial disputes are in the construction industry.
Since Labor abolished the ABCC, the number of working days lost to industrial disputes in the construction industry has increased by 34%.
Re-establishing the ABCC is critical for jobs, growth and our transition to a strong new economy.
Restoring the rule of law to the construction industry is also critical for Australia’s ability to afford the infrastructure of the 21st century.
AN HONEST AND FAIR WORKPLACE RELATIONS SYSTEM
The recent Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption found a “widespread” and “deep-seated” culture of lawlessness.
It concluded: “it is clear that in many parts of the world constituted by Australian trade union officials, there is room for louts, thugs, bullies, thieves, perjurers, those who threaten violence, errant fiduciaries and organisers of boycotts”.
The Royal Commission referred 93 individuals and entities for further investigation for breach of the civil or criminal law, but conceded “it would be utterly naive to think that what has been uncovered is anything other than the small tip of an enormous iceberg”.
The Coalition’s Registered Organisations Bill will restore honesty and fairness to the workplace relations system.
It will strengthen existing financial accounting, disclosure and transparency obligations and establish the Registered Organisations Commission – a new, independent regulator with increased powers to monitor and regulate registered organisations.
This will ensure union members can be confident their membership fees are being spent lawfully and in their interests – not in the interests of union bosses.
It will also ensure our workplace relations system delivers more jobs and economic growth.
Issue 5
Helping Families Get Ahead
The Coalition is committed to helping Australian families to get ahead.
MAKING A START ON INCOME TAX RELIEF
Middle income Australians are bearing a growing tax burden.
Without action, the average full time wage earner would face the second highest marginal tax rate this year and nearly half of all taxpayers would be in the top two brackets in ten years’ time.
The Turnbull Government is giving hard working Australians greater incentive to earn more without being taxed more.
The Government will prevent average full time wage earners from moving into the second top tax bracket until 2019-20 by increasing the 32.5 per cent tax threshold from $80,000 to $87,000.
This will stop around 500,000 taxpayers facing the 37 per cent marginal tax rate.
By pushing up the tax threshold on the middle tax bracket we’ll keep full time average wage earners on the lower rate for longer.
This will reward hard working Australians for doing more overtime, picking up more shifts, taking a promotion or a better new job, without being penalised by paying more tax through the higher rate.
This change also builds on the tax cuts provided to those on incomes of less than $80,000 to compensate for the carbon tax.
By abolishing the carbon tax and keeping this tax relief, we delivered a genuine tax cut for those earning up to $80,000 a year.
MORE ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE
The Government’s more than $3 billion Jobs for Families child care package will make child care simpler, more affordable and more accessible for almost one million Australian families.
As a result of these reforms, families with incomes of between $65,000 and $170,000 will be around $30 a week – or $1,500 a year – better off.
A strong safety net will provide additional learning opportunities for children in low income families or at-risk children, as well as those in the care of their grandparents.
Under Labor, the cost of childcare increased by over 50% in just 6 years.
Our reforms will put downward pressure on child care costs.
To protect children from diseases, our “no-jab, no pay” rule is removing access to family and child care payments for parents who don’t vaccinate their children.
REAL JOBS FOR YOUNG AUSTRALIANS
To get more young Australians into work, the Turnbull Government has created a new Youth Jobs PaTH (Prepare-Trial-Hire) Programme.
Youth Jobs PaTH provides young Australians with intensive pre-employment skills training followed by an internship placement.
Up to 30,000 job seekers each year will gain a four to twelve week placement in an industry of their choosing.
And employers who hire an eligible young job seeker in an ongoing job will receive an accelerated wage subsidy of up to $10,000, paid over six months.
GUARANTEED FUNDING FOR HEALTH AND EDUCATION
The Government will also provide an additional $1.2 billion between 2018 and 2020 for schools, contingent upon reform efforts by the States and the non-government schools sector to improve education outcomes.
Because evidence tells us that increased funding alone won’t improve outcomes, we’re focussing on the quality of teachers and teaching, the teaching of reading and maths and the engagement of parents.
Through a recent agreement with all states and territories, the Turnbull Government will boost funding to public hospitals by around $2.9 billion (an increase of up to 6.5% a year) over the next three years.
As part of this Agreement, the quality of health care will be improved, with better coordinated care for people with chronic disease and by reducing the number of avoidable hospital readmissions.
PROTECTING NEGATIVE GEARING
We will not remove or limit negative gearing – that would increase the tax burden on Australians who are just trying to invest and provide a future for their families.
Negative gearing is used by over 1 million Australians, two thirds of whom have taxable incomes below $80,000.
BANNING EXCESSIVE SURCHARGES ON CREDIT CARDS
The Turnbull Government has passed laws to protect consumers by banning excessive surcharges on credit cards.
This will ensure customers are charged no more than the amount that reflects the merchant's costs in accepting that payment.
PROTECTING SAVINGS
The Coalition has also dumped Labor’s Bank Deposits Tax – to protect the savings of hard-working Australians.
This would have imposed costs of $1.5 billion on Australians with bank savings.
We also reversed a decision made by Bill Shorten as Financial Services Minister to take inactive bank accounts and life insurance policies after just 3 years (as opposed to 7 years).
This raid on savings by Mr Shorten meant $550 million was taken from 156,000 people in 2012-13 alone.
NO CARBON TAX
The Coalition will continue to fight Labor’s plans to reintroduce a Carbon Tax, which would put more pressure on family budgets.
The removal of their last Carbon Tax is saving average households around $550 per year.
Issue 6
Supporting Australian Exporters
Australia's export trade agreements with China, Japan and South Korea – three of our four largest export markets – will set Australia up for the long term.
These agreements will grow our economy
, create jobs
and benefit consumers.
Independent economic modelling has found that together these three free trade agreements will, over the next two decades, create many thousands of new jobs
, make households more than $4,000 better off and boost GDP by almost $25 billion.
For Australian consumers and businesses, the new trade agreements will also place downward pressure on the prices of some goods, such as vehicles, electronics, clothes and household appliances.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) promises even greater benefits for Australian exporters and investors in the fast growing Asia-Pacific region.
We are negotiating further export agreements with India, Indonesia, and regional and Pacific nations
and have agreed to negotiate an FTA with the 28-member European Union, creating even greater opportunities for Australian businesses.
CHINA
Australians are already benefitting from the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement through greater market access for Australian goods and services.
This is the most liberalising FTA that China has ever undertaken.
96% of Australian exports to China will be tariff free once this agreement is fully implemented.
Farmers will benefit with the complete removal of tariffs of key exports such as dairy, beef, lamb, wine, horticulture and seafood.
The China FTA also opens opportunities in China for Australian private hospitals
, providers of aged care services,
telecommunications companies and a wide range of other service providers.
JAPAN
The Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement is the most ambitious trade deal Japan has concluded with any other country.
When fully implemented, more than 97% of Australian exports will enter Japan – the world’s third-largest economy – duty free or with preferential access.
The tariffs on our biggest agricultural export to Japan – beef – will almost be halved, while tariffs will be eliminated on other key agricultural exports, including a range of wine, seafood, processed food, fruit, vegetables and nuts.
Australia will also gain new levels of access to the Japanese market for a range of services.
Australian consumers will also benefit from downward pressure on prices for Japanese cars and parts and a range of household items including whitegoods and electronics through the elimination of tariffs.
SOUTH KOREA
Under this agreement, almost 100% of all Australian exports to South Korea will be able to enter duty free on full implementation of the Agreement.
Independent economic modelling estimates that, by 2030, exports of agricultural goods to South Korea will be 73% higher,
manufacturing exports will be 53% higher and.
mining exports will be 17% higher than would otherwise be the case
TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP
Our goods and services exports to the Trans-Pacific Partnership markets were worth $107 billion in 2014-15 – a third of all our exports.
The TPP will deliver substantial new trade and investment opportunities and greater access to the world’s most dynamic economies for our service industries.
Issue 7
A Stronger Defence Force
The Government has no higher responsibility than keeping Australia safe and secure.
The Coalition has a responsible, long-term plan for Australia’s national security.
The Coalition is committed to building a more potent, agile and engaged Australian Defence Force (ADF), ready to respond whenever our interests are threatened or our help is needed.
To do this, we will increase Defence funding by $29.9 billion over the next ten years
and deliver on our 2013 election commitment to return Defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP within the decade.
We are investing in new capability, including: A continuous naval shipbuilding program, commencing with nine Future Frigates and 12 Offshore Patrol Vessels;
Twelve new regionally-superior submarines to be built in Adelaide,
creating around 2,800 jobs;
Enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, space, electronic warfare and cyber capabilities; and
Support for Australian Defence Force personnel – providing them with the advanced training, modern equipment and health care they deserve.
The Government is also undertaking comprehensive upgrades of Defence infrastructure across Australia to support our larger future force, including at key bases.
This will also see the creation of local jobs.
A 21ST CENTURY DEFENCE INDUSTRY
We are helping Australia develop a 21st century Defence industry, by investing $1.6 billion over 10 years in programs to build industry skills and drive competitiveness, while harnessing Australian innovation and expertise.
Our Defence industry plan will also help to create advanced manufacturing and hi-tech jobs, particularly in regional Australia.
Unlike Labor, our Defence plans have been independently costed to ensure they are achievable and affordable.
LABOR’S RECORD
Labor in government ripped $18 billion out of Defence and cut Defence spending, as a proportion of GDP, to the lowest level since 1938.
Labor’s decisions led to 119 defence projects being delayed, 43 projects being reduced and eight projects cancelled, risking critical capability gaps.
Labor also failed to place a single order at an Australian naval shipyard during its six years in office.
Under Labor the Australian Defence industry shed more than 10% of its workforce because of budget cuts and deferrals, procrastination and lack of opportunity for Australian suppliers
Issue 8
Combatting Terrorism
To protect Australians from the threat of terrorism, the Government has boosted funding for our law enforcement, intelligence and security agencies by $1.3 billion since August 2014.
This investment is improving our intelligence capability and strengthening our border security against terrorism, crime and other threats, originating both here and overseas.
To keep Australians safe, the Government has also established:
The National Disruption Group – bringing together Federal agencies and state and territory police to coordinate counter-terrorism disruption operations;
An AFP Online Targeting Team to identify perpetrators online and collect evidence;
Australian Border Force Counter-Terrorism Units at all eight Australian international airports and fast-tracked biometric screening; and
The Foreign Fighters Task Force which is using its unique coercive powers and wealth of criminal intelligence to uncover terrorist networks.
AUSTRAC is now using advanced data analytics to detect and act against terrorism financing risks.
The Government is increasing its investment in Countering Violent Extremism programs, to protect young people from the risk of online engagement with violent extremists.
We are also contributing to the global fight against terrorism, through Australia’s military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.
The Coalition has also strengthened laws to help our agencies to monitor, investigate, arrest and prosecute home-grown violent extremists and returning foreign fighters.
This includes:The ability to arrest terrorism suspects on lower thresholds (several recent arrests to prevent terrorist attacks would not have been possible without this);
The suspension of passports at short notice where ASIO is concerned an individual represents a security risk;
The ability to cancel welfare payments on security grounds;
The retention of metadata for two years, which agencies say is essential to most counter-terrorism investigations;
The designation of declared areas, making it an offence to travel to certain areas in the conflict zone without a legitimate purpose; and
Legislation to ensure terrorists who are dual nationals can be stripped of their Australian citizenship
We have overseen the introduction of the new National Terrorism Threat Advisory System (NTTAS), which replaces the National Terrorism Threat System and the Public Alert System, to better inform the public about the likelihood and nature of an act of terrorism occurring in Australia.
In addition, the Turnbull Government is also working with the states and territories to introduce new preventative detention protocols.
LABOR’S RECORD
Labor cut over $700 million from the Customs and Border Protection Service budget.
Despite evidence of the growing terror threat, in six years Labor didn’t pass a single law to strengthen national security agencies.
Issue 9
Protecting Our Borders
The Coalition has stopped the boats.
We have restored the integrity of Australia’s borders and have stopped the deaths at sea.
The Coalition removed all children who arrived by boat from detention in Australia.
In contrast, Labor detained more than 8,500 children over six years.
Stopping the boats has also enabled the Government to close 17 detention centres saving the Budget $3 billion.
The Coalition has re-introduced Temporary Protection Visas,
commenced processing Labor’s legacy caseload of more than 30,000 illegal maritime arrivals and will continue to return those found not to be owed protection and those that commit serious crimes.
The Coalition has also restored integrity to the Refugee and Humanitarian Programme.
According to UNHCR data, Australia is one of the three most generous nations when it comes to permanently resettling refugees.
This year 13,750 places will be made available for resettlement in Australia rising to 18,750 in 2018/19.
Once again these places are going to those most in need around the world, not people arriving by boat.
Stopping the boats also enabled Australia to take an additional 12,000 refugees from the conflicts in Syria and Iraq.
The first of these refugees have arrived and they are starting new lives in Australia.
The Government continues to ensure that all visa grants are subject to strict security and other checks.
The Government has also established the Australian Border Force – streamlining and integrating agencies to better protect the nation’s borders and keep Australia safe and secure.
The Australian Border Force is partnering with the Australian Federal Police to combat border related crime, catch dangerous drugs like Ice at the border and target national security threats with dedicated Counter Terrorism Units at Australia’s major airports.
The Coalition will always be resolute in protecting our borders and we will stick to the policies that work.
LABOR’S RECORD
In 2008 Labor unpicked the successful border protection policies of the Howard Government.
As a result, over 800 boats carrying more than 50,000 illegal arrivals flooded into Australia.
At least 1,200 people lost their lives at sea.
Failed border polices also led to an $11 billion budget blow-out.
Australia must never return to this chaos and tragedy.
Issue 10
Building Australia’s Infrastructure
The Turnbull Government is investing a record $50 billion in Australia’s land infrastructure – to improve road and rail links, reduce travel times and support economic growth.
Roads to Recovery funding for local roads has been increased by 83 per cent, to $3.2 billion over the next four years
and $500 million has been allocated to fix road black spots, along with $300 million for the Bridges Renewal Programme.
We are also investing in important public transport projects, including the $95 million Gold Coast Light Rail, the Sydney Metro and the Melbourne Metro to improve access, amenity and liveability.
The Coalition’s commitment to the Inland Rail will transform freight movements through Victoria, New South Wales and South East Queensland and stimulate growth and prosperity in these regions.
After five decades of indecision, the Government is getting on with building a second airport for Sydney at Badgerys Creek and planning for a rail link.
As well, Infrastructure Australia has delivered the first ever 15 Year National Infrastructure Plan.
NEW SOUTH WALES
WestConnex
Linking Western Sydney to the city, airport and ports, with up to 52 traffic lights gone and 40 minutes saved.
Stage 2 construction commenced ahead of schedule.
10,000 construction jobs.
Western Sydney Airport and Road Infrastructure
Supporting Sydney’s second airport, by building vital road infrastructure first.
39,000 jobs created by 2035, increasing to 60,000 over time.
NorthConnex
Connecting the Central Coast to Sydney, avoiding up to 40 traffic lights on the Pacific Highway and 21 on Pennant Hills Road.
8,700 jobs.
Pacific Highway
Four lane divided road from near Newcastle to Queensland, with crashes reduced and travel times cut by up to 2.5 hours.
16,500 direct and indirect jobs.
VICTORIA
Monash Freeway
Additional lanes will unlock productivity in Melbourne by reducing congestion along the M1 corridor.
Murray Basin Rail
Upgrading over 1000 km of rail line to provide an alternative to road freight.
276 jobs.
M80
Completes the three remaining sections of the M80 Western Ring Road and improves traffic flow along one of Victoria’s critical freight corridors.
Great Ocean Road
Strengthening bridges and upgrading pavement, guardrails, cliff and land slip sites.
Urban Congestion and Regional Roads Packages
A number of projects that will relieve congestion in urban areas.
Upgrading rural and regional road infrastructure in Victoria.
Princes Highway West
Duplication to help bring regional communities together and link key industries to markets.
QUEENSLAND
Bruce Highway
Upgrades to improve safety, congestion and flood immunity.
Reducing travel times for motorists and freight – including a range of safety packages and overtaking lane projects, the duplication of the Boundary Road interchange and the upgrade at Yellow Gin Creek south of Ayr.
Gateway Motorway North
Widening from 4 to 6 lanes, improving access and better connecting the Bruce Highway, Northern Brisbane and the Port of Brisbane.
1,000 jobs.
Toowoomba Range Crossing
Cutting travel times and removing traffic from Toowoomba Town Centre.
1,800 jobs.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Gateway WA
Reducing congestion around the Perth Airport and surrounding areas.
1,320 jobs.
Northlink WA
A new 40km highway to improve freight and save travel times through the Swan Valley.
Perth Freight Link
Providing a direct, free-flowing connection to the Port of Fremantle.
2,400 jobs.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
North South Corridor and Northern Connector project
Better connecting Adelaide’s port, airport and freight terminals.
The construction of a new 15.5 kilometre road linking the Northern Expressway to the northern end of the South Road Superway.
1,330 jobs.
TASMANIA
Midland Highway Upgrade
Upgrade between Hobart and Launceston, to improve safety and freight delivery.
234 jobs.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Tiger Brennan Drive
Duplication to improve safety and congestion.
120 direct jobs; 30 for Indigenous Australians.
NORTHERN AUSTRALIA
Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility
Unlocking the economic potential of the North through $5 billion in concessional loans that will deliver major economic infrastructure.
Northern Australia Roads
Priority road projects in key strategic corridors in Northern Australia
plus targeted upgrades to key roads necessary for transporting cattle and improving cattle supply chains in Northern Australia.
FIXING THE NATIONAL BROADBAND NETWORK
We have put the NBN back on track to deliver high-speed broadband to all Australian homes and businesses by 2020.
In September 2013, fewer than three per cent of Australian premises could obtain a service on the NBN.
Today over two million homes and businesses can access the NBN and there are more than 900,000 active users.
By completion, every user will have broadband speeds 4 to 10 times faster than today’s average.
Our plan is the fastest and most affordable way to deliver better broadband to all Australians by 2020.
Under Labor, the NBN was the most poorly managed infrastructure project in Australia’s history.
Labor spent $6 billion in four years to connect just 51,000 users to the built network.
We are connecting more than 50,000 homes a month, compared to 51,000 in total under Labor.
The most recent nbn Corporate Plan estimates that reverting to Labor’s all-fibre plan would require peak funding of between $74 billion and $84 billion, and the rollout could not be completed until at least 2026 and possibly as late as 2028.
The Coalition’s nbn plan requires peak funding of approximately $49 billion and will be finished by 2020.
Issue 11
World Class Healthcare
The Turnbull Government is committed to providing Australians with world class health care.
HOSPITAL FUNDING
The Government has provided an additional $2.9 billion in public hospital funding over the next three years (an increase of up to 6.5% a year) through an agreement with the states and territories that places greater focus on patient outcomes, particularly when it comes to caring for patients with chronic and complex needs.
HEALTHIER MEDICARE
The Government is strengthening Medicare through the new Health Care Homes initiative, which will better coordinate comprehensive care for chronically ill patients.
GPs will be able to coordinate the medical, allied health and out-of-hospital services required by chronically ill patients on an ongoing basis to help manage their conditions, and in doing so keep them out of hospital.
From 1 July 2017, 65,000 Australians will initially participate in this program at up to 200 medical practices across Australia, ahead of a full national rollout.
PRIMARY HEALTH NETWORKS
The Government has introduced a system of Primary Health Networks to identify local health needs, improve patient access to primary care services and improve co-ordination with local hospitals and community services.
The Government has established 31 Primary Health Networks around Australia to improve access to local health services, by investing close to $1 billion.
MENTAL HEALTH REFORMS
The Turnbull Government is delivering significant reforms that will put the individual needs of patients at the centre of our mental health system.
These reforms will reshape the delivery of primary mental health services towards a more modern, flexible model of care, rather than the current “one-size-fits-all” approach.
CHEAPER MEDICINES
The Government is making medicines cheaper – in some cases by as much as 60% per script, saving patients with multiple chronic conditions as much as $500 per year.
Additional cost savings for many common medicines are due to come into effect in October 2016, as a result of changes to the way everyday drugs are priced.
NEW MEDICINES
The Government has put nearly 1,000 new and amended drug listings onto the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, ensuring these life-saving medicines are available to all Australians, including:
Keytruda, which is used to treat Melanoma;
Mekinist, which is used to treat positive Metastatic Melanoma; and
Perjeta, Herceptin and Kadcyla, which are used to treat Breast Cancer.
The Government has also invested $1 billion to subsidise breakthrough treatments for all sufferers of Hepatitis C.
These treatments would cost $100,000 per patient if not subsidised through the PBS.
MEDICAL RESEARCH FUTURE FUND
Australia is a world leader in the field of medical research.
The $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund is providing a sustainable source of funding for vital medical research over the long term.
NO JAB NO PAY
To protect children from diseases, our “No Jab, No Pay” rule is removing access to family and child care payments for parents who don’t vaccinate their children.
Issue 12
Putting Students First
The Turnbull Government is investing record levels in our schools with total Commonwealth funds reaching $73.6 billion over the next four years.
This is an increase of 26%.
School funding will continue to increase each and every year going forward.
As part of this, the Government is providing an additional $1.2 billion between 2018 and 2020 for schools, contingent upon reform efforts by the States and the non-government schools sector to improve education outcomes.
The Turnbull Government is focused not just on more money but on making sure money is invested where it can make the most difference to student results.
Through our Students First approach, we are working with states and territories to focus on the four key areas that make a real difference to student results:
Better teaching quality
More school autonomy
Engaging parents in education
Strengthening the curriculum.
For example, our teaching quality reforms are introducing a new national literacy and numeracy test to ensure all new teachers are in the top 30% for literacy and numeracy in Australia.
Our National Innovation and Science Agenda is leading the way in promoting learning in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
SUPPORTING APPRENTICES
The Coalition Government is supporting apprentices through Trade Support Loans – helping apprentices with the costs of living, tools and training through loans of up to $20,000 each.
So far, over 40,000 loans have been taken up.
To help match the right apprentice to the right apprenticeship and lift completion rates, the Government has established the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network, supported by $200 million of annual funding.
This year the Government is supporting an estimated 68,000 employers with incentive payments to help businesses create opportunities for apprentices.
FIXING THE VET FEE-HELP SCHEME
To restore confidence in vocational education, the Coalition Government has taken over a dozen measures to crack down on dodgy providers, including strengthening the powers of the regulator and establishing a National Training Complaints Hotline for students.
Following consultation with the sector and the community, the Coalition will redesign the VET FEE-HELP scheme for 2017.
SUPPORT FOR UNIVERSITIES
Under the Turnbull Government, funding for universities is at record levels, with funding of over $16 billion in 2016.
Support for students is also at a record level, with $6.8 billion invested in 2016 (a 65 per cent increase on 2009 levels).
Australia has one of the most generous student loan schemes in the world, under which no domestic student has to pay up-front fees.
The National Innovation and Science Agenda will drive stronger university collaboration with industry through an additional $127 million in targeted research funding and new research impact measures.
Simply put, we are connecting our academics with industry in order to build commercial capacity
and create jobs in Australia.
MORE INVESTMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
The Government is investing more than $3 billion in a new Jobs for Families child care package to make child care simpler, more affordable and more accessible for almost one million Australian families.
Families with incomes between $65,000 and $170,000 will be around $30 a week better off.
The Coalition Government is also ensuring all Australian children can receive 15 hours of preschool a week in the year before school (and exempting these 600 hours a year from the child care activity test).
INVESTING IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING
The Coalition Government invests around $7 billion in the VET sector each year through funding and student loans.
This includes $1.8 billion to the states and territories to support their training systems, including TAFE.
Issue 13
Tackling Domestic Violence
Women and children in Australia must be safe in their homes, safe on our streets and safe online.
Domestic and family violence is never acceptable.
The 2016 Budget provides $100 million in new funding over three years to implement the Third Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010 – 2022.
The National Plan is a 12-year strategy with a vision that women and children live free from violence in safe communities.
This builds on the $100 million Women’s Safety Package already being implemented by the Turnbull Government.
The package focuses on three key areas:
KEEPING WOMEN SAFE AT HOME
Innovative technology is being trialled and used to keep women safe, including GPS trackers for perpetrators, safe phones and safety devices for homes.
We are expanding support to counselling services such as 1800RESPECT and Mensline.
SUPPORT AND TRAINING FOR FRONTLINE SERVICES
Training is being expanded for frontline workers, including police, doctors, emergency department staff and social workers.
Domestic violence units are being established in legal services.
BREAKING THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE
To address the negative behaviours and attitudes that can lead to violence, we are providing additional resources to help teachers, parents and students learn more about respectful relationships.
In addition, the Turnbull Government recently launched the ‘Stop it at the Start’ national campaign to change young people’s attitudes to violence.
This is a $30 million campaign, in partnership with state and territory governments.
Issue 14
Protecting Our Environment
The Turnbull Government is committed to protecting Australia’s magnificent natural environment.
PROTECTING THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
Our Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan is the most comprehensive plan ever developed to protect the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.
The Coalition has put in place an historic ban on capital dredge disposal in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park – ending a 100 year old practice.
$2 billion is being invested by Australian governments on projects that include improving water quality, reducing sediment and nitrogen run off, removing crown of thorns starfish and improving our scientific knowledge of the reef.
Our work to protect the Great Barrier Reef resulted in the World Heritage Committee declaring last July that Australia was a global role model for the management of World Heritage properties.
SUPPORTING RENEWABLE ENERGY
The Turnbull Government will double renewable energy in Australia over the next four years.
Under the Renewable Energy Target, more than 23% of Australia’s electricity will come from renewable energy by 2020.
We are supporting large scale projects, while at the same time making solar more affordable for households.
We are encouraging new technology to assist in the transition to clean energy, through the $1 billion Clean Energy Innovation Fund.
This Fund will target projects such as large-scale solar.
TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE
To protect our environment for future generations, we need to tackle climate change.
As a country, we are playing our part in the global challenge on climate change.
Australia has signed the Paris Climate Change Agreement.
We are on track to beat our 2020 target by 78 million tonnes, and have set an ambitious target of reductions of up to 28% by 2030 based on 2005 levels.
That is equivalent to reducing emissions per capita by up to 52%– the second largest reduction of any G20 economy.
We will meet our targets without Labor’s Carbon Tax, which made electricity more expensive for all Australian families.
We are investing $2.55 billion to incentivise business to reduce their emissions through our Emissions Reduction Fund.
Projects we’ve supported include carbon farming to increase carbon in the soil
, energy efficient lighting for town councils
, supporting re-vegetation and bushfire reduction.
We are also implementing a National Energy Productivity Plan, reducing emissions from ozone-depleting gases and supporting investments in new technology such as solar storage.
SUPPORTING ON-GROUND ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS
Right around Australia, young local people are delivering environmental projects in their communities through the Green Army.
We have already launched more than 500 teams across the country.
We are investing $1 billion in natural resource management through the National Landcare Programme.
The Coalition will continue to deliver on our $50 million commitment to plant 20 million trees by 2020, with almost 10 million trees already committed for planting over the next three years.
As well, we are greening our cities as part of the Coalition’s cities agenda.
PROTECTING OUR THREATENED SPECIES
Australia has some of the most unique flora and fauna on the planet and we’re protecting our native wildlife with the launch of Australia’s first Threatened Species Strategy and the appointment of Australia’s first Threatened Species Commissioner.
The Threatened Species Strategy targets the key threats to our wildlife, in particular feral cats.
Funding for projects to protect our threatened species has already topped $190 million.
Our National Environmental Science Program is supporting this work, with projects that deliver research projects in the field.
PROTECTING AUSTRALIA’S HERITAGE
The Turnbull Government's Australian Heritage Strategy sets out the action we are taking to support and promote our remarkable natural, historic and Indigenous heritage.
Protection of Australia’s national and world heritage is a fundamental pillar of the Government’s environment policy.
Our natural, Indigenous and historic heritage enhances our sense of place and national identity and makes a positive contribution to the nation’s wellbeing.
ONE STOP SHOP
We have maintained environmental standards whilst reducing the red tape.
We have established a one stop shop for environmental assessments with every state and territory – cutting the double handling of assessments for projects.
Our Plan
In this very uncertain world, Australia needs political stability and a strong economic plan for jobs and families.
Australia is transitioning from the mining construction boom to a new and more diverse economy.
The Coalition’s Plan for a Strong New Economy is supporting this transition.
Our Plan will provide growth, jobs and a secure future for Australian families.
ISSUE 01
A Strong New Economy
In this very uncertain world, Australia needs a strong economic plan for jobs and families.
Australia is transitioning from the mining construction boom to a new and more diverse economy – fuelled by innovation
, the opening of new markets and more investment in Australian enterprise.
The Coalition’s Plan for a Strong New Economy is supporting this transition.
Our Plan will provide growth, jobs and a secure future for Australian families through:
An innovation and science programme bringing more great Australian ideas to market
, providing tax incentives to invest in start-up businesses
and helping prepare our children for the jobs of the future by boosting participation in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
A defence industry plan that will secure the nation
and supports innovative Australian companies.
, local advanced manufacturing and hi-tech jobs, particularly in regional Australia
Export trade deals to generate new business opportunities, give our farmers a competitive edge and open doors into expanding markets for our service industries.
Tax cuts and incentives for small businesses and hard working families.
A sustainable budget with crackdowns on tax avoidance and loopholes.
Guaranteed funding for health,
education
and roads
The restoration of the rule of law in the construction industry by re-establishing the Australian Building and Construction Commission.
We are restoring honesty and fairness to the workplace relations system.
Our Plan will deliver the benefits of a growing economy and a better community to all Australians.
Our Plan will deliver a strong new economy with more than 200,000 new jobs for Australian workers.
Our Economic Plan is seeing results:
The Australian economy is growing at 3% a year – faster than any of the G7 economies.
Around 300,000 new jobs were created last year, the strongest growth in employment since 2007.
But there is more work to do to continue the successful transition of our economy.
That’s why the Coalition is directing every lever of policy to secure our nation’s prosperity and economic security for the 21st century.
ISSUE 02
Innovation and Science Agenda
The Turnbull Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda will help create a strong new economy with more jobs, by investing in the talents and ideas of the Australian people.
The Coalition is investing $1.1 billion to incentivise innovation and entrepreneurship and help bring more great Australian ideas to market, by:
Providing tax incentives to encourage investment in innovative start-ups so they can survive and thrive;
Attracting more venture capital investment into high potential start-ups;
Making it easier for aspiring entrepreneurs to access crowd-sourced equity funding;
Helping small businesses attract world-class staff by improving employee share schemes; and
Providing long-term funding certainty for cutting-edge, national research infrastructure.
The Agenda will also help prepare our children for the jobs of the future by boosting participation in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in schools.
The National Innovation and Science Agenda focuses on four priority areas:
Culture and capital – to help businesses embrace risk and incentivise early stage investment in start-ups;
Collaboration – to increase the level of engagement between businesses, universities and the research sector to commercialise ideas and solve problems;
Talent and skills – to train Australian students for the jobs of the future and attract the world’s most innovative talent to Australia; and
Government as an exemplar – leading by example in the way it invests in and uses technology and data to deliver better quality services.
For more details about specific measures, click here.
LINK: https://www.liberal.org.au/innovation
The National Innovation and Science Agenda
There has never been a more exciting time to be an Australian.
Advances in technology are transforming just about every part of our lives, from the way we work to the way we communicate and access services.
Innovation and science are critical for Australia to deliver new sources of growth, maintain high-wage jobs and seize the next wave of economic prosperity.
Innovation is about new and existing businesses creating new products, processes and business models.
It is also about creating a culture that backs good ideas and learns from taking risks and making mistakes.
Innovation is important to every sector of the economy – from ICT to healthcare, education to agriculture, and defence to transport.
It is about tech entrepreneurs working on the latest product
but, equally, about farmers using sensor technology to improve yields
or a business bringing new products to market.
Innovation keeps us competitive.
It keeps us at the cutting edge.
It creates jobs.
And it will keep our standard of living high.
Australia is well-placed to take advantage of the opportunities presented by these exciting times.
But to succeed, there are areas where we need to improve.
The National Innovation and Science Agenda will focus on four key pillars:
Culture and capital
Collaboration
Talent and skills
Government as an exemplar
Together these pillars provide a framework for Australian innovation policy.
The initiatives are worth $1.1 billion over four years.
The National Innovation and Science Agenda will drive smart ideas that create business growth
, local jobs
and global success.
Issues 3
Backing Small Business
Small business is the engine room of the Australian economy, employing 4.7 million Australians.
Small and medium businesses are driving jobs growth in Australia and must continue to do so.
That is why last year, we announced:
A 1.5 percentage point tax cut for incorporated small businesses with a turnover of less than $2 million per year;
A 5% tax discount for unincorporated small businesses;
Immediate tax deductions for each and every asset purchased up to $20,000; and
Immediate deductibility of professional expenses when establishing new small businesses.
The Turnbull Government’s Ten Year Enterprise Tax Plan will support growth, higher wages and jobs by lowering the tax rate for companies over time to an internationally competitive level.
We will: Cut the small business company tax rate to 27.5 per cent for small businesses with a turnover less than $10 million.
Increase the unincorporated tax discount from 5 per cent to 8 per cent, capped at $1,000 for small businesses with a turnover less than $5 million.
Extend access to the instant asset write off so that small businesses with a turnover less than $10 million can instantly deduct each and every asset under $20,000.
Make life easier by simplifying Business Activity Statements (BAS), reducing reporting labels from seven to three.
The company tax rate will be progressively lowered to 25 per cent by 2026-27 for all companies.
We are also supporting small business by:
Cutting red tape by $4.5 billion, including simplifying the process for establishing an employee share scheme and removing almost 450,000 small businesses from the PAYG system;
Opening new markets by signing export trade agreements with China, Korea and Japan;
Extending protections against unfair contract terms to small businesses; and
Appointing the first ever Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.
The Coalition is also fixing Australia’s competition laws to help small to medium companies compete with larger established ones and to ensure they’re not shut out of markets unfairly by the big players.
Adopting the recommendations of the Harper Review, the Coalition will repeal the current Section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act and replace it with a new provision that prevents firms with substantial market power from engaging in conduct that has the purpose, effect or likely effect of substantially lessening competition.
This will prevent the misuse of market power and benefit small businesses.
It will enhance competition, support innovation, benefit consumers and boost jobs and growth.
This is an important reform for Australia’s more than two million small businesses.
Issue 4
Cleaning Up the Construction Industry
The Coalition will reintroduce the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC), to restore the rule of law in the construction industry.
The construction industry employs more than 1 million Australians, in around 340,000 (predominantly small) businesses.
Unfortunately, bullying, intimidation and lawlessness are rife.
As at March 2016, there were over 100 officials of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) before the courts for allegedly breaching workplace laws.
Currently, around 2 out of every 3 working days lost to industrial disputes are in the construction industry.
Since Labor abolished the ABCC, the number of working days lost to industrial disputes in the construction industry has increased by 34%.
Re-establishing the ABCC is critical for jobs, growth and our transition to a strong new economy.
Restoring the rule of law to the construction industry is also critical for Australia’s ability to afford the infrastructure of the 21st century.
AN HONEST AND FAIR WORKPLACE RELATIONS SYSTEM
The recent Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption found a “widespread” and “deep-seated” culture of lawlessness.
It concluded: “it is clear that in many parts of the world constituted by Australian trade union officials, there is room for louts, thugs, bullies, thieves, perjurers, those who threaten violence, errant fiduciaries and organisers of boycotts”.
The Royal Commission referred 93 individuals and entities for further investigation for breach of the civil or criminal law, but conceded “it would be utterly naive to think that what has been uncovered is anything other than the small tip of an enormous iceberg”.
The Coalition’s Registered Organisations Bill will restore honesty and fairness to the workplace relations system.
It will strengthen existing financial accounting, disclosure and transparency obligations and establish the Registered Organisations Commission – a new, independent regulator with increased powers to monitor and regulate registered organisations.
This will ensure union members can be confident their membership fees are being spent lawfully and in their interests – not in the interests of union bosses.
It will also ensure our workplace relations system delivers more jobs and economic growth.
Issue 5
Helping Families Get Ahead
The Coalition is committed to helping Australian families to get ahead.
MAKING A START ON INCOME TAX RELIEF
Middle income Australians are bearing a growing tax burden.
Without action, the average full time wage earner would face the second highest marginal tax rate this year and nearly half of all taxpayers would be in the top two brackets in ten years’ time.
The Turnbull Government is giving hard working Australians greater incentive to earn more without being taxed more.
The Government will prevent average full time wage earners from moving into the second top tax bracket until 2019-20 by increasing the 32.5 per cent tax threshold from $80,000 to $87,000.
This will stop around 500,000 taxpayers facing the 37 per cent marginal tax rate.
By pushing up the tax threshold on the middle tax bracket we’ll keep full time average wage earners on the lower rate for longer.
This will reward hard working Australians for doing more overtime, picking up more shifts, taking a promotion or a better new job, without being penalised by paying more tax through the higher rate.
This change also builds on the tax cuts provided to those on incomes of less than $80,000 to compensate for the carbon tax.
By abolishing the carbon tax and keeping this tax relief, we delivered a genuine tax cut for those earning up to $80,000 a year.
MORE ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE
The Government’s more than $3 billion Jobs for Families child care package will make child care simpler, more affordable and more accessible for almost one million Australian families.
As a result of these reforms, families with incomes of between $65,000 and $170,000 will be around $30 a week – or $1,500 a year – better off.
A strong safety net will provide additional learning opportunities for children in low income families or at-risk children, as well as those in the care of their grandparents.
Under Labor, the cost of childcare increased by over 50% in just 6 years.
Our reforms will put downward pressure on child care costs.
To protect children from diseases, our “no-jab, no pay” rule is removing access to family and child care payments for parents who don’t vaccinate their children.
REAL JOBS FOR YOUNG AUSTRALIANS
To get more young Australians into work, the Turnbull Government has created a new Youth Jobs PaTH (Prepare-Trial-Hire) Programme.
Youth Jobs PaTH provides young Australians with intensive pre-employment skills training followed by an internship placement.
Up to 30,000 job seekers each year will gain a four to twelve week placement in an industry of their choosing.
And employers who hire an eligible young job seeker in an ongoing job will receive an accelerated wage subsidy of up to $10,000, paid over six months.
GUARANTEED FUNDING FOR HEALTH AND EDUCATION
The Government will also provide an additional $1.2 billion between 2018 and 2020 for schools, contingent upon reform efforts by the States and the non-government schools sector to improve education outcomes.
Because evidence tells us that increased funding alone won’t improve outcomes, we’re focussing on the quality of teachers and teaching, the teaching of reading and maths and the engagement of parents.
Through a recent agreement with all states and territories, the Turnbull Government will boost funding to public hospitals by around $2.9 billion (an increase of up to 6.5% a year) over the next three years.
As part of this Agreement, the quality of health care will be improved, with better coordinated care for people with chronic disease and by reducing the number of avoidable hospital readmissions.
PROTECTING NEGATIVE GEARING
We will not remove or limit negative gearing – that would increase the tax burden on Australians who are just trying to invest and provide a future for their families.
Negative gearing is used by over 1 million Australians, two thirds of whom have taxable incomes below $80,000.
BANNING EXCESSIVE SURCHARGES ON CREDIT CARDS
The Turnbull Government has passed laws to protect consumers by banning excessive surcharges on credit cards.
This will ensure customers are charged no more than the amount that reflects the merchant's costs in accepting that payment.
PROTECTING SAVINGS
The Coalition has also dumped Labor’s Bank Deposits Tax – to protect the savings of hard-working Australians.
This would have imposed costs of $1.5 billion on Australians with bank savings.
We also reversed a decision made by Bill Shorten as Financial Services Minister to take inactive bank accounts and life insurance policies after just 3 years (as opposed to 7 years).
This raid on savings by Mr Shorten meant $550 million was taken from 156,000 people in 2012-13 alone.
NO CARBON TAX
The Coalition will continue to fight Labor’s plans to reintroduce a Carbon Tax, which would put more pressure on family budgets.
The removal of their last Carbon Tax is saving average households around $550 per year.
Issue 6
Supporting Australian Exporters
Australia's export trade agreements with China, Japan and South Korea – three of our four largest export markets – will set Australia up for the long term.
These agreements will grow our economy
, create jobs
and benefit consumers.
Independent economic modelling has found that together these three free trade agreements will, over the next two decades, create many thousands of new jobs
, make households more than $4,000 better off and boost GDP by almost $25 billion.
For Australian consumers and businesses, the new trade agreements will also place downward pressure on the prices of some goods, such as vehicles, electronics, clothes and household appliances.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) promises even greater benefits for Australian exporters and investors in the fast growing Asia-Pacific region.
We are negotiating further export agreements with India, Indonesia, and regional and Pacific nations
and have agreed to negotiate an FTA with the 28-member European Union, creating even greater opportunities for Australian businesses.
CHINA
Australians are already benefitting from the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement through greater market access for Australian goods and services.
This is the most liberalising FTA that China has ever undertaken.
96% of Australian exports to China will be tariff free once this agreement is fully implemented.
Farmers will benefit with the complete removal of tariffs of key exports such as dairy, beef, lamb, wine, horticulture and seafood.
The China FTA also opens opportunities in China for Australian private hospitals
, providers of aged care services,
telecommunications companies and a wide range of other service providers.
JAPAN
The Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement is the most ambitious trade deal Japan has concluded with any other country.
When fully implemented, more than 97% of Australian exports will enter Japan – the world’s third-largest economy – duty free or with preferential access.
The tariffs on our biggest agricultural export to Japan – beef – will almost be halved, while tariffs will be eliminated on other key agricultural exports, including a range of wine, seafood, processed food, fruit, vegetables and nuts.
Australia will also gain new levels of access to the Japanese market for a range of services.
Australian consumers will also benefit from downward pressure on prices for Japanese cars and parts and a range of household items including whitegoods and electronics through the elimination of tariffs.
SOUTH KOREA
Under this agreement, almost 100% of all Australian exports to South Korea will be able to enter duty free on full implementation of the Agreement.
Independent economic modelling estimates that, by 2030, exports of agricultural goods to South Korea will be 73% higher,
manufacturing exports will be 53% higher and.
mining exports will be 17% higher than would otherwise be the case
TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP
Our goods and services exports to the Trans-Pacific Partnership markets were worth $107 billion in 2014-15 – a third of all our exports.
The TPP will deliver substantial new trade and investment opportunities and greater access to the world’s most dynamic economies for our service industries.
Issue 7
A Stronger Defence Force
The Government has no higher responsibility than keeping Australia safe and secure.
The Coalition has a responsible, long-term plan for Australia’s national security.
The Coalition is committed to building a more potent, agile and engaged Australian Defence Force (ADF), ready to respond whenever our interests are threatened or our help is needed.
To do this, we will increase Defence funding by $29.9 billion over the next ten years
and deliver on our 2013 election commitment to return Defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP within the decade.
We are investing in new capability, including: A continuous naval shipbuilding program, commencing with nine Future Frigates and 12 Offshore Patrol Vessels;
Twelve new regionally-superior submarines to be built in Adelaide,
creating around 2,800 jobs;
Enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, space, electronic warfare and cyber capabilities; and
Support for Australian Defence Force personnel – providing them with the advanced training, modern equipment and health care they deserve.
The Government is also undertaking comprehensive upgrades of Defence infrastructure across Australia to support our larger future force, including at key bases.
This will also see the creation of local jobs.
A 21ST CENTURY DEFENCE INDUSTRY
We are helping Australia develop a 21st century Defence industry, by investing $1.6 billion over 10 years in programs to build industry skills and drive competitiveness, while harnessing Australian innovation and expertise.
Our Defence industry plan will also help to create advanced manufacturing and hi-tech jobs, particularly in regional Australia.
Unlike Labor, our Defence plans have been independently costed to ensure they are achievable and affordable.
LABOR’S RECORD
Labor in government ripped $18 billion out of Defence and cut Defence spending, as a proportion of GDP, to the lowest level since 1938.
Labor’s decisions led to 119 defence projects being delayed, 43 projects being reduced and eight projects cancelled, risking critical capability gaps.
Labor also failed to place a single order at an Australian naval shipyard during its six years in office.
Under Labor the Australian Defence industry shed more than 10% of its workforce because of budget cuts and deferrals, procrastination and lack of opportunity for Australian suppliers
Issue 8
Combatting Terrorism
To protect Australians from the threat of terrorism, the Government has boosted funding for our law enforcement, intelligence and security agencies by $1.3 billion since August 2014.
This investment is improving our intelligence capability and strengthening our border security against terrorism, crime and other threats, originating both here and overseas.
To keep Australians safe, the Government has also established:
The National Disruption Group – bringing together Federal agencies and state and territory police to coordinate counter-terrorism disruption operations;
An AFP Online Targeting Team to identify perpetrators online and collect evidence;
Australian Border Force Counter-Terrorism Units at all eight Australian international airports and fast-tracked biometric screening; and
The Foreign Fighters Task Force which is using its unique coercive powers and wealth of criminal intelligence to uncover terrorist networks.
AUSTRAC is now using advanced data analytics to detect and act against terrorism financing risks.
The Government is increasing its investment in Countering Violent Extremism programs, to protect young people from the risk of online engagement with violent extremists.
We are also contributing to the global fight against terrorism, through Australia’s military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.
The Coalition has also strengthened laws to help our agencies to monitor, investigate, arrest and prosecute home-grown violent extremists and returning foreign fighters.
This includes:The ability to arrest terrorism suspects on lower thresholds (several recent arrests to prevent terrorist attacks would not have been possible without this);
The suspension of passports at short notice where ASIO is concerned an individual represents a security risk;
The ability to cancel welfare payments on security grounds;
The retention of metadata for two years, which agencies say is essential to most counter-terrorism investigations;
The designation of declared areas, making it an offence to travel to certain areas in the conflict zone without a legitimate purpose; and
Legislation to ensure terrorists who are dual nationals can be stripped of their Australian citizenship
We have overseen the introduction of the new National Terrorism Threat Advisory System (NTTAS), which replaces the National Terrorism Threat System and the Public Alert System, to better inform the public about the likelihood and nature of an act of terrorism occurring in Australia.
In addition, the Turnbull Government is also working with the states and territories to introduce new preventative detention protocols.
LABOR’S RECORD
Labor cut over $700 million from the Customs and Border Protection Service budget.
Despite evidence of the growing terror threat, in six years Labor didn’t pass a single law to strengthen national security agencies.
Issue 9
Protecting Our Borders
The Coalition has stopped the boats.
We have restored the integrity of Australia’s borders and have stopped the deaths at sea.
The Coalition removed all children who arrived by boat from detention in Australia.
In contrast, Labor detained more than 8,500 children over six years.
Stopping the boats has also enabled the Government to close 17 detention centres saving the Budget $3 billion.
The Coalition has re-introduced Temporary Protection Visas,
commenced processing Labor’s legacy caseload of more than 30,000 illegal maritime arrivals and will continue to return those found not to be owed protection and those that commit serious crimes.
The Coalition has also restored integrity to the Refugee and Humanitarian Programme.
According to UNHCR data, Australia is one of the three most generous nations when it comes to permanently resettling refugees.
This year 13,750 places will be made available for resettlement in Australia rising to 18,750 in 2018/19.
Once again these places are going to those most in need around the world, not people arriving by boat.
Stopping the boats also enabled Australia to take an additional 12,000 refugees from the conflicts in Syria and Iraq.
The first of these refugees have arrived and they are starting new lives in Australia.
The Government continues to ensure that all visa grants are subject to strict security and other checks.
The Government has also established the Australian Border Force – streamlining and integrating agencies to better protect the nation’s borders and keep Australia safe and secure.
The Australian Border Force is partnering with the Australian Federal Police to combat border related crime, catch dangerous drugs like Ice at the border and target national security threats with dedicated Counter Terrorism Units at Australia’s major airports.
The Coalition will always be resolute in protecting our borders and we will stick to the policies that work.
LABOR’S RECORD
In 2008 Labor unpicked the successful border protection policies of the Howard Government.
As a result, over 800 boats carrying more than 50,000 illegal arrivals flooded into Australia.
At least 1,200 people lost their lives at sea.
Failed border polices also led to an $11 billion budget blow-out.
Australia must never return to this chaos and tragedy.
Issue 10
Building Australia’s Infrastructure
The Turnbull Government is investing a record $50 billion in Australia’s land infrastructure – to improve road and rail links, reduce travel times and support economic growth.
Roads to Recovery funding for local roads has been increased by 83 per cent, to $3.2 billion over the next four years
and $500 million has been allocated to fix road black spots, along with $300 million for the Bridges Renewal Programme.
We are also investing in important public transport projects, including the $95 million Gold Coast Light Rail, the Sydney Metro and the Melbourne Metro to improve access, amenity and liveability.
The Coalition’s commitment to the Inland Rail will transform freight movements through Victoria, New South Wales and South East Queensland and stimulate growth and prosperity in these regions.
After five decades of indecision, the Government is getting on with building a second airport for Sydney at Badgerys Creek and planning for a rail link.
As well, Infrastructure Australia has delivered the first ever 15 Year National Infrastructure Plan.
NEW SOUTH WALES
WestConnex
Linking Western Sydney to the city, airport and ports, with up to 52 traffic lights gone and 40 minutes saved.
Stage 2 construction commenced ahead of schedule.
10,000 construction jobs.
Western Sydney Airport and Road Infrastructure
Supporting Sydney’s second airport, by building vital road infrastructure first.
39,000 jobs created by 2035, increasing to 60,000 over time.
NorthConnex
Connecting the Central Coast to Sydney, avoiding up to 40 traffic lights on the Pacific Highway and 21 on Pennant Hills Road.
8,700 jobs.
Pacific Highway
Four lane divided road from near Newcastle to Queensland, with crashes reduced and travel times cut by up to 2.5 hours.
16,500 direct and indirect jobs.
VICTORIA
Monash Freeway
Additional lanes will unlock productivity in Melbourne by reducing congestion along the M1 corridor.
Murray Basin Rail
Upgrading over 1000 km of rail line to provide an alternative to road freight.
276 jobs.
M80
Completes the three remaining sections of the M80 Western Ring Road and improves traffic flow along one of Victoria’s critical freight corridors.
Great Ocean Road
Strengthening bridges and upgrading pavement, guardrails, cliff and land slip sites.
Urban Congestion and Regional Roads Packages
A number of projects that will relieve congestion in urban areas.
Upgrading rural and regional road infrastructure in Victoria.
Princes Highway West
Duplication to help bring regional communities together and link key industries to markets.
QUEENSLAND
Bruce Highway
Upgrades to improve safety, congestion and flood immunity.
Reducing travel times for motorists and freight – including a range of safety packages and overtaking lane projects, the duplication of the Boundary Road interchange and the upgrade at Yellow Gin Creek south of Ayr.
Gateway Motorway North
Widening from 4 to 6 lanes, improving access and better connecting the Bruce Highway, Northern Brisbane and the Port of Brisbane.
1,000 jobs.
Toowoomba Range Crossing
Cutting travel times and removing traffic from Toowoomba Town Centre.
1,800 jobs.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Gateway WA
Reducing congestion around the Perth Airport and surrounding areas.
1,320 jobs.
Northlink WA
A new 40km highway to improve freight and save travel times through the Swan Valley.
Perth Freight Link
Providing a direct, free-flowing connection to the Port of Fremantle.
2,400 jobs.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
North South Corridor and Northern Connector project
Better connecting Adelaide’s port, airport and freight terminals.
The construction of a new 15.5 kilometre road linking the Northern Expressway to the northern end of the South Road Superway.
1,330 jobs.
TASMANIA
Midland Highway Upgrade
Upgrade between Hobart and Launceston, to improve safety and freight delivery.
234 jobs.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Tiger Brennan Drive
Duplication to improve safety and congestion.
120 direct jobs; 30 for Indigenous Australians.
NORTHERN AUSTRALIA
Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility
Unlocking the economic potential of the North through $5 billion in concessional loans that will deliver major economic infrastructure.
Northern Australia Roads
Priority road projects in key strategic corridors in Northern Australia
plus targeted upgrades to key roads necessary for transporting cattle and improving cattle supply chains in Northern Australia.
FIXING THE NATIONAL BROADBAND NETWORK
We have put the NBN back on track to deliver high-speed broadband to all Australian homes and businesses by 2020.
In September 2013, fewer than three per cent of Australian premises could obtain a service on the NBN.
Today over two million homes and businesses can access the NBN and there are more than 900,000 active users.
By completion, every user will have broadband speeds 4 to 10 times faster than today’s average.
Our plan is the fastest and most affordable way to deliver better broadband to all Australians by 2020.
Under Labor, the NBN was the most poorly managed infrastructure project in Australia’s history.
Labor spent $6 billion in four years to connect just 51,000 users to the built network.
We are connecting more than 50,000 homes a month, compared to 51,000 in total under Labor.
The most recent nbn Corporate Plan estimates that reverting to Labor’s all-fibre plan would require peak funding of between $74 billion and $84 billion, and the rollout could not be completed until at least 2026 and possibly as late as 2028.
The Coalition’s nbn plan requires peak funding of approximately $49 billion and will be finished by 2020.
Issue 11
World Class Healthcare
The Turnbull Government is committed to providing Australians with world class health care.
HOSPITAL FUNDING
The Government has provided an additional $2.9 billion in public hospital funding over the next three years (an increase of up to 6.5% a year) through an agreement with the states and territories that places greater focus on patient outcomes, particularly when it comes to caring for patients with chronic and complex needs.
HEALTHIER MEDICARE
The Government is strengthening Medicare through the new Health Care Homes initiative, which will better coordinate comprehensive care for chronically ill patients.
GPs will be able to coordinate the medical, allied health and out-of-hospital services required by chronically ill patients on an ongoing basis to help manage their conditions, and in doing so keep them out of hospital.
From 1 July 2017, 65,000 Australians will initially participate in this program at up to 200 medical practices across Australia, ahead of a full national rollout.
PRIMARY HEALTH NETWORKS
The Government has introduced a system of Primary Health Networks to identify local health needs, improve patient access to primary care services and improve co-ordination with local hospitals and community services.
The Government has established 31 Primary Health Networks around Australia to improve access to local health services, by investing close to $1 billion.
MENTAL HEALTH REFORMS
The Turnbull Government is delivering significant reforms that will put the individual needs of patients at the centre of our mental health system.
These reforms will reshape the delivery of primary mental health services towards a more modern, flexible model of care, rather than the current “one-size-fits-all” approach.
CHEAPER MEDICINES
The Government is making medicines cheaper – in some cases by as much as 60% per script, saving patients with multiple chronic conditions as much as $500 per year.
Additional cost savings for many common medicines are due to come into effect in October 2016, as a result of changes to the way everyday drugs are priced.
NEW MEDICINES
The Government has put nearly 1,000 new and amended drug listings onto the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, ensuring these life-saving medicines are available to all Australians, including:
Keytruda, which is used to treat Melanoma;
Mekinist, which is used to treat positive Metastatic Melanoma; and
Perjeta, Herceptin and Kadcyla, which are used to treat Breast Cancer.
The Government has also invested $1 billion to subsidise breakthrough treatments for all sufferers of Hepatitis C.
These treatments would cost $100,000 per patient if not subsidised through the PBS.
MEDICAL RESEARCH FUTURE FUND
Australia is a world leader in the field of medical research.
The $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund is providing a sustainable source of funding for vital medical research over the long term.
NO JAB NO PAY
To protect children from diseases, our “No Jab, No Pay” rule is removing access to family and child care payments for parents who don’t vaccinate their children.
Issue 12
Putting Students First
The Turnbull Government is investing record levels in our schools with total Commonwealth funds reaching $73.6 billion over the next four years.
This is an increase of 26%.
School funding will continue to increase each and every year going forward.
As part of this, the Government is providing an additional $1.2 billion between 2018 and 2020 for schools, contingent upon reform efforts by the States and the non-government schools sector to improve education outcomes.
The Turnbull Government is focused not just on more money but on making sure money is invested where it can make the most difference to student results.
Through our Students First approach, we are working with states and territories to focus on the four key areas that make a real difference to student results:
Better teaching quality
More school autonomy
Engaging parents in education
Strengthening the curriculum.
For example, our teaching quality reforms are introducing a new national literacy and numeracy test to ensure all new teachers are in the top 30% for literacy and numeracy in Australia.
Our National Innovation and Science Agenda is leading the way in promoting learning in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
SUPPORTING APPRENTICES
The Coalition Government is supporting apprentices through Trade Support Loans – helping apprentices with the costs of living, tools and training through loans of up to $20,000 each.
So far, over 40,000 loans have been taken up.
To help match the right apprentice to the right apprenticeship and lift completion rates, the Government has established the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network, supported by $200 million of annual funding.
This year the Government is supporting an estimated 68,000 employers with incentive payments to help businesses create opportunities for apprentices.
FIXING THE VET FEE-HELP SCHEME
To restore confidence in vocational education, the Coalition Government has taken over a dozen measures to crack down on dodgy providers, including strengthening the powers of the regulator and establishing a National Training Complaints Hotline for students.
Following consultation with the sector and the community, the Coalition will redesign the VET FEE-HELP scheme for 2017.
SUPPORT FOR UNIVERSITIES
Under the Turnbull Government, funding for universities is at record levels, with funding of over $16 billion in 2016.
Support for students is also at a record level, with $6.8 billion invested in 2016 (a 65 per cent increase on 2009 levels).
Australia has one of the most generous student loan schemes in the world, under which no domestic student has to pay up-front fees.
The National Innovation and Science Agenda will drive stronger university collaboration with industry through an additional $127 million in targeted research funding and new research impact measures.
Simply put, we are connecting our academics with industry in order to build commercial capacity
and create jobs in Australia.
MORE INVESTMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
The Government is investing more than $3 billion in a new Jobs for Families child care package to make child care simpler, more affordable and more accessible for almost one million Australian families.
Families with incomes between $65,000 and $170,000 will be around $30 a week better off.
The Coalition Government is also ensuring all Australian children can receive 15 hours of preschool a week in the year before school (and exempting these 600 hours a year from the child care activity test).
INVESTING IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING
The Coalition Government invests around $7 billion in the VET sector each year through funding and student loans.
This includes $1.8 billion to the states and territories to support their training systems, including TAFE.
Issue 13
Tackling Domestic Violence
Women and children in Australia must be safe in their homes, safe on our streets and safe online.
Domestic and family violence is never acceptable.
The 2016 Budget provides $100 million in new funding over three years to implement the Third Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010 – 2022.
The National Plan is a 12-year strategy with a vision that women and children live free from violence in safe communities.
This builds on the $100 million Women’s Safety Package already being implemented by the Turnbull Government.
The package focuses on three key areas:
KEEPING WOMEN SAFE AT HOME
Innovative technology is being trialled and used to keep women safe, including GPS trackers for perpetrators, safe phones and safety devices for homes.
We are expanding support to counselling services such as 1800RESPECT and Mensline.
SUPPORT AND TRAINING FOR FRONTLINE SERVICES
Training is being expanded for frontline workers, including police, doctors, emergency department staff and social workers.
Domestic violence units are being established in legal services.
BREAKING THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE
To address the negative behaviours and attitudes that can lead to violence, we are providing additional resources to help teachers, parents and students learn more about respectful relationships.
In addition, the Turnbull Government recently launched the ‘Stop it at the Start’ national campaign to change young people’s attitudes to violence.
This is a $30 million campaign, in partnership with state and territory governments.
Issue 14
Protecting Our Environment
The Turnbull Government is committed to protecting Australia’s magnificent natural environment.
PROTECTING THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
Our Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan is the most comprehensive plan ever developed to protect the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.
The Coalition has put in place an historic ban on capital dredge disposal in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park – ending a 100 year old practice.
$2 billion is being invested by Australian governments on projects that include improving water quality, reducing sediment and nitrogen run off, removing crown of thorns starfish and improving our scientific knowledge of the reef.
Our work to protect the Great Barrier Reef resulted in the World Heritage Committee declaring last July that Australia was a global role model for the management of World Heritage properties.
SUPPORTING RENEWABLE ENERGY
The Turnbull Government will double renewable energy in Australia over the next four years.
Under the Renewable Energy Target, more than 23% of Australia’s electricity will come from renewable energy by 2020.
We are supporting large scale projects, while at the same time making solar more affordable for households.
We are encouraging new technology to assist in the transition to clean energy, through the $1 billion Clean Energy Innovation Fund.
This Fund will target projects such as large-scale solar.
TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE
To protect our environment for future generations, we need to tackle climate change.
As a country, we are playing our part in the global challenge on climate change.
Australia has signed the Paris Climate Change Agreement.
We are on track to beat our 2020 target by 78 million tonnes, and have set an ambitious target of reductions of up to 28% by 2030 based on 2005 levels.
That is equivalent to reducing emissions per capita by up to 52%– the second largest reduction of any G20 economy.
We will meet our targets without Labor’s Carbon Tax, which made electricity more expensive for all Australian families.
We are investing $2.55 billion to incentivise business to reduce their emissions through our Emissions Reduction Fund.
Projects we’ve supported include carbon farming to increase carbon in the soil
, energy efficient lighting for town councils
, supporting re-vegetation and bushfire reduction.
We are also implementing a National Energy Productivity Plan, reducing emissions from ozone-depleting gases and supporting investments in new technology such as solar storage.
SUPPORTING ON-GROUND ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS
Right around Australia, young local people are delivering environmental projects in their communities through the Green Army.
We have already launched more than 500 teams across the country.
We are investing $1 billion in natural resource management through the National Landcare Programme.
The Coalition will continue to deliver on our $50 million commitment to plant 20 million trees by 2020, with almost 10 million trees already committed for planting over the next three years.
As well, we are greening our cities as part of the Coalition’s cities agenda.
PROTECTING OUR THREATENED SPECIES
Australia has some of the most unique flora and fauna on the planet and we’re protecting our native wildlife with the launch of Australia’s first Threatened Species Strategy and the appointment of Australia’s first Threatened Species Commissioner.
The Threatened Species Strategy targets the key threats to our wildlife, in particular feral cats.
Funding for projects to protect our threatened species has already topped $190 million.
Our National Environmental Science Program is supporting this work, with projects that deliver research projects in the field.
PROTECTING AUSTRALIA’S HERITAGE
The Turnbull Government's Australian Heritage Strategy sets out the action we are taking to support and promote our remarkable natural, historic and Indigenous heritage.
Protection of Australia’s national and world heritage is a fundamental pillar of the Government’s environment policy.
Our natural, Indigenous and historic heritage enhances our sense of place and national identity and makes a positive contribution to the nation’s wellbeing.
ONE STOP SHOP
We have maintained environmental standards whilst reducing the red tape.
We have established a one stop shop for environmental assessments with every state and territory – cutting the double handling of assessments for projects.
Australia
Since inception, Australia has been built upon the advancement of individual's rights and freedoms.
Katter's Australian Party believes it is the role of government to create and implement policy that advances individual’s rights and freedoms
, and overall, maintains the Australian lifestyle and national identity.
KAP believes government must make an additional, concerted effort to protect Australian sovereignty and independence.
In order to consistently achieve this, KAP seeks to maintain democratic representation federally, and support and propose policy that seeks to create opportunity in areas of education
, employment
, infrastructure
and local business.
For further details regarding KAP's position on contemporary issues, please refer to our policy stances:
Asylum seekers and border protectionClimate and EnvironmentEducationEnergyEssential public assets and infrastructureFirst AustraliansManaging public services commerciallyProtecting Australian jobs and Australian businessRural affairs and agricultureSmall business
Asylum seekers and border protection
Australia is a nation of migration.
Our first Australians migrated here some forty thousand years ago.
Since then we have seen our nation build on a diverse heritage of cultures that has contributed to our proud nation.
Our immigrant heritage is quintessential to being Australian.
It is not necessary to have been born in Australia to be Australian and it would be hypocritical to suggest that any person is undeserving of Australian citizenship simply because he or she wants a better life.
However, there needs to be a process of immigration that is fair to all who want to come to Australia and at the same time does not undermine the social or economic fabric of the nation.
Creating a framework that respects the rights and needs of people who seek to become Australians, to enjoy the lifestyle we largely take for granted, while preserving that lifestyle competitively for our own citizens, is perhaps one of the most perplexing issues we face as a nation.
It is a delicate balance of performing our humanitarian responsibility to those who are less fortunate than us without compromising our own existence.
This issue challenges the very notion of what it is to be Australian in the land of opportunity without a discriminatory class system.
“For those who’ve come across the seas we’ve boundless plains to share” Australian National Anthem.
The increasing trend toward illegal entry by boat, primarily via Indonesia, is problematic for three reasons: Firstly, the risk to life in making the perilous journey to Australia in barely seaworthy vessels is profound and unacceptable to both the migrants and the defence personnel deployed to intercept them.
The humanitarian implications of this situation are very publicly on display and public policy failures are impacting on Australia’s humanitarian reputation internationally and domestically.
Secondly, the sheer number of people trying to enter Australia is placing an unmanageable burden on Australia’s systems to receive, shelter and process these people.
Again, the humanitarian implications of this situation are very publicly on display and public policy failures are impacting on Australia’s humanitarian reputation internationally and domestically.
Thirdly, the ease of entry and inability to process the asylum seekers adequately is now posing an unmanageable national security risk with evidence mounting that undeserving and undesirable individuals are being inappropriately assessed and managed by immigration and security personnel.
Australian citizens are being forced to fund the entire program of interception, processing, transport and repatriation either in Australia or elsewhere.
In addition, national security is increasingly under pressure and the opportunity for entry by undesirables and the implications for Australian citizens if they are successful are profound.
Genuine asylum seekers are being caught up in a wave of irregular maritime arrivals and Australia is unable to deal with their circumstances in an appropriate and compassionate way and timeframe.
The success of the illegal transportation of people to Australia is providing an incentive to non-refugee aspirants.
In turn, this is creating a financial incentive to crews who transport them, placing all in harm’s way unduly.
KAP is obliged to address an asylum seeker policy.
“The parable of the Good Samaritan challenges us to understand that violence towards those who are the least powerful among us can take the form of legislative acts or of human indifference and disconnection.” Lilia Fernandez
KAP is committed to meaningfully deter asylum seekers from boarding boats in Indonesia or any other country in order to seek asylum in Australia.
KAP is committed to mitigate the financial cost of asylum seeker interception processing, housing and repatriation to the Australian taxpayer.
KAP is committed to demonstrate humanitarian compassion in balance with deterring unacceptably dangerous irregular  maritime arrivals.
KAP is also committed to reforming the processing of asylum seekers to end the extraordinary waste that is now expended in the industry that has sprung up around the detention of these people.
It is clear that the current bureaucratic process is ineffective and that the Department has no real capacity to competently assess the legitimacy of the claims by asylum seekers.
It is apparent that this aspect of the asylum seeker issue is not being addressed, while it is perhaps the bigger source of apprehension for the Australian public.
Subject to an initial security and health screening, KAP would require that if asylum seekers are to be granted temporary visas, they only be allowed to enter the community on strict social contracts that compel them to close monitoring until such time as the Australian Government is satisfied they pose no threat.
These temporary visas would also provide conditions in relation to settlement and assimilation into the Australian community, compelling a commitment to Australian culture, and compelling a productive contribution to the Australian economy.
Any breach of this kind of social contract would result in termination of the visa.
KAP will pursue policies in regard to asylum seekers and border security that: Commit to increase and enhance its fleet of patrol boats (to be made in Australia).
Restrict Australia’s migration zone to the mainland.
Any boat found in Australian waters, that is seaworthy and carrying asylum seekers, shall be turned around and escorted out of Australian waters.
Any immediate humanitarian needs of passengers or crew shall be met at interception.
Suspected people smuggler ring leaders and organisers who benefit substantially financially should be prosecuted vigorously and they should defend themselves at their own expense.
Asylum seekers claims are assessed quickly to screen for health and obvious security risks.
Successful refugees should only be granted temporary visas and conditional release into the community on a strict social contract subject to close electronic monitoring for a probationary period in lieu of detention.
Refugees on temporary visas should be employed/deployed in work for the dole type programs, particularly in the construction of their own housing and infrastructure requirements.
Climate and Environment
The reality is that we borrow the world from our children and grandchildren and we should strive to leave it in as good or better condition than we found it.
KAP is strongly committed to the philosophy of being “honorable ancestors” in the context of being climatic and environmental stewards.
Science is our best tool for understanding the world around us.
Science is responsible for the knowledge that has produced the technology we rely on in the modern world.
At this time, 97% of published scientific papers support the view that human activity is warming the climate, largely through the extraction of stored fossil fuels and that such warming has a high likelihood of resulting in adverse consequences.
This high level of scientific agreement is very unusual and other debates that have ultimately been resolved into widespread agreement have generally achieved a considerably lower level of scientific consensus.
The world has been warmer before, but not within the timeframe that we have built our global civilisation.
This is cause for considerable concern because our civilisation depends on climate stability in order to support the current global human population.
Global atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are now higher than at any time during the last 3 million years.
These high levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide are also impacting on carbon dioxide levels dissolved in sea water with resultant impacts on pH and likely dramatic ramifications for the entire oceanic food chain.
In view of the above points, KAP adopts the precautionary principle and agrees that global carbon dioxide emissions will ultimately need to be constrained to some degree.
Those constraints on emissions should remain in place unless or until such time that it can be reliably and scientifically demonstrated that unconstrained carbon dioxide emissions are unlikely to result in costly climatic disturbances.
In regard to the development of new power generation infrastructure, the cost of wind and solar energy systems will be no greater than fossil fuel generation systems.
Bloomberg New Energy Finance notes that wind is already cheaper than new coal or gas fired generation and solar soon will be.
These are critical points because renewables are often painted as expensive when compared to fully depreciated forty plus year old fossil fuel plants, but this simplistic cost comparison is not borne out when we fairly compare the cost of renewables against capital cost of new fossil fuel systems required to replace the ageing fleet or meet new demand.
There is, however, an ongoing demand for fossil fuels and KAP is committed to responsibly exploit the current energy market to maximise Australia’s competitive advantage in the provision of cleanest possible fossil fuels to meet the ongoing demand for as long as it persists to ensure the best possible economic outcome for Australia
and to extend the jobs in the current energy sector.
More broadly the same precautionary principles should be applied to other areas of environmental stewardship in relation to mining and extractive industries as well as other areas of human intervention on the land.
However, KAP does remain fully committed to the necessary development of natural ecosystems to pursue sustainable production systems to grow the economic prosperity of the nation.
In relation to climate and environment KAP will pursue policies that: prevent the extraction of coal seam gas within three kilometres of an aquifer
;
support and extend the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target;
mandate the use of ethanol;
provide direct and meaningful support to land managers in delivering ecoservices; and
support the right of farmers and other citizens to manage their resources and live without uninvited interference.
Education
Australia should be a world leader and innovator in the field of education; but our ranks are slipping, as globally we become less competitive and productive.
In order to provide future generations with the best possible opportunities, we must provide them with the best possible foundation – an education which is second to none!
KAP education reforms will ensure that all Australians, regardless of their circumstance, will receive a world class education; that means that not only will these reforms ensure that regardless of the school or State of enrolment, that students will receive the same benefits from the education system,
but this also means, that the education system must rival any other education system in the world.
Australia must aim to close the education gap, internally, within Australia, and externally, with other countries.
KAP recognises the necessary reforms required for our education system nationally.
However, the focus of such reforms should not only focus on budgetary and monetary constraints.
What is required is a significant overhaul of the current model used to teach Australia’s children.
It is obvious that the greatest impact is upon students and young Australians, who due to a failing system, are not given every possible opportunity, which should be available to them.
Ultimately, Australia as a Nation will suffer, unless there is immediate reform to the education system.
In today’s world, a proper education is not an option, but rather it is a necessity.
With technological advancements, and an interconnected global economy, Australia must advance to compete.
As a country, Australia is facing immediate challenges in terms of productivity and efficiency, the best way to resolve this, is with a better educated, more productive and more efficient workforce;
this will only occur with a significantly improved education system.
Furthermore, teachers, principals and those working to provide our future generations with the best possible opportunities are underpaid, under-appreciated and overworked.
KAP seeks to recognise the contributions of these people, and ensure that the educators throughout Australia are given the appreciation and reward that they deserve.
Background:
The 2011 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) provides some very sobering statistics as to where Australia stands internationally with respect to education.
The following ranks are for students in year four, compared internationally: In reading skills, Australia is ranked 27th out of 45; and in mathematics, 18th out of 45; and in science, 25th out of 45.
Furthermore, 24% of year four students did not meet the “intermediate benchmark” for the study, regarded as the minimal acceptable standard of literacy.
Perhaps even more troubling, of the teachers surveyed in conjunction with the study, in year four classrooms, only 75% of students were being taught by teachers who considered themselves “very confident” in the subject matter they were teaching.
The studies show that by high school, Australia improves in the rankings, but is certainly not the front runner in education.
The following guiding principles form the basis of the KAP education reform:
KAP proposes to better utilise the existing funding, more efficiently and productively.
As with any organisation seeking structural change, the national education system must reallocate existing funding to facilitate better performance, and seek internal efficacy.
KAP proposes a more grassroots approach to education; removing the current hierarchal and bureaucratic structure will provide greater control to principals and teachers, dramatically reducing costs, and allowing for the reallocation of funds to where they are most needed; the schools, principals and teachers, and most importantly, the students.
Primarily, the focus should be on providing a solid foundation of reading, writing and mathematics.
This is required, as each stage of education should be considered as a building block, or stepping stone to the next, regardless of what that stage may be.
The foremost reform that KAP will introduce will be to develop the single most influential determinant to great teaching – the teachers.
Throughout Australia, KAP wants to recruit, promote, reward and most of all, celebrate, great teachers.
Undoubtedly, the key to the future success of Australia’s education system is great teaching.
KAP proposes that in order to provide a better education to young Australians, we must identify great teaching – and reward it!
In order to provide better outcomes from the education system, we must improve the quality and efficacy of teaching.
The single most important variable in determining the success of any student is the effectiveness of the teacher.
The reason KAP is focussing on the teachers, is that we realise that they are the solution to the education problem; the problem is the system in which they are forced to work.
The question then becomes how do we measure student effectiveness?
Through student growth; that being, it does not matter the standard of the student at the beginning of the school year, only that they have improved under the guidance of their teacher, and are able to do so year after year.
KAP wants to work closely with teachers who are passionate about developing standards and metrics which will allow for a useful and practical evaluation for ensuring student growth.
Upon implementation of such standards and metrics teacher remuneration would be directly linked by providing teachers with a base salary, with additional bonuses paid in accordance with demonstrated student growth.
Energy
The economy is completely underwritten by the energy market in Australia.
The challenge remains to provide adequate supply cheaply for today’s consumers while ensuring that the impact of the generation and consumption of that energy is not unfairly borne by future generations.
The energy market in Australia is complex and encompasses all forms from liquid, gas and solid fuel systems to renewables like solar, hydro, wind and geothermal systems.
The consumption of energy is also wide ranging in utilisation of electricity for stationary applications to fuels for transport and industry.
From a consumptive perspective the major energy products consumed in Australia are approximately coal (37%), oil products (35%), gas (23%) and renewables (5%).
Electricity has been primarily the domain of state governments historically, however increasingly the emergence of the interstate transmission grid has shifted the responsibility.
Increasingly there is an emerging conflict between corporatisation and full privatisation of electricity assets.
The ownership of generation and transmission assets is of primary concern to the national interests of Australia and a rethink of the role of the federal government in this space is now warranted.
Approximately 85% of Australian electricity is currently generated on simple cycle thermal coal fired power stations.
This generation technology is nearly a century old and the full impacts of this generation system will not be fully borne for generations to come.
Notwithstanding the long term impacts of relatively inefficient generation of 33% in energy conversion, the current electricity prices do not include capital or replacement costs for the fleet of generators that are fast approaching their decommissioning as they literally wear out.
Major generators are now coming off line and increasingly running below capacity.
It is becoming urgent to make decisions on infrastructure in this sector to ensure the Australian economy is not exposed to increasing volatility in supply and price of electricity.
Newer generation technologies must be incorporated to dramatically reduce the climate impact of our electricity needs.
For example, combined cycle gas turbines are much more efficient generators in the energy conversion sense, approaching 60%, effectively halving greenhouse gas emissions per kilowatt hour.
However there needs to be a much greater emphasis on incorporating renewables and newer technologies into the generation mix to replace the ageing fleet of generators in an orderly fashion without exposing the economy to price or supply shocks.
Beyond electricity, Australian energy demands are massive in the form of oil and gas products.
Currently Australia consumes approximately 18.5 billion litres of diesel and 2.7 billion litres of petrol annually.
Intuitively diesel is more geared to commerce and industry with mining consuming approximately 30%, transport approximately 35% and agriculture about 2% of annual diesel usage.
Gas consumption currently stands at approximately 210,000 GJ of which manufacturing consumes approximately 40% and electricity and heating consume approximately 42%.
Clearly Australia is heavily dependent on fossil fuels to meet current demand.
It is unlikely that the current energy demands can be met cost effectively in the short to medium term through renewables.
However, current assets and infrastructure deployed in the Australian economy are unacceptably exposed to increasing fuel cost and supply volatility.
The “just in time” practice of supply in modern supply chains dramatically increases the social and economic risks associated with disruptions in the energy sector.
The Australian government has a responsibility to assure adequate supply at an affordable and stable price to ensure long term economic prosperity and effective public utility.
KAP will pursue policies that: Retain essential energy generation and transmission assets in suitable structures to ensure the public good and national interests are best served, including caveats on private investment
Establish an independent energy authority to ensure political expedience is disempowered in the development and implementation of the national energy plan
Develop a robust and effective national energy plan by 2015 to deliver energy security to the Australian economy with a tactical response to 2030 and a strategic positioning to 2050.
Invest in the national grid to improve generation and transmission efficiency both in terms of cost
and also environmental impact
Provide generational equity in the investment and deployment of Australian resources to achieve a stable energy future
Implement resource reserves that protect Australian supply of resources to meet domestic energy needs ahead of export demand
Support small business to optimise their energy efficiency and minimise energy demand, acknowledging the potential poverty traps that are increasingly occurring where time and cash poor businesses are effectively unable to mitigate rising energy costs.
Encourage ongoing consumptive energy optimisation to mitigate rising energy costs to contain inflationary pressures to cost of living
Essential public assets and infrastructure
It appears that up until the 1970s, Australian governments and industry were capable of conceiving spectacular nation building engineering works that significantly and purposefully added to the productivity and capital base of the country.
These assets included power stations and transmission lines, ports, railways, roads, grain handling facilities, airports, and dams.
Since then, we have seen increasing divestment by all levels of government of public built and funded infrastructure and assets.
The rationale that suggests that a commercial entity can better manage and maintain our essential assets than our Government, is an indictment on the quality of management in the public sector.
Such a revelation should prompt the reform of the public asset management capacity, rather than a weak capitulation to inadequate public service and subsequent sale of essential assets.
Often, the public assets and essential services that are sold off by government provide monopolistic market power to the purchaser.
The general trend is an immediate and short-term cost benefit to consumers as part of the purchase contract undertakings, but ultimately the cost of service or access increases disproportionately.
KAP is strongly opposed to the sale of essential public infrastructure.
KAP is strongly opposed to the notion that a commercial entity with strong financial motivation to act in self-interest can better manage essential services in the national interest.
One of the main triggers for the sale of public infrastructure is the run down in these assets and associated ongoing maintenance and renewal costs.
This results in depressed asset pricing at sale.
Often the real strategic value of the assets is not realised which means the tax payer ends up paying for the initial asset and subsequently, once the asset is privatised, paying for it again to the new commercial owners who seek a handsome profit on an asset that has been subsidised to them by the tax payer.
The decision to sell assets is often short-term rationale in relation to election cycle budget timeframes.
If this rationale had been at the front of mind of the nation at its inception, no nation building infrastructure would exist today.
It is essential that this thinking be reversed to facilitate retention and maintenance of existing infrastructure and to deliver new projects of meaningful benefit to the nation.
KAP is committed to ongoing investment in public infrastructure and the ongoing and timely maintenance of these assets for the benefit of all Australians now and in the future.
KAP is fully committed to investment in infrastructure for communications to ensure adequate capacity to support ongoing business investment across all of Australia and that rural and regional based people are not significantly disadvantaged.
However, the political hype around the National Broadband Network (NBN), is a disturbing example of the politicisation of public investment with overstated benefits of fibre to home infrastructure and gross incompetence with underestimated costs and a subsequent blowout of over fifty billion dollars.
KAP will pursue policies that: promote the construction of new dams for irrigation and hydro electricity generation
deliver better road and rail infrastructure to facilitate regional investment;
deliver more effective and efficient power transmission networks;
mandate a national interest test to the privatisation of any public assets;
prevent the sale of essential assets, public or private, including agricultural land and resource assets, to foreign companies and/or sovereign entities without caveats to protect the national interest;
and establish and promote a government bond market with a guaranteed yield of 5% for Australian citizens and super funds to establish a pool of money specifically for investment in infrastructure.
First Australians
Australian Aboriginal people are undeniably our First Australians.
These people have struggled under colonisation.
There is no doubt that the socio-economic circumstances of modern Aboriginal people in Australia reflects poorly on their treatment and consideration by past and present governments.
KAP is mindful of many appalling injustices that have been inflicted on the Aboriginal people and while there is awareness of these issues, the strong and determined focus is on how we can improve the circumstances and opportunities for them.
It is clear that the welfare system and the subsequent culture that has become entrenched in many communities has reinforced the decline of Aboriginal communities.
It is apparent that in pastoral areas, the 1964 wage decision that resolved equal pay for Aboriginal stockmen resulted in general unemployment for many stockmen and Aboriginal communities being displaced.
Subsequently these people have lost their purpose and connection to the land.
The injustice of unequal pay and subsequent employment discrimination has had a massive unintended consequence that will likely take generations to resolve.
KAP is committed to addressing the serious socio-economic issues facing many Aboriginal communities across Australia by working with the Elders and traditional leaders of these communities.
KAP does not support the federal intervention because the program is discriminatory and exacerbates the alienation of people who desperately need to regain a sense of self-worth and basic human dignity.
It is undeniable that the government has an obligation to protect those who are most vulnerable in our society, but this protection must be provided respectfully and genuinely.
KAP is concerned that Aboriginal people apparently “own” over twenty percent of Australian lands, but still do not enjoy the same title of this land as other Australians.
It is essential that all Aboriginal lands are able to be held under individual or collective title deeds.
It is essential that Aboriginal people have the opportunity and incentive to operate their land profitably and with purpose.
KAP is committed to programs of support that engage Aboriginal people constructively in the broader Australian community and economy with equality.
KAP will pursue policies that: provide inalienable title over Aboriginal lands either collectively or individually to Aboriginal people
end compulsory draconian and discriminatory “intervention and prohibition” laws and provide authority to community leaders to establish their own governance;
and maintain and extend the Community Development Employment Program and engage Aboriginal people in civil construction projects including building and maintenance of housing for their own communities.
Managing public services commercially
It is increasingly important that the public service be modernised in the context of improving productivity and reconnecting the sector with best commercial practice.
There is ample evidence of financial waste and damage including loss of life as a result of poor bureaucratic process with little or no accountability.
Increasingly the public service has become over administrated.
It appears that the emphasis within the public service has increasingly moved away from a performance based culture and there are few if any meaningful parameters to review performance collectively or individually.
Since the Liberal National Government took office in Queensland, there have been 14,000 front line jobs cut,.
but at the same time we have seen more than a 10% increase in the number of senior bureaucrats who earn over $100,000 per annum
This highlights the cultural shift away from delivery of services to tax payers in a meaningful or commercially relevant way by Government and is indicative of an increasingly disconnected Government culture nationally.
The provision of health,
Education,
Defence,
, and social security services
are the most important sectors of public service interaction with the community where administration is overshadowing front line delivery.
This overly bureaucratic culture is out of step with the broader private sector.
The subsequent culture of self-assessment by Government has in effect created a feedback loop that reinforces the bureaucratic system to amplify it’s disconnect from the expectations and needs of the nongovernment sector.
In addition there appears to be an increasing trend to politicise investment strategies that severely curtail necessary rigour in costing and assessing impacts of public investment programs.
The political hype around the NBN is an excellent example of the politicisation of public investment with overstated benefits of fibre to home infrastructure and gross incompetence with underestimated costs and a subsequent blowout of over fifty billion dollars.
KAP is committed to holding the public service sector to account in regards the delivery of services in the same way any successful private sector business operates.
KAP is committed to reforming the culture of senior levels of bureaucracy to ensure they are connected to and focussed on the needs of the tax payers they serve.
KAP is very conscious of the need to support individuals in the system and condemns the failure of Government to instil the necessary culture in the service.
KAP is not intending to erode pay and salaries for the public service sector of the economy.
KAP is committed to improving the productivity of the public service in terms of service delivery.
KAP will seek reform policies that: introduce and apply the right Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to the performance assessment of all bureaucrat managers;
review the APS or EL remuneration pay scale of all bureaucrat managers based on their performance and achievement against meaningful KPIs;
curtail the cost blowout of the NBN and restrict the rollout of fibre to the node rather than to the home;
;  encourage and protect whistle blowers as an important method of discovery of the real health and performance of the public sector;
and implement regular, random, independent and external professional audits of the public service sector.
Protecting Australian jobs and Australian  business
KAP is committed to maintaining a productive and affluent workforce.
It is essential that Australian businesses are able to compete internationally.
Australia’s necessary commitment to maintain a high standard of living to provide adequate health and aged care,
education
and infrastructure requires
a strong economy, which is underpinned equally by an affluent work force and thriving business sector.
It is clear that foreign owned corporations and big business have a capacity and will to undermine Australian pay and conditions.
It is also clear that Australian labour costs are higher than in many competing nations, increasing the economic pressure on margins for goods and services that are subject to international competition.
However, labour costs for Australian manufacturing, which has been hit hard by international competition, only attribute about 17% of the total costs in manufacturing.
This indicates that the solution to the pressures on international competitiveness are in fact much more complex than adjusting the labour market.
It is clear that if labour pay and conditions are undermined and more financial pressure is brought to bear on the workforce generally, the economy will implode.
Decreasing the rate of pay and/or the rate of employment results in less taxes to government, less money to business, less money to the private sector, resulting an almost immediate recession.
Any decline in the utilisation of a skilled workforce in Australia will simultaneously result in the decline of training for a skilled workforce.
This will create a long-term crisis in Australia’s ability to maintain a first world standard of workmanship on critical specialist services.
KAP is committed to protecting Australian jobs and maximising the productivity of the workforce to increase employment rates in terms of people in paid work, and more importantly, the people in full time work.
KAP is committed to achieving this through considered policies that actually support the industries and businesses that provide the employment opportunities, with a particular emphasis on small business.
Specifically, KAP will pursue policies that increase demand for Australian products and support Australian jobs and that will: ensure that all Australian Governments purchase only Australian manufactured vehicles where there is an Australian made vehicle suitable for the role;
mandate the use of ethanol in all Australian petrol to stimulate regional economies in the grain and sugar industries;
ensure that all uniforms purchased on Australian government funded contracts are manufactured in Australia using Australian materials where they are fit for purpose;
ensure that any construction contracts undertaken using Australian government funds will use Australian steel;
stop the use of 457 visas by big business as a means to replace or undermine Australian workers and Australian award pay and conditions;
mandate premium shelf space on Australian supermarkets for Australian manufactured goods;
aggressively wind back the market share and/or market power of monopolistic companies that control access to markets for Australian small business, like Coles, Woolworths, Graincorp, Glencore and CBH
commission Australian made naval vessels, including a new fleet of border protection patrol boats;
reduce interest rates and bring down the Australian dollar;
modify competition policy to give small business the same rights under the law as consumers; and
provide public sector investment in a range of infrastructure initiatives, such as dams, roads, railways, and airports.
Rural affairs and agriculture
Agriculture is the PRIMARY INDUSTRY in the Australian economy.
The reality is that the wealth of this nation was first defined in agricultural terms and it is fast returning as the driver of our future prosperity.
The rural and regional economy of Australia is increasingly dependent on farmers’ prosperity.
Similarly, as the resources boom begins to slow, the national economy is dependent on the export of Australian produce to bring in export income and provide a major injection of capital to the national economy to underpin sustainable economic growth.
No civilisation in history has survived long after it foregoes the importance of the economic viability of its agricultural production base.
Australia is one of the few countries that expects its agricultural producers to subsidise consumers domestically and internationally, by being forced to compete in markets with foreign producers who are heavily subsidised to increase production with little or no exposure to market or production risk.
In 1996, the National Farmers Federation (NFF) posed a question: “Why have farmers’ high productivity performance not translated to a more satisfactory profitability outcome for Australian farmers?”
In 2013 they are still asking the same question.
The aggressive trade liberalisation ideology pursued by consecutive governments over the past two decades has severely damaged rural industries and their communities.
Farm debt is steadily increasing while net farm incomes are not increasing with the debt.
This trend demonstrates market failure in the agricultural sector.
The result of successive government to deregulate agricultural market arrangements has seen increasing market power in the post farm gate sector of the supply chain and structural change that moves the profit in agriculture away from the producers.
Again, gross farm debt has been increasing steadily while net farm income remains constant.
This trend highlights the failure of agricultural market reform in Australia to deliver any benefit to the farm sector.
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), continually forecasts a bright future for Australian agriculture based on potential increasing demand due to a combined increase in population and increasing affluence in key markets.
Fundamentally though, the reality is that no central government in the world wants food prices to increase and the majority of the population growth is unlikely to be able to pay even the true cost of production for their food.
Engel’s Law is an economic truism that has been proven repeatedly, proving that the proportion of income consumers spend on food does not increase in line with their increasing income.
This phenomenon belies the notion that agriculture will benefit from increasing affluence in line with their inherent increasing agricultural production costs, which do not follow Engel’s Law.
In effect, the agricultural economy will always fall behind the broader economy with the free market mentality that economic rationalists have so fervently and recklessly pursued.
Free marketers are killing Australian agriculture and by extrapolation, rural and regional Australia and all industries that feed off it.
There is a public and politically promoted notion that it is the role of Australian farmers to meet the increasing global food challenge.
The reality is that Australian farmers are business people and their primary obligation is to feed, clothe and educate their own families and those who work for them.
This is becoming increasingly difficult.
If society generally wants Australian farmers to feed the world then there needs to be a strong market signal sent that underpins the economic success of current and future farmers.
KAP is committed to Australian agriculture and rural and regional Australia and believes that supporting Australian farmers will provide the necessary economic stimulation to reinvigorate this sector of the economy and ultimately underpin the Australian economy.
KAP will pursue policies that: mandate ethanol use in Australia, providing structural support to grain and sugar industries;
support the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target which will benefit rural infrastructure;
mandate the allocation of premium shelf space in supermarkets for Australian produce;
underwrite a national multi-peril crop insurance scheme to mitigate production risk;
reduce interest rates and manage the Australian currency down to improve the sector’s international competitiveness;
stimulate investment in infrastructure, including roads, rail and ports;
implement WTO compliant tariff’s to protect Australian producers and manufacturers where they are unable to compete with subsidised imports;
stiffen biosecurity conditions on imports and properly resource quarantine and inspections services;
provide an arbitrated price for agricultural produce where farmers request it;
establish a rural development bank to facilitate generational equity transfer;
implement “orderly” marketing where industry structures undermine reasonable market power to
producers (as perceived currently in dairy, egg and sugar industries);
and restore vital irrigation water to agriculture in the Murray Darling Basin.
Small business
The small business sector accounts for approximately two million businesses and employs over seven million people in Australia.
The employment in small business accounts for approximately two thirds of the Australian workforce.
It is clear that the health of the small business sector is a major single determinant of the health of the economy.
Successive Australian governments have professed to be concerned about the small business sector and still the regulatory demands on the sector see it pushed nearly to the brink and the decline is seeing significant reduction in business numbers and labour utilisation in spite of population growth.
Furthermore, the definition of a small business varies between the Australian Tax Office, Fair Work Australia, the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
It is exceedingly unlikely that any Australian government has made any serious commitment to the small business sector when they have not even taken the time to define the sector.
Interestingly, not a single one of the many Australian definitions of the small business sector correlates with our major international competitors.
Australian government definitions range from: less than 15 employees by simple count rather than full time equivalents for Fair Work Australia;
less than 20 employees for the Australian Bureau of Statistics;
less than 50 employees for the Australian Tax Office;
less than two million dollars in revenue for the Reserve Bank of Australia; and
less than fifty million dollars for the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority.
Typically, small business operators actually operate the business they own or at very least have an intimate knowledge of the operation.
Similarly, most small business operators are not often “sophisticated”, in the corporate sense, and their primary skills tend to lie in the field of the service or production sector that the business operates within.
For example: A plumbing contractor is usually a plumber with a trade background, and is not a university trained business management graduate.
A farmer is usually skilled in production of crops or livestock, and is not a tax accountant or industrial relations lawyer.
As a result we see small business severely disadvantaged by government regulation and compliance, which does not differentiate between a large or small employer.
Small business operators are besieged by predatory and anti-competitive behaviour of big business.
Similarly, small business is increasingly besieged by the regulatory systems of government which are really targeting big business and indifferently catching small business in the crossfire.
The result is that we are seeing small business survival rates decline sharply and the rate of labour utilisation by small business contract even faster.
The increasing demands on small business administration and compliance do nothing to improve productivity or profitability and simply add cost to the business and demotivate the sector.
KAP is committed to supporting small business and recognises that it is the sector of the economy  most  able to drive growth and innovation in the Australian economy
and with meaningful support will provide the biggest growth in employment in terms of numbers of jobs and numbers of hours of work.
The Australian government has progressively pushed compliance requirements onto business in regards to the roll out of the administration of increasingly complex employee services such as tax collection and management and superannuation administration.
It is alarming that the superannuation industry is filled with highly trained accountants and administrators who do not pick up a pencil without charging someone and the government expects small business operators to perform all the accounting and compliance functions for superannuation at no cost.
The reality is that the cost of compliance and implementation of increasingly complex payroll management systems cannot be efficiently offset on small workforces that typically define small business.
KAP is committed to reducing red tape and compliance costs for small business
and recognises that the marginal unit costs to compliance to small business must be considered in contrast to the marginal unit costs to big business.
KAP is committed to seeing regulatory impact assessments for small business mandated for relevant legislation and regulation.
Specifically KAP will pursue policies that: provide a consistent definition of small business in Australia that ensures competitive advantage for Australian small business (less than 50 employee threshold preferred);
give small business the same rights under competition policy as consumers;
give small business the same rights under industrial relations law as employees;
mandate regulatory impact assessments specifically for small business;
establish a Small Business Ombudsmen with particular interest in predatory anti-competitive behaviour by big business and compliance cost burdens;
And provide separate award conditions for small business that recognise the difference between big business and small business, while still providing certainty to employees.
OUR PLAN FOR A STRONG NEW ECONOMY
JOBS AND GROWTH IN REGIONAL AUSTRALIA
JOBS AND GROWTH IN REGIONAL AUSTRALIA
Key Commitments
Regional Australia is critical to Australia’s economic prosperity and is home to around one third of Australia’s population.
Regional Australia accounts for around 65 per cent of Australia’s export earnings by value and is a major source of domestic and international tourism.
45 cents in every tourism dollar is spent in regional Australia.
Regional communities are benefitting from the Coalition’s economic plan.
Our export trade deals have made it easier for regional businesses to export to Asia
and our tax cuts for small business are creating new job opportunities.
Regional communities are an attractive place to live and invest.
They have a strong culture of innovation, offer diverse employment options, and attract the skills and talent needed to build successful businesses.
While the opportunities for regional Australia have never been greater, the Coalition recognises that some regions have been impacted by the slowdown in mining, falling commodity prices and changes to the manufacturing sector.
The Coalition will boost jobs, investment and growth in regional Australia.
We will establish a $200 million Regional Jobs and Investment package to deliver regional jobs and growth.
The Regional Jobs and Investment package will incentivise local businesses to invest and employ,
enable regional communities to upgrade local infrastructure and deliver new skills and training programmes
The package will be delivered in partnership with local communities.
Community leaders and local experts will be engaged to assess the needs of regional communities and develop local investment plans covering the following three areas:
Business innovation grants
Local infrastructure
Skills and training programmes
The package will support regional communities to diversify their economies, create new export opportunities
and help boost regional jobs.
The Coalition will contribute $200 million to the Regional Jobs and Investment package and will leverage a further $200 million in matched funding. Individual regions will be able to access up to $30 million in funding.
Our commitment will boost confidence, jobs, investment, and growth in regional Australia.
Our Plan for Regional Jobs and Growth
Regional Australia is home to around one third of Australia’s population and is an important source of job creation and exports.
Regional Australia accounts for around 65 per cent of Australia’s export earnings by value and more regional businesses are benefitting from our export trade deals, particularly those in the agriculture sector.
China and Japan alone account for nearly a third of all Australian agriculture exports.
Regional Australia is also a major source of domestic and international tourism, with 45 cents in every tourism dollar spent in regional Australia.
The Coalition will support regional jobs by establishing a $200 million Regional Jobs and Investment package.
We will invest $200 million, leveraging a further $200 million or more in matched funding.
Individual regions will be able to access up to $30 million in funding.
The Regional Jobs and Investment package will support regional communities to diversify their economies, create new export opportunities and help boost regional jobs.
It will incentivise businesses to invest in new technology, machinery or equipment to innovate and grow within the region.
We will work with local communities to deliver the package.
Local experts will be engaged to assess the needs of regional communities and develop local investment plans covering the following areas:
1. Business innovation grants
The Coalition will provide matched grants on a competitive basis to help businesses invest in new technology, diversify operations, create new export opportunities
and deliver new sustainable jobs.
An example would be a manufacturing business seeking to invest in new technology, machinery or facilities to expand or diversify production.
This investment will enable regional businesses to innovate, provide new export opportunities and grow and employ.
Business innovation grants will support local businesses in regional areas, helping them to invest and employ more staff.
2. Local infrastructure
We will provide matched funding for regions to upgrade existing local infrastructure or invest in new infrastructure.
We will work with local communities to identify the local infrastructure priorities of our regions.
An example would be upgrading or investing in new tourism infrastructure such as a large coastal pier to attract more domestic and international tourists.
Investing in local infrastructure will help boost the productivity of our regions,
deliver more jobs,
and generate more local investment.
3. Skills and training programmes
We will work with local communities and regional employers to deliver targeted skills and training programmes for local communities.
Our local skills and training programmes will address regional skills shortages.
They will also support workers impacted by structural change to retrain and upskill.
These programmes will help to prepare Australia’s regional workforce for new and existing job opportunities.
4. Addressing regional youth unemployment
The Coalition’s Regional Jobs and Investment package will complement our $840 million Youth Employment Package and ongoing initiatives that are providing more job opportunities for young Australians.
Specific initiatives include: Support for employers, especially small businesses, to create new jobs
Youth Jobs PaTH (Prepare-Trial-Hire Programme)
Entrepreneurship Starter Packs to assist young Australians to start their own enterprises
expand the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme to more young Australians
Our commitments will help tackle youth unemployment throughout regional Australia, delivering more opportunities for local young people and their communities.
The Choice
The Coalition has a strong record of investing in regional Australia and our economic plan is delivering investment, jobs and growth.
We have invested more than $20 billion in regional infrastructure since the last election, including $6.7 billion for the Bruce Highway and $5.6 billion for the Pacific Highway.
The Coalition is investing $3.2 billion under the Roads to Recovery Programme and $1 billion to deliver the Stronger Regions Programme.
We have established a $5 billion Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility to encourage more private sector investment in economic infrastructure in Australia’s north.
We are also expanding our Mobile Black Spot Programme, which will fix around 4,800 mobile black spots and provide better mobile phone coverage for hundreds of regional communities.
These investments are delivering jobs and helping to boost productivity in regional Australia.
Our export trade deals are creating more opportunities for regional businesses to access new markets and increase sales.
Australia’s agriculture exports now exceed more than $45 billion a year and are benefitting from our trade deals with China, Japan and Korea.
China and Japan alone now account for nearly a third of all agriculture exports and demand for Australian produce continues to grow.
The Coalition has also overseen strong growth in domestic and international tourism, directly benefitting regional communities across Australia.
Tourism is a major driver of regional jobs and investment, with 45 cents in every tourism dollar spent in regional Australia.
Only the Coalition has a plan for regional jobs.
We will establish a $200 million Regional Jobs and Investment package to support regional communities to diversify their economies, create new export opportunities and boost regional jobs.
We will deliver the package in partnership with local communities and incentivise regional businesses to investment in new technology, machinery or facilities to innovate and grow.
The Coalition is delivering for regional Australia.
Labor’s policies will fail to deliver jobs and opportunities for regional Australia.
Costs
The Coalition will invest $200 million to deliver a Regional Jobs and Investment package to help boost investment, jobs and growth in our regions.
SUPPORT VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Key Commitments
Australians are proud of our veterans.
Our service men and women put their lives on the line for the nation and in the defence of our values.
Over 312,000 Australians rely on the government through support from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
These are veterans and their families, dependants, widows and children.
It is a community that is growing younger.
As the Department of Veterans’ Affairs notes: “In 2015–16, the under-70 cohort is projected to become the majority of DVA’s clients, with the proportion growing over the ensuing five years. By 2020, one-third of DVA’s clients will be aged under 60, and 20 per cent will be aged under 50.”
The Coalition is committed to ensuring that current and future veterans and their families have the support that they need.
As the Prime Minister said at the recent RSL National Conference in Melbourne, DVA will continue to look after veterans because they need a department dedicated to meeting their own special needs.
The Prime Minister has made it clear that no DVA services delivered through Medicare will be outsourced or privatised under the Coalition.
The Coalition has a strong record supporting our veterans.
We have ensured more financial support and services to individual veterans than ever before.
We delivered fair indexation for military superannuation.
The Coalition will continue to support Australia’s veterans by: implementing a veterans mental health package
streamlining the claims process for veterans and their families
implementing an annual Ministerial veterans statement
helping homeless veterans
promoting jobs for veterans and improving the veterans transition process
establishing a female veteran’s policy forum and supporting our younger veterans
supporting veterans’ concerns on Mefloquine
commemorating service and sacrifice
Our Plan for Veterans
The veteran community is a strong and an important part of the Australian ethos.
The Coalition is committed to ensuring that current and future veterans and their families have the support that they need though our Four Pillar plan: recognition of the unique nature of military service
retention of a stand-alone Department of Veterans’ Affairs
tackling mental health challenges for veterans and their families
supporting veterans through adequate advocacy and welfare services
The Coalition will continue to support Australia’s veterans.
1. Supporting veterans mental health
The Coalition will continue to support the mental health of our veterans.
We will do more to ensure greater support to veterans, veterans’ families, ex-service organisations and health care practitioners.
We will target early intervention to treat mental illness by: providing $6 million to support the establishment of the ‘Centenary Institute’ proposed by Phoenix Australia in Melbourne to work collaboratively in support of practitioners and ex-service organisations who work closely with veterans with mental health concerns
providing $3.1 million to further extend access to the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service programme to include family members of current and former Australian Defence Force members who die by suicide or reported suicide; siblings of Australian Defence Force members killed in service related incidents; Defence Force Abuse Taskforce complainants; families of DART complainants; and adult sons and daughters (over 26) of post-Vietnam War veterans
Our commitment builds on the significant new investment the Coalition made to the existing non liability health care initiative to extend eligibility for mental health conditions to all current and former permanent members of the Australian Defence Force in the 2016 Federal Budget.
There has been extensive funding of research into the effects of military service on veterans and their families, however, there needs to be much more done to translate the findings of this research into practical assistance.
The Centenary Institute will provide clinical research and professional leadership for veterans’ health.
Early intervention and support for veterans and their families can reduce the onset and prevalence of mental health conditions.
Further expansion of the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service will support access to veterans and their families and encourage them to seek help early.
To support children whose parent or parents are serving Australian Defence Force members or a veteran effected by mental illness including PTSD we have provided $2.1 million to the Kookaburra Kids Foundation.
Our commitment is important to helping veterans and their families cope and address mental illness.
2. Streamlining the claims process
The Coalition allocated $48.7m in the 2016-17 budget to commence work required to fix the antiquated DVA I.T. system to deliver better customer service for veterans, underpinned by better processes and technology.
We have also implemented a number of initiatives designed to streamline the claims process including an alternative dispute resolution model which will enable more cases to be finalised without going to a full hearing and a new case management system for the Veterans Review Board that will streamline processes and reduce backlogs.
In addition, we will increase the amount veterans can be reimbursed for obtaining medical reports from the current $457.50 to up to $1,000 at a total cost of $1.2 million over four years.
These reports are required by veterans to assist them as part of the appeals process.
These initiatives will make it easier for veterans to navigate the claims system and expedite the outcome of an appeal.
As part of the National Consultative process, the Coalition will establish a consultative forum comprised of advocates, pension officers and others involved in the DVA claims process.
This Forum will review the existing claims process with a view to identifying impediments and considering improvements to the system.
3. Ministerial veteran’s statement
The Coalition’s commitment to the ‘Four Pillars’ of support for veterans and their families will be made transparent through an annual Ministerial statement to Parliament on key issues impacting the veteran community and the performance of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
This will be a transparent process which will measure the performance of the Department and increase accountability to the veteran community.
4. Helping homeless veterans
Our nation owes a great debt to those who have put their lives on the line for us and it is therefore essential that the community support those veterans who find themselves homeless and at risk of homelessness.
Whilst the provision of social housing is clearly a state and territory responsibility there is much more the Australian Government can do to address this important issue.
We will: convene a meeting of State and Territory Ministers with responsibility for veterans’ affairs to address homelessness in the veteran community
require Commonwealth agencies to identify whether its clients are veterans and to make that information available to ex-service and other organisations which provide support for homeless veterans
work with the States and Territories to support a comprehensive nationwide study that brings together work already undertaken to obtain a thorough understanding of the extent of veteran homeless and what all levels of government can do to address it
5. Promoting jobs for veterans
The Coalition will implement a new jobs programme for injured and ill veterans, which has been successfully trialled in South East Queensland and South Australia.
The programme will enhance the existing support currently provided to veterans as part of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ rehabilitation programmes by providing a greater focus on vocational outcomes, enhancing engagement with employers, and improving coordination with Defence as veterans transition to civilian life.
Under the trial, around 60 per cent of the veterans involved were successfully placed into civilian employment.
The Coalition will work with ex-service organisations and non-profits such as Soldier On and Mates4Mates to ensure that our younger veterans are catered for.
Employment and transition policies will be geared towards highlight the value of employing veterans.
Working with ex service organisations including Soldier On and the RSL the Prime Minister will convene a forum in Sydney later in 2016 to promote the unique skills veterans can bring to employers and to find more effective ways for organisations to engage veterans and their families.
6. Creating a better veterans’ transition process
The Coalition will put in place a ‘Discharge with Documentation’ policy across the Department of Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
This proposal will replace the current system where defence force personnel can leave the Defence Forces without the necessary documents that they need to claim benefits from other government agencies, including the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
This policy will provide a more seamless transition for service men and women from the defence forces and increase the capacity and efficiency of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in processing claims and serving veterans and their families.
To facilitate improved transition from the ADF to civilian life the Departments of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs will establish a taskforce to report back to portfolio Ministers on barriers to effective transition and suggested actions to address those barriers.
7. Supporting Female Veterans
The Coalition will establish a Female Veterans Policy Forum to provide a platform to help identify policy gaps and support initiatives to better support Australia’s growing female veteran community.
We will provide $600,000 to establish and run this forum.
Female veterans can face very different health and wellbeing challenges to their male colleagues and there is currently no specific platform to consider the needs of this group.
8. Supporting our younger veterans
The Coalition will provide $4 million for a range of projects that promote social inclusion and peer to peer support for our younger veterans.
This funding will be provided to ex-service organisations to assist younger veterans who engage with each other differently and don’t want to be involved in formal structures in the same way that their older colleagues may do.
This initiative will be targeted at projects that seek to engage and actively involve our younger veterans.
Examples of projects that could be supported include mentoring, team building, self-improvement and creative activities.
9. Supporting veterans’ concerns on mefloquine
The Coalition understands there is concern among some veterans about the potential health impacts of the anti-malarial drug Mefloquine.
The Coalition will support, and build awareness of the support available, to serving and ex serving ADF members and their families.
The Coalition will: establish a formal community consultation mechanism to provide an open dialogue on issues concerning Mefloquine between the Defence Links Committee and the serving and ex-serving ADF community
develop a more comprehensive online resource that will provide information on anti-malarial medications
establish a dedicated DVA Mefloquine support team to assist our serving and ex-serving ADF community with mefloquine-related claims, this will provide a specialised point of contact with the DVA
direct the inter-departmental DVA-Defence Links Committee to examine the issues raised; consider existing relevant medical evidence and provide advice to the Government by November 2016
10. Commemorations
The Coalition will continue to support the planned Centenary of Service commemorations through to 2018.
In August this year we will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the battle of Long Tan and the Vietnam War with a range of events including an official reception at Parliament House in Canberra, a stand to at the Australian War Memorial and a commemorative service at Australian Vietnam Forces Memorial on Anzac Avenue.
In the coming year we will commence planning with the Vietnam veteran community for appropriate commemorative activities to mark other significant battles that occurred during the Vietnam War including the 50th anniversary of the battles of Fire Support Bases at Coral and Balmoral.
We are committed to honouring the service and sacrifice of our veterans and in the 2016 Budget we provided $7.5 to refurbish and rebuild 3,800 war graves in Papua New Guinea that have deteriorated and to undertake essential safety and maintenance work at the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum in Thailand.
The Choice
The Coalition has a strong record supporting our veterans.
We delivered fair indexation for military superannuation.
We provide $11.7 billion a year to support veterans, including through health care, income support pensions and allowances.
We invested $5 million for the Transition and Wellbeing Research programme, which is the largest study undertaken in Australia to examine the impact of military service on the mental health, physical and social health of serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.
We invested $46.4 million to expand the non-liability health care initiative so that any eligible veteran can now access mental health care services for post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and alcohol and substance abuse.
We provided greater access to the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service, which we expanded to include service in disaster relief and boarder protection operations, training accidents, medically discharged personnel, submariners and partners and dependent children of these personnel.
We expanded the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service so that veterans and their families have greater access in more locations to the support they need.
The Coalition’s strong record on veterans is contrasted by Labor’s contribution.
Labor did not fulfil its 2007 commitment to ‘maintain a generous military superannuation system’.
By opposing legislation, Labor delayed fair indexation for more than 57,000 military superannuants on the Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Scheme and the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits scheme.
Labor postponed the full rollout of the National ADF Family Health Care Programme twice.
This has meant defence force families did not have guaranteed long term basic health care.
Labor reduced veterans’ advocacy and welfare funding by $1 million.
The former Labor Government cut this funding without consultation.
Labor did not address concerns regarding the ICT systems of Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
This has created delays in claims times and DVA’s ability to support veterans and veterans’ families.
Costs
The Coalition will invest $15 million to support our veterans and their families.
JOBS AND GROWTH IN TASMANIA
Key Commitments
The Coalition will invest in jobs and growth for Tasmania.
Nearly 7,000 jobs have been created in Tasmania since the Coalition came to government.
We are investing in Tasmania to increase jobs and deliver more opportunities for Tasmanian businesses and families.
We will deliver over $2 billion in funding for Tasmanian hospitals over the next four years.
Under the Coalition, total Commonwealth funding to all schools across Tasmania will increase by $62.0 million, a 16.8 per cent increase from 2015–16 to 2019–20.
We expanded the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme, created a Major Projects Approvals Agency to expedite investment in Tasmania, provided $400 million toward the upgrade of the Midland Highway, contributed an additional $60 million for the Tranche II irrigation projects managed by Tasmanian Irrigation, and are investing over $2.1 billion to acquire Australia’s new icebreaker and further support Tasmania as the gateway to Antarctica.
We are delivering for Tasmania.
The Coalition will continue to support jobs and growth in Tasmania by: ensuring security of Tasmania’s electricity supply by supporting a second Basslink interconnector
investing $150 million to relocate and expand the University of Tasmania’s (UTAS) campuses in the heart of Burnie and Launceston to increase higher education accessibility, participation, and skills attainment
partnering in a City Deal for Launceston to maximise the long-term benefits of the UTAS relocation, committing a further $7.5 million to the Council to renew the Launceston CBD, making it an attractive and accessible place to work, study, visit and live
investing $25 million in a locally-led Regional Tasmania Jobs and Investment Package
investing over $2 billion to make Hobart the world centre for Antarctic research
providing nearly $4 million to complete the Three Capes Track and boost tourism
committing $4 million to establish a National Institute for Forest Products Innovation with one hub located in Launceston
delivering infrastructure for Tasmania
providing more export opportunities and tax cuts for Tasmanian businesses
providing $1 million to the Cradle Coast Authority to enable the Cradle Mountain Master Plan to progress to an investment-ready stage
The Coalition’s plan for a strong new economy will provide jobs and growth and a secure positive future for Tasmanian businesses and families.
Our Plan for Jobs and Growth in Tasmania
Nearly 7,000 jobs have been created in Tasmania since the Coalition came to government.
We will deliver over $2 billion in funding for Tasmanian hospitals over the next four years.
Under the Coalition, total Commonwealth funding to all schools across Tasmania will increase by $62.0 million, a 16.8 per cent increase from 2015–16 to 2019–20.
Our funding will be directed according to need and tied to evidence-based initiatives to support student achievement, such as improving literacy and numeracy, and enhancing teaching quality.
We expanded the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme, created a Major Projects Approvals Agency to expedite investment in Tasmania, provided $400 million toward the upgrade of the Midland Highway, contributed an additional $60 million for the Tranche II irrigation projects managed by Tasmanian Irrigation, and invested nearly $2 billion to acquire Australia’s new icebreaker to further support Tasmania as the gateway to Antarctica.
We are delivering for Tasmania.
The Coalition’s plan for a strong new economy will provide jobs and growth and a secure positive future for Tasmanian businesses and families.
1. Supporting Tasmania’s energy security
Tasmania needs reliable energy supplies.
Families and businesses should have complete confidence that their lights will turn on whenever they need.
The Coalition will support a second Basslink interconnector to ensure energy security and help drive development of Tasmania’s renewable energy resources, subject to the final business case which we expect to be positive based on the preliminary report by the Hon Warwick Smith AM.
We commissioned a report into the feasibility of a second Tasmanian interconnector.
The report was driven by the energy challenges Tasmania was facing with the failure of the Basslink interconnector, low hydroelectricity dam water levels, and the need to investigate how to drive the development of major new renewable energy investments.
The preliminary report recommends that the Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments commit to support the construction of a second interconnector, subject to the successful completion of the final business case and the early involvement of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.
A second interconnector will play an important role in Tasmania’s long-term energy security and help drive the development of Tasmania’s world class renewable energy resources.
Along with the potential development of more than 1,000 MW of new renewable energy, a second interconnector could drive investment of around $3 billion for Tasmania.
As Mr Smith made clear in his preliminary report, there is a case for developing a second interconnector in order to ensure Tasmania’s long term energy security and open the pathway for more than 1,000MW of new renewable energy investment.
Given the financial complexities involved in developing the business case for a second interconnector and Tasmania’s renewable energy resources, the recommendation about a key role for the Clean Energy Finance Corporation is also welcome.
The Coalition looks forward to Mr Smith’s final report which is due by the end of the year. It will form a major part in determining the business case for the second interconnector.
We have taken a sensible approach to this important issue for Tasmania – one that is about delivering real jobs and investment for all Tasmanians.
2. Supporting jobs and education in Tasmania
The Coalition will commit $150 million to relocate and expand the University of Tasmania’s (UTAS) campuses in the heart of Burnie and Launceston.
Our commitment will support jobs and
increase higher education accessibility, participation and attainment.
The University of Tasmania makes an important contribution to the state, not only to the education system and social fabric of the community, but also to the economy.
The University is one of the state’s larger employers, supporting more than one per cent of all jobs in Tasmania.
Its expenditure is a little over two per cent of Tasmania’s gross state product.
The potential for the University to make an even bigger contribution to the future of the state is clear.
Key performance indicators are trending upwards.
Student enrolments are up by more than 35 per cent over the last five years, and its world ranking has lifted to 305th in 2015, up from 400th in 2010, in the Academic Ranking of World Universities.
The relocation and expansion of UTAS in the heart of Burnie and Launceston will generate 3,110 local jobs and $1.1 billion in economic output during the construction phase.
The UTAS campus relocation programme will attract 12,000 new students to higher education in the region over the next decade to help address the state’s educational under-attainment.
It will help boost Tasmania’s and Australia’s attraction as a high quality international education destination, attracting an additional 1,700 international students to the region.
International education is one of Australia’s largest services export and a major employer.
In Tasmania alone, international education generates $164 million for the economy and supports an estimated 1,440 jobs.
Our investment will build a fit-for-purpose university campus at Inveresk in Launceston, providing modern, world-class teaching, learning and research facilities.
The new Launceston Institute for Applied Science and Design building will strengthen the future of science, research and the STEM disciplines in Northern Tasmania.
Modern and accessible educational facilities that use the latest in technology-enhanced learning environments will be constructed at West Park in Burnie, adjacent to the CBD and West Beach.
The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture will be relocated to this central site and have room to grow as it extends into applied agriculture, logistics, supply chain analysis and agribusiness.
Both new campuses will provide innovation centres that support entrepreneurship, startups and industry supply chain spin-offs.
Central to the UTAS transformation agenda is the need to increase significantly the number of Associate Degree places, which are of particular benefit to students who have never previously participated in further education.
The Coalition has supported extending the demand driven funding system to sub-bachelor places in universities.
Labor has twice voted against this in Parliament and has ruled it out in the future.
UTAS estimates 8,000 students would benefit from Associate Degrees in Tasmania.
The Coalition supports increasing the number of Associate Degree places, which will benefit UTAS and other regional universities across the country.
The University of Tasmania will also receive $1.3 million from the National Critical Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) Agility Fund to ensure the continued effectiveness of the Integrated Marine Observing System.
The funding will enable UTAS to replace and upgrade priority infrastructure that will see the ongoing provision of data critical to the fishing industry, climate prediction and the resources sector.
NCRIS is a network of 222 institutions employing more than 1,700 highly skilled technical experts, researchers and facilities managers.
NCRIS facilities are used by more than 35,000 researchers across Australia and internationally.
The former Labor Government failed to provide ongoing funding for NCRIS.
The Coalition’s National Innovation and Science Agenda provided $1.5 billion to ensure that NCRIS continues to drive collaboration between researchers, government and industry to deliver practical outcomes such as the UTAS Integrated Marine Observing System.
3. Supporting jobs and smart cities in Tasmania
The investment in UTAS campus relocation will transform the CBDs of Launceston and Burnie, bringing thousands of students and new business opportunities that will energise these city centres.
The UTAS relocation presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for long-term jobs and growth in Launceston which will only be realised with tight coordination and integrated planning across all three levels of governments.
That is why the Turnbull Coalition is partnering in a City Deal for Launceston and committing to invest in the critical infrastructure that will deliver it.
The Coalition will provide a further $7.5 million to the Launceston City Council to accelerate these benefits and renew the Launceston CBD, making it an attractive and accessible place to work, study, visit and live.
The programme of works will upgrade civic spaces with paving, tree plantings, street furniture and art.
New areas and amenities for on-street dining, events and play spaces will be provided.
Safety and amenity will be improved with CCTV and lighting installations.
The main bus stop will be relocated and upgraded.
Pedestrian access will be improved with widened footpaths, signage and smart technology apps to promote access between attractions and other precincts, including the new UTAS Inveresk campus which will connect to the CBD via a new pedestrian bridge.
An additional 55 wireless access points will be provided across the city providing seamless internet access all the way to the new UTAS campus.
The Launceston City Heart Project is a major development project, providing 138 new jobs during the construction phase and in excess of 317 direct jobs in the retail, tourism and services sectors in the CBD.
The award-winning $18.1 million Launceston City Heart project is the largest project ever undertaken by the City of Launceston.
Our investment in Launceston puts the Coalition’s Smart Cities Plan into action, with smart investment, smart policy and smart technology maximising the potential of all cities, big and small.
4. $25 million into a locally-led Regional Tasmania Jobs and Investment Package
The Coalition will invest $25 million into a locally-led Regional Tasmania Jobs and Investment Package.
Our jobs package will help create local jobs and growth,
build a highly skilled local workforce
take advantage of export opportunities and diversify the regional economy
Grants under the Regional Tasmania Jobs and Investment Package will be awarded through three streams: support for businesses to grow and bring forward expansion plans
building local infrastructure
investment in skills and training programmes to build a highly skilled local workforce
These grants will assist local businesses in Launceston, Devonport, Burnie and other areas across regional Tasmania to grow, as well as encourage new businesses to enter the region, creating new sustainable jobs.
Grants will attract at least matching co-investment so the total investment in regional Tasmania will be at least $50 million.
Previous Tasmanian jobs incentive packages since 2013 have demonstrated the enduring year-on-year returns that these packages bring.
For example, the recent Tasmanian Jobs and Investment fund will deliver 800 new jobs in Tasmania and leverage almost $100 million in new investment.
Our commitment will help ensure additional jobs growth and investment in Tasmania.
5. A global centre for Antarctic research
The Coalition is investing over $2.1 billion to enhance Tasmania’s status as a global hub for Antarctic research hubs and the premier Gateway to East Antarctica.
We have signed a contract for Australia’s new icebreaker, amounting to a $1.9 billion investment, with the custom built ship due to arrive in Australia in mid-2020.
More than $1.1 billion (around 80 per cent) of the operations and maintenance spend will be in Australia, with the majority expected in Tasmania.
The new icebreaker will help to further expand Tasmania’s role as the gateway to Antarctica, and is great news for jobs and growth in the state.
Australian company DMS Maritime Pty Ltd will project manage the overall ship design and building process and will then operate and maintain the icebreaker from its home port of Hobart.
The Coalition’s commitment to a new icebreaker is the single biggest investment in the history of the Australian Antarctic programme.
Our commitment will support operations and science and ensure Tasmania is the scientific partner of choice in East Antarctica.
In addition to funding for the icebreaker, the Australian Antarctic Strategy is supported with $255 million new funding – this includes $55 million for infrastructure and $200 million for sustainable ongoing funding for the Australian Antarctic programme.
A modern icebreaker is essential for the resupply of Australia’s Antarctic research stations and to lead a world-class science programme.
The state-of-the-art icebreaker will be uniquely tailored to meet Australia’s needs, and will be faster, larger, and stronger than the Australian Antarctic programme’s current icebreaker, Aurora Australis and also offers increased endurance and icebreaking capability.
The new ship provides a modern platform for marine science research in both sea ice and open water, and a moon pool for launching and retrieving remotely operated underwater vehicles.
The Coalition is making Tasmania a global centre for Antarctic research and science and the partner of choice in East Antarctica.
6. Tourism
Tourism is a vital part of the Australian economy, contributing more than $120 billion to the Australian economy last year.
Tourism is also critical to regional Australia, with 45 cents in every tourism dollar spent in regional Australia.
Over half (52 per cent) of Tasmania’s tourism businesses are located in regional areas.
Tourism is particularly important to jobs
and growth in Tasmania and drives nine per cent of Tasmania’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The tourism industry employs approximately 37,000 Tasmanians.
The Coalition will support tourism,
jobs
and growth in Tasmania.
Tasmania has been leading Australia in record growth in both domestic and international visitor numbers and expenditure and is well positioned to capture the demand of mainland Australians and the emerging middle class of Asia.
In 2015, international visitation to Tasmania grew by 20 per cent to 211,788 visitors and spend by these visitors grew by 34 per cent to $351 million.
In the same period, domestic visitor nights grew by 17 per cent to 10.9 million nights and overnight trip expenditure grew 20 per cent to $2.2 billion.
Consumer research by Tourism Australia found that one of Australia’s greatest drawcards is the quality of its natural attractions.
|Australia is rated number one in the world when it comes to world class beauty and natural environment, and Tasmania delivers on this quality in spades.
We will: provide $3.8 million to facilitate the completion of the Three Capes Track.
The Track is a shining example of Tasmania’s high-end eco-tourism offering.
Completion of the third track will create jobs during construction and allow its full potential to be realised, benefiting the Tasmanian economy.
provide $1 million to the Cradle Coast Authority to enable the Cradle Mountain Master Plan to progress to an investment-ready stage.
Our funding will support the development of a full business case and economic impact statement, further detailed design work and engineering advice, and the preliminary environmental assessments needed to enable the project to proceed.
provide $70,000 to undertake a demand study into the “Geeves Effect” tourism development proposal for southern Tasmania.
The “Geeves Effect” is a tourism proposal in southern Tasmania encompassing the development of a wilderness precinct for tourism accommodation and activity adjacent to the Tasmania World Heritage Area at Lake Geeves.
The “Geeves Effect” has the potential to unlock the tourism potential of Australia’s highest cliffs in one of the world’s most significant natural World Heritage Areas by creating an environmentally sustainable and demand-driving tourism drawcard.
These projects have the potential to create more jobs
and growth in Tasmania, providing unique destinations for tourist activity.
7. Establish a National Institute for Forest Products Innovation research hub
The Coalition will commit $4 million to establish a National Institute for Forest Products Innovation.
The Institute will operate as a dispersed network model with one hub in Launceston, based at the University of Tasmania, and another hub based in Mt Gambier in South Australia’s Green Triangle.
Each hub will receive $2 million in funding.
Forestry is worth $1 billion to Tasmania and employs close to 3,500 people across the value chain.
Our forests provide significant economic and environmental benefits to all Australians—so we need a clear plan for how we manage them into the future to capitalise on the opportunities before us.
To take full advantage of the Coalition’s commitment to the 20 year Regional Forest Agreements, the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation will support the forest industry’s focus on high-value outcomes and its contribution to low carbon, low energy economies.
Innovation in forest management, timber processing, wood fibre recovery, advanced manufacturing and the bio-economy will ensure a strong future for this critical Tasmanian industry.
8. Delivering infrastructure for Tasmania
The Coalition is investing nearly $1 billion in the infrastructure Tasmania needs.
We provided $400 million toward the upgrade of the Midland Highway, contributed an additional $60 million for the Tranche II irrigation projects managed by Tasmanian Irrigation, invested $60 million in Freight Rail Revitalisation and provided $26 million to upgrade the Brooker Highway.
Since the 2013 election, more than $45 million has been invested in local transport infrastructure projects.
Our investment in the Midland Highway is generating 260 jobs.
Further jobs are being created in local communities from our investments in local infrastructure around the state.
Tasmania is also benefitting from the Coalition’s commitment to extend from 2019 a number of programmes that fund upgrades to local roads including: Roads to Recovery – $400 million per year, Maintenance – $350 million per year, Black Spots – $60 million per year, Bridges Renewal – $60 million per year and Heavy Vehicle Safety – $40 million per year programmes.
We are also delivering an additional $60 million commitment to extend the successful Mobile Black Spot Programme.
9. Promoting exports
Trade and investment create job opportunities for Australians.
More than 450,000 jobs have been created since the Coalition came to government.
We delivered break-through free trade agreements with China, Japan and South Korea and upgraded our free trade agreement with Singapore.
These free trade agreements are delivering thousands of jobs and growth opportunities for Australian businesses.
Up to 10,000 new jobs are expected to be created in the financial services sector alone by 2030.
In the first year of operation, our agreements with South Korea and Japan delivered real benefits for the agricultural sector: the value of Australian exports of fresh beef to Japan increased by 22 per cent to just over $1 billion; exports of bottled wine to South Korea increased 53 per cent; and China’s imports of fresh Australian lobster between January and March were triple those of 12 months ago.
The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association has said that the China-Australia free trade agreement will: “…open bilateral investment opportunities in agriculture that have eluded us for far too long…It’s absolutely amazing when you see the scale and interest in Tasmania from here.”
The Launceston-based Oz Honey, the largest honey company in Tasmania, will see a 15 per cent tariff on honey products entirely eliminated over four years.
The Tasmanian Salmonid Growers Association has said: “This FTA [between China and Australia] clearly opens many doors for Tasmanian seafood producers. Tasmania is in a prime spot to benefit. Until now, the absence of a bilateral FTA with China has meant Australian producers and exporters have faced significant tariffs on agricultural products and have been at a competitive disadvantage with respect to countries that already have an FTA with China – including New Zealand, Chile and the ASEAN nations.” [2]
Tasmania will be a clear winner from our free trade agreements: Tasmania exported $116.5 million of milk and milk products internationally this past financial year.
Under our free trade agreement with China, the 15 per cent tariff on liquid milk is being progressively eliminated.
Tasmania exported $56.5 million of fruit and vegetables internationally this past financial year, including berries and carrots.
Under our free trade agreement with China, berries currently face a tariff into China of up to 25 per cent.
Carrots face a tariff into China of 13 per cent.
Both of these tariffs are being progressively eliminated.
Tasmania exported $147.1 million of seafood internationally this past financial year.
Salmon faces a tariff of 12 per cent on current exports to China, but under this agreement will be progressively eliminated.
Australia’s economy will be $24 billion larger by 2035 because of the Coalition’s free trade agreements with China, Japan and South Korea.
The free trade agreements with China, Japan and South Korea are forecast to create some 7,900 jobs this year and over 14,500 jobs in 2020.
10. Delivering a tax cut for Tasmanian business
The Coalition will deliver a corporate tax cut for Australia’s small businesses.
Our commitment will mean greater cash flow for small businesses, giving them more capacity to invest, grow their business, employ more people, and push their products or services into new markets.
From 1 July 2016, small businesses will have their corporate tax rate progressively reduced.
On 1 July 2016, the tax rate will fall to 27.5 per cent.
This 27.5 per cent rate will be gradually extended to all companies, before falling to 27 per cent on 1 July 2024, 26 percent on 1 July 2025 and 25 per cent on 1 July 2026.
Because not all small businesses are incorporated, from 1 July 2016, unincorporated businesses with annual turnover less than $5 million will be able to access an increased unincorporated tax discount of 8 per cent, capped at $1,000.
Our commitment will support Australian business and Australia’s tourism sector.
11. New mobile base stations in Tasmania under the Coalition’s $220 million Mobile Black Spot Programme
Tasmania will receive improved mobile phone coverage if the Coalition is re-elected as part of an additional $60 million commitment on top of the $160 million already invested in mobile black spots to extend the successful Mobile Black Spot Programme.
New mobile base stations across Tasmania in Blackstone Heights; Flinders Island; Beechford, Lefroy; Musselroe Bay; Gunns Plains; Sulphur Creek; Devonport; Yolla; Murdunna; Wilmot; and Lachlan will bring a much-needed boost to mobile coverage, providing benefits to emergency service operators, businesses, and residents.
This is in addition to the 29 base stations currently being constructed in Tasmania under our previous round of the programme for Melrose; Elliott; Gawler; Loyetea; Sisters Beach; South Riana; Takone; Nunamara; Lulworth; Targa; Rossarden; Mole Creek; Cramps Bay; Whitefoord; Bicheno; Buckland; Miena; Pyengana; Swansea; Tarraleah; Apslawn; Brandum; Goshen; Wayatinah; Okehampton Beach; Bothwell; Hamilton; Steppes; and Little Swanport.
The Coalition is investing $220 million into fixing mobile black spots; in six years of government Labor invested $0.
The Coalition’s $220 million plan to address mobile black spots will ensure that Tasmania has far wider and more reliable mobile phone coverage.
The Choice
The Coalition has invested in Tasmania.
We expanded the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme, created a Major Projects Approvals Agency to expedite investment in Tasmania, provided $400 million toward the upgrade of the Midland Highway, contributed an additional $60 million for the Tranche II irrigation projects managed by Tasmanian Irrigation, and invested nearly $2 billion to acquire Australia’s new icebreaker to further support Tasmania as the gateway to Antarctica.
We have also strongly supported the University of Tasmania over the last three years and are committed to lifting aspiration and education outcomes.
Over the last three years student numbers at UTAS have increased by 10 per cent and the Coalition has increased UTAS’ funding for teaching and learning by 23 per cent.
The university has received $68 million in ARC competitive grants.
UTAS also receives the second highest regional loading funding of any university from the Commonwealth.
It represents 4 per cent of those universities in receipt of the subsidy yet its share of the total pool is more than 13 per cent.
The Coalition has released a higher education reform policy options paper to enable further engagement with the sector and stakeholders to chart a path to a fair, accessible, affordable and innovative world-class higher education system.
Since 2009, taxpayer funding for student tuition has grown by 59 per cent while nominal GDP growth over the same period has been 29 per cent.
The growth in taxpayer funding for student tuition is at twice the rate of the growth in the economy.
When Labor was last in government it announced $6.6 billion worth of cuts to higher education and research.
The Coalition has supported extending the demand driven funding system to sub-bachelor places in universities.
Labor has twice voted against this in Parliament and has ruled it out in the future.
UTAS estimates 8,000 students would benefit from Associate Degrees in Tasmania.
The Coalition is delivering the largest investment in Australia’s infrastructure in our history as part of our economic plan for jobs and growth.
We have committed over $50 billion to 2019-20 in critical road and rail infrastructure.
Costs
The Coalition will provide a capped contribution of $150 million to the University of Tasmania’s $300 million plan to relocate and develop its Launceston and Burnie campuses.
We commit a further $7.5 million to the Launceston City Council to support the $18 million Launceston City Heart Project.
The Coalition will commit $4 million to establish a National Institute for Forest Products Innovation.
The Institute will operate as a dispersed network model.
The Coalition will provide $2 million to the establishment of the hub at UTAS in Launceston.
We will also commit $3.8 million to facilitate the completion of the Three Capes Track, $1 million to progress the Cradle Mountain Master Plan to an investment-ready stage and $70,000 to develop a demand study for the Geeves Effect tourism proposal.
A SAFE AND PROSPEROUS AUSTRALIA
Key Commitments
The Government is strengthening Australia’s national security and
enhancing our prosperity after years of mismanagement by Labor.
Our economic diplomacy strategy is delivering real benefits to Australian businesses and our economy and is generating jobs.
The Coalition’s emphasis on consultation and mutual respect is building trust in Australia as a reliable partner of choice in the Indo-Pacific region.
We are broadening and deepening our bilateral relationships with key strategic and economic partners including the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Singapore and Indonesia.
We are keeping Australians safe from terrorism by cancelling the passports of foreign fighters, making it an offence for Australians to enter declared terrorist-controlled areas in Syria and Iraq and working closely with regional friends and partners.
We are refocusing Australia’s diplomatic, trade and development efforts on our region.
We are delivering a sustainable, effective and affordable aid program that helps developing countries reduce poverty and promote sustainable economic growth, giving priority to women and girls, education, health and aid-for-trade.
The Government’s student overseas study program, the New Colombo Plan, is supporting Australian university students to study and undertake internships in more than 35 countries in our region.
This is building a generation of future Australian leaders with deeper understanding of our region and relationships to last a lifetime.
The Coalition’s foreign policy prepares Australia for the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century by: expanding Australia’s overseas diplomatic presence
boosting Australia’s crisis response capability
establishing regional health security partnerships
supporting a Pacific Women Mentoring Programme
developing a contemporary foreign policy strategy that builds on our achievements and focuses on 21st century challenges and opportunities
Our Plan for a Safe and Prosperous Australia
The Coalition’s commitments will strengthen Australia’s international engagement
, protect our national security
and enhance the prosperity of the Australian people.
1. Expanding Australia’s overseas diplomatic presence
The Coalition will invest $58 million over four years to expand Australia’s overseas diplomatic presence as part of our economic diplomacy strategy, which is enhancing our country’s prosperity and creating jobs.
These new missions will increase market access for Australian businesses in the global economy, strengthen our national security, and enhance our ability to provide consular assistance to Australians working and travelling overseas.
Since 2013 the Coalition has established eight new diplomatic missions and Austrade posts – the largest single expansion in over 40 years.
2. Enhancing Australia’s crisis response capability
The Coalition will invest $8 million over four years to boost Australia’s crisis response capability.
We will establish a Global Watch Office, staffed 24 hours a day, to provide timely and accurate advice on emergency situations overseas, enhancing Australia’s capacity to respond to crises anywhere in the world.
The shooting down of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine and other recent global emergencies, including terrorist attacks in France, Belgium and Turkey, and natural disasters in our region, have highlighted the need to enhance Australia’s crisis response capability.
3.Establishing a regional health security partnerships fund
The Coalition will invest $100 million over five years to establish a regional health security partnership fund to harness Australia’s world leading research institutions, scientific expertise, innovators and entrepreneurs to improve health outcomes in our part of the world.
The regional health security partnership fund will sponsor partnerships with academic, private sector, non-government and medical institutions to tackle the emerging health security risks in our region.
Our commitment will also support internships for Australian medical and research students and young professionals to undertake work in partner institutions in the region.
The Coalition’s commitment will be funded from the official development assistance budget.
4. Supporting a Pacific Women Mentoring Programme
The Coalition will invest $5.4 million over five years to support a mentoring programme that connects female leaders in Australia with emerging women leaders in our region.
Through exchanges and forums, Australian women will provide cross border support to emerging women leaders in the public and private sector.
The programme will encourage women to take on leadership roles, particularly in policy making, and deepen people-to-people links between Australia and nations in our region.
The empowerment of women in our region is a crucial pillar in building peace and stability.
The Coalition’s commitment will be funded from the official development assistance budget.
5. Developing a contemporary foreign policy strategy for the 21st century
The Coalition will develop a contemporary and comprehensive foreign policy strategy within twelve months of the election to build on our achievements over the past three years and to focus on the challenges, including new and emerging threats, and the opportunities that lie ahead.
The last Australian foreign policy strategy was produced by the Howard Government in 2003.
The strategy will include analysis of the international opportunities and challenges that Australia faces in the 21st century, and will guide foreign policy and diplomatic efforts for the future.
As a liberal democracy committed to the rule of law and an open export orientated market economy, Australia must continue to be a significant voice on the world stage to protect our national interest.
The Choice
The Coalition has delivered significant commitments to strengthen Australia’s foreign engagement.
Since the 2013 election, the Coalition has:concluded free trade agreements with three of our largest export markets – China, Japan and South Korea – after six years of Labor indecision and inaction
strengthened Australia’s national security, introducing new laws to keep Australians safe from terrorism and combatting ISIL in Syria and Iraq
launched a student overseas study program, the New Colombo Plan, to support Australian university students to study and undertake internships in the region
implemented an economic diplomacy strategy to support jobs and growth in Australia
promoted Australia’s interests at the United Nations Security Council, playing a lead role in the international response to the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine
opened eight new diplomatic missions and Austrade posts around the world – the single largest expansion of our overseas presence in 40 years
established the innovationXchange to develop bold and creative solutions to development challenges in our region
created new partnerships with the private sector to deliver development outcomes
strengthened Australia’s relationships with key strategic and economic partners including the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Singapore and Indonesia
enhanced Australia’s engagement with Pacific Island countries, including normalising relations with Fiji and leading international recovery and reconstruction efforts in Vanuatu and Fiji following devastating tropical cyclones
established a school of government in PNG
Throughout its time in Government, Labor’s rushed decision making and obsession with the media cycle damaged Australia’s important bilateral relationships.
From unilaterally cancelling Australia’s live cattle trade with Indonesia to announcing a regional processing centre in Timor-Leste without proper consultation, Labor’s efforts focused on addressing its domestic political failures, rather than serving the national interest.
Labor would scrap the Coalition’s economic diplomacy agenda, which is creating new jobs for Australian workers through increased trade and investment.
Costs
The Coalition’s policy for a safe and prosperous Australia will not place additional costs on the Budget.
A STRONG NEW ECONOMY
In this very uncertain world, Australia needs a strong economic plan for jobs and families.
Our Plan will provide growth, jobs and a secure future for Australian families through:
An innovation and science programme bringing more great Australian ideas to market, providing tax incentives to invest in start-up businesses and
helping prepare our children for the jobs of the future by boosting participation in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
A defence industry plan that will secure the nation
and supports innovative Australian companies,
local advanced manufacturing and hi-tech jobs, particularly in regional Australia.
Export trade deals to generate new business opportunities, give our farmers a competitive edge and open doors into expanding markets for our service industries.
Tax cuts and incentives for small businesses and hard working families.
A sustainable budget with crackdowns on tax avoidance and loopholes
The restoration of the rule of law in the construction industry by re-establishing the Australian Building and Construction Commission.
We are restoring honesty and fairness to the workplace relations system.
Our Plan will deliver the benefits of a growing economy and a better community to all Australians.
Our Plan will deliver a strong new economy with more than 200,000 new jobs for Australian workers.
Our Economic Plan is seeing results:
The Australian economy is growing at 3% a year – faster than any of the G7 economies.
Around 300,000 new jobs were created last year, the strongest growth in employment since 2007.
The Coalition is directing every lever of policy to secure our nation’s prosperity and economic security for the 21st century.
SUPPORTING AUSTRALIA’S FARMERS AND EXPORTERS
Australia’s export trade agreements with China, Japan and South Korea – three of our four largest export markets – will set Australia up for the long term.
These agreements will grow our economy, create jobs and benefit consumers.
Independent economic modelling has found that together these three free trade agreements will, over the next two decades, create many thousands of new jobs, make households more than $4,000 better off and boost GDP by almost $25 billion.
For Australian consumers and businesses, the new trade agreements will also place downward pressure on the prices of some goods, such as vehicles, electronics, clothes and household appliances.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) promises even greater benefits for Australian exporters and investors in the fast growing Asia-Pacific region.
We are negotiating further export agreements with India, Indonesia, and regional and Pacific nations and have agreed to negotiate an FTA with the 28-member European Union, creating even greater opportunities for Australian businesses.
China
Australians are already benefitting from the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement through greater market access for Australian goods and services.
This is the most liberalising FTA that China has ever undertaken.
96% of Australian exports to China will be tariff free once this agreement is fully implemented.
Farmers will benefit with the complete removal of tariffs of key exports such as dairy, beef, lamb, wine, horticulture and seafood.
The China FTA also opens opportunities in China for Australian private hospitals, providers of aged care services, telecommunications companies and a wide range of other service providers.
Japan
The Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement is the most ambitious trade deal Japan has concluded with any other country.
When fully implemented, more than 97% of Australian exports will enter Japan – the world’s third-largest economy – duty free or with preferential access.
The tariffs on our biggest agricultural export to Japan – beef – will almost be halved, while tariffs will be eliminated on other key agricultural exports, including a range of wine, seafood, processed food, fruit, vegetables and nuts.
Australia will also gain new levels of access to the Japanese market for a range of services.
Australian consumers will also benefit from downward pressure on prices for Japanese cars and parts and a range of household items including whitegoods and electronics through the elimination of tariffs.
South Korea
Under this agreement, almost 100% of all Australian exports to Korea will be able to enter duty free on full implementation of the Agreement.
Independent economic modelling estimates that, by 2030, exports of agricultural goods to South Korea will be 73% higher,
manufacturing exports will be 53% higher and mining exports will be 17% higher than would otherwise be the case.
Trans-Pacific Partnership
Our goods and services exports to the Trans-Pacific Partnership markets were worth $107 billion in 2014-15 – a third of all our exports.
The TPP will deliver substantial new trade and investment opportunities and greater access to the world’s most dynamic economies for our service industries.
Stronger Farmers, Stronger Economy
The opportunities for the agricultural sector are enormous.
We sit on the edge of the strongest growing region in the world, we have a developed agriculture sector with sound prospects for expansion, we have food safety, animal welfare, biosecurity and environmental credentials that are world-class and we have a well-educated and skilled workforce.
The Coalition is focused on delivering agricultural policies that deliver: increased returns for farmers at the farm gate;
a fairer go for farm businesses;
building 21st Century water, transport and communications infrastructure;
strengthening our approach to drought and risk management to boost farm resilience;
a smarter approach to farming based on a strong research and development system; and
access to premium markets.
Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper
The Coalition has delivered and implemented the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, a $4 billion investment in Australia’s farmers, strengthening the agricultural sector to ensure it remains competitive.
Through the White Paper, the Coalition is lowering tax, putting in place clearer drought support measures, cutting red and green tape, building infrastructure, encouraging trade, developing northern Australia and supporting business to innovate and create jobs.
The White Paper delivers the $500 million National Water Infrastructure Development Fund to plan for and build the water infrastructure, including new dams and pipelines, needed to secure growth in agricultural production and regional communities.
National Water Infrastructure Loan Facility
The Coalition Government will make available $2 billion over 10 years for loans to the state and territory governments under a new National Water Infrastructure Loan Facility.
The loan facility will be available from 2016-17 to enhance the capital available for water infrastructure projects, stimulating and accelerating investments in water infrastructure in regional areas by the states.
This will include the construction of new dams, pipelines and managed aquifer recharge projects that are economically viable and will generate affordable water to grow regional economies.
Access to affordable water will be a key influence over the extent to which Australia’s farm and food sectors can realise export growth opportunities and meet growing demand from population growth.
Drought assistance for farmers
The Coalition is committed to supporting farmers – as well as the rural communities they help to sustain – to prepare for, manage through and recover from drought and adverse conditions.
The Coalition has delivered more than $710 million in drought assistance and support to farmers and rural communities experiencing hardship.
$2.5 billion has been set aside over the next 10 years for drought concessional loans, on top of more than $426 million paid out in approved concessional loans to over 800 farm businesses so far.
We are delivering support to farmers in need by enhancing the Rural Financial Counselling Service and have introduced the Farm Household Allowance, which is a fortnightly payment that has so far assisted 6,000 farmers.
Research and Development
The Coalition has always been a strong supporter of the agricultural research and development (R&D) system including collection of grower levies supported by matching Commonwealth funding.
The Coalition delivering on its commitment to boost agricultural innovation and competitiveness by investing in the Research and Development for Profit program, for which $78 million in R&D projects have been approved.
In the White Paper the Coalition delivered a further $100 million for the R&D for Profit, extending the program to 2021-22.
INNOVATION AND SCIENCE AGENDA
The Coalition Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda will help create a strong new economy with more jobs, by investing in the talents and ideas of the Australian people.
PricewaterhouseCoopers has estimated an innovation focussed Australian economy has the potential to add $37 billion to GDP in 2024 and as much as $136 billion in 2034
– as well as creating more than 540,000 new jobs.
The Coalition is investing $1.1 billion to incentivise innovation and entrepreneurship and help bring more great Australian ideas to market, by:
Providing tax incentives to encourage investment in innovative start-ups so they can survive and thrive;
Attracting more venture capital investment into high potential start-ups;
Making it easier for aspiring entrepreneurs to access crowd-sourced equity funding;
Helping small businesses attract world-class staff by improving employee share schemes;
Providing long-term funding certainty for cutting-edge, national research infrastructure.
The Agenda will also help prepare our children for the jobs of the future by boosting participation in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in schools.
The National Innovation and Science Agenda focuses on four priority areas:
Culture and capital – to help businesses embrace risk and incentivise early stage investment in start-ups;
Collaboration – to increase the level of engagement between businesses, universities and the research sector to commercialise ideas and solve problems;
Talent and skills – to train Australian students for the jobs of the future and attract the world’s most innovative talent to Australia; and
Government as an exemplar – leading by example in the way it invests in and uses technology and data to deliver better quality services.
For more details about specific measures, click here. (LINK to Australian Liberal Party webpage)
PROTECTING OUR BORDERS
The Coalition has stopped the boats.
We have restored the integrity of Australia’s borders and have stopped the deaths at sea.
The Coalition removed all children who arrived by boat from detention in Australia. In contrast, Labor detained more than 8,500 children over six years.
Stopping the boats has also enabled the Government to close 17 detention centres saving the Budget $3 billion.
The Coalition has re-introduced Temporary Protection Visas,
commenced processing Labor’s legacy caseload of more than 30,000 illegal maritime arrivals and will continue to return those found not to be owed protection and those that commit serious crimes.
The Coalition has also restored integrity to the Refugee and Humanitarian Programme.
According to UNHCR data, Australia is one of the three most generous nations when it comes to permanently resettling refugees.
This year 13,750 places will be made available for resettlement in Australia rising to 18,750 in 2018/19. Once again these places are going to those most in need around the world, not people arriving by boat.
Stopping the boats also enabled Australia to take an additional 12,000 refugees from the conflicts in Syria and Iraq.
The first of these refugees have arrived and they are starting new lives in Australia. The Government continues to ensure that all visa grants are subject to strict security and other checks.
The Government has also established the Australian Border Force – streamlining and integrating agencies to better protect the nation’s borders and keep Australia safe and secure.
The Australian Border Force is partnering with the Australian Federal Police to combat border related crime, catch dangerous drugs like Ice at the border and target national security threats with dedicated Counter Terrorism Units at Australia’s major airports.
The Coalition will always be resolute in protecting our borders and we will stick to the policies that work.
BACKING SMALL BUSINESS
Small business is the engine room of the Australian economy, employing 4.7 million Australians.
Small and medium businesses are driving jobs growth in Australia and must continue to do so.
That is why last year, we announced:
A 1.5 percentage point tax cut for incorporated small businesses with a turnover of less than $2 million per year;
A 5% tax discount for unincorporated small businesses;
Immediate tax deductions for each and every asset purchased up to $20,000;
Immediate deductibility of professional expenses when establishing new small businesses.
The Coalition Government’s Ten Year Enterprise Tax Plan will support growth, higher wages and jobs by lowering the tax rate for companies over time to an internationally competitive level.
We will: Cut the small business company tax rate to 27.5 per cent for small businesses with a turnover less than $10 million.
Increase the unincorporated tax discount from 5 per cent to 8 per cent, capped at $1,000 for small businesses with a turnover less than $5 million.
Extend access to the instant asset write off so that small businesses with a turnover less than $10 million can instantly deduct each and every asset under $20,000.
Make life easier by simplifying Business Activity Statements (BAS), reducing reporting labels from seven to three.
The company tax rate will be progressively lowered to 25 per cent by 2026-27 for all companies.
We are also supporting small business by:
Cutting red tape by $4.5 billion, including simplifying the process for establishing an employee share scheme and removing almost 450,000 small businesses from the PAYG system;
Opening new markets by signing export trade agreements with China, Korea and Japan;
Extending protections against unfair contract terms to small businesses;
Appointing the first ever Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.
The Coalition is also fixing Australia’s competition laws to help small to medium companies compete with larger established ones and to ensure they’re not shut out of markets unfairly by the big players.
Adopting the recommendations of the Harper Review, the Coalition will repeal the current Section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act and replace it with a new provision that prevents firms with substantial market power from engaging in conduct that has the purpose, effect or likely effect of substantially lessening competition.
This will prevent the misuse of market power and benefit small businesses.
It will enhance competition, support innovation, benefit consumers and boost jobs and growth.
This is an important reform for Australia’s more than two million small businesses.
CLEANING UP THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
The Coalition will reintroduce the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC), to restore the rule of law in the construction industry.
The construction industry employs more than 1 million Australians, in around 340,000 (predominantly small) businesses.
Unfortunately, bullying, intimidation and lawlessness are rife.
As at March 2016, there were over 100 officials of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) before the courts for allegedly breaching workplace laws.
Currently, around 2 out of every 3 working days lost to industrial disputes are in the construction industry.
Since Labor abolished the ABCC, the number of working days lost to industrial disputes in the construction industry has increased by 34%.
Re-establishing the ABCC is critical for jobs, growth and our transition to a strong new economy.
Restoring the rule of law to the construction industry is also critical for Australia’s ability to afford the infrastructure of the 21st century.
An honest and fair workplace relations system
The recent Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption found a “widespread” and “deep-seated” culture of lawlessness.
It concluded: “it is clear that in many parts of the world constituted by Australian trade union officials, there is room for louts, thugs, bullies, thieves, perjurers, those who threaten violence, errant fiduciaries and organisers of boycotts”.
The Royal Commission referred 93 individuals and entities for further investigation for breach of the civil or criminal law, but conceded “it would be utterly naive to think that what has been uncovered is anything other than the small tip of an enormous iceberg”.
The Coalition’s Registered Organisations Bill will restore honesty and fairness to the workplace relations system.
It will strengthen existing financial accounting, disclosure and transparency obligations and establish the Registered Organisations Commission – a new, independent regulator with increased powers to monitor and regulate registered organisations.
This will ensure union members can be confident their membership fees are being spent lawfully and in their interests – not in the interests of union bosses.
It will also ensure our workplace relations system delivers more jobs and economic growth.
HELPING FAMILIES GET AHEAD
The Coalition is committed to helping Australian families to get ahead.
Making a start on income tax relief
Middle income Australians are bearing a growing tax burden.
Without action, the average full time wage earner would face the second highest marginal tax rate this year and nearly half of all taxpayers would be in the top two brackets in ten years’ time.
The Coalition Government is giving hard working Australians greater incentive to earn more without being taxed more.
The Government will prevent average full time wage earners from moving into the second top tax bracket until 2019-20 by increasing the 32.5 per cent tax threshold from $80,000 to $87,000.
This will stop around 500,000 taxpayers facing the 37 per cent marginal tax rate.
By pushing up the tax threshold on the middle tax bracket we’ll keep full time average wage earners on the lower rate for longer.
This will reward hard working Australians for doing more overtime, picking up more shifts, taking a promotion or a better new job, without being penalised by paying more tax through the higher rate.
This change also builds on the tax cuts provided to those on incomes of less than $80,000 to compensate for the carbon tax.
By abolishing the carbon tax and keeping this tax relief, we delivered a genuine tax cut for those earning up to $80,000 a year.
More accessible and affordable childcare
The Government’s more than $3 billion Jobs for Families child care package will make child care simpler, more affordable and more accessible for almost one million Australian families.
As a result of these reforms, families with incomes of between $65,000 and $170,000 will be around $30 a week – or $1,500 a year – better off.
A strong safety net will provide additional learning opportunities for children in low income families or at-risk children, as well as those in the care of their grandparents.
Under Labor, the cost of childcare increased by over 50% in just 6 years. Our reforms will put downward pressure on child care costs.
To protect children from diseases, our “no-jab, no pay” rule is removing access to family and child care payments for parents who don’t vaccinate their children.
Real jobs for young Australians
To get more young Australians into work, the Coalition Government has created a new Youth Jobs PaTH (Prepare-Trial-Hire) Programme.
Youth Jobs PaTH provides young Australians with intensive pre-employment skills training followed by an internship placement.
Up to 30,000 job seekers each year will gain a four to twelve week placement in an industry of their choosing.
And employers who hire an eligible young job seeker in an ongoing job will receive an accelerated wage subsidy of up to $10,000, paid over six months.
Guranteed funding for health and education
The Government will also provide an additional $1.2 billion between 2018 and 2020 for schools, contingent upon reform efforts by the States and the non-government schools sector to improve education outcomes.
Because evidence tells us that increased funding alone won’t improve outcomes, we’re focussing on the quality of teachers and teaching, the teaching of reading and maths and the engagement of parents.
Through a recent agreement with all states and territories, the Coalition Government will boost funding to public hospitals by around $2.9 billion (an increase of up to 6.5% a year) over the next three years.
As part of this Agreement, the quality of health care will be improved, with better coordinated care for people with chronic disease and by reducing the number of avoidable hospital readmissions.
Protecting negative gearing
We will not remove or limit negative gearing – that would increase the tax burden on Australians who are just trying to invest and provide a future for their families.
Negative gearing is used by over 1 million Australians, two thirds of whom have taxable incomes below $80,000.
Banning excessive surcharges on credit cards
The Coalition Government has passed laws to protect consumers by banning excessive surcharges on credit cards.
This will ensure customers are charged no more than the amount that reflects the merchant’s costs in accepting that payment.
Protecting savings
The Coalition has also dumped Labor’s Bank Deposits Tax – to protect the savings of hard-working Australians.
This would have imposed costs of $1.5 billion on Australians with bank savings.
We also reversed a decision made by Bill Shorten as Financial Services Minister to take inactive bank accounts and life insurance policies after just 3 years (as opposed to 7 years).
This raid on savings by Mr Shorten meant $550 million was taken from 156,000 people in 2012-13 alone.
No carbon tax
The Coalition will continue to fight Labor’s plans to reintroduce a Carbon Tax, which would put more pressure on family budgets.
The removal of their last Carbon Tax is saving average households around $550 per year.
A STRONGER DEFENCE FORCE
The Government has no higher responsibility than keeping Australia safe and secure.
The Coalition has a responsible, long-term plan for Australia’s national security.
The Coalition is committed to building a more potent, agile and engaged Australian Defence Force (ADF), ready to respond whenever our interests are threatened or our help is needed.
To do this, we will increase Defence funding by $29.9 billion over the next ten years
and deliver on our 2013 election commitment to return Defence spending to 2% of GDP within the decade.
We are investing in new capability, including:A continuous naval shipbuilding program, commencing with nine Future Frigates and 12 Offshore Patrol Vessels;
Twelve new regionally-superior submarines to be built in Adelaide,
creating around 2,800 jobs;
Enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, space, electronic warfare and cyber capabilities;
and
Support for Australian Defence Force personnel – providing them with the advanced training, modern equipment and health care they deserve.
The Government is also undertaking comprehensive upgrades of Defence infrastructure across Australia to support our larger future force, including at key bases.
This will also see the creation of local jobs.
A 21st Century Defence Industry
We are helping Australia develop a 21st century Defence industry, by investing $1.6 billion over 10 years in programs to build industry skills and drive competitiveness, while harnessing Australian innovation and expertise.
Our Defence industry plan will also help to create advanced manufacturing and hi-tech jobs, particularly in regional Australia.
Unlike Labor, our Defence plans have been independently costed to ensure they are achievable and affordable.
Labor’s record
Labor in government ripped $18 billion out of Defence and cut Defence spending, as a proportion of GDP, to the lowest level since 1938.
Labor’s decisions led to 119 defence projects being delayed, 43 projects being reduced and eight projects cancelled, risking critical capability gaps.
Labor also failed to place a single order at an Australian naval shipyard during its six years in office.
Under Labor the Australian Defence industry shed more than 10% of its workforce because of budget cuts and deferrals, procrastination and lack of opportunity for Australian suppliers.
COMBATTING TERRORISM
To protect Australians from the threat of terrorism, the Government has boosted funding for our law enforcement, intelligence and security agencies by $1.3 billion since August 2014.
This investment is improving our intelligence capability and strengthening our border security against terrorism, crime and other threats, originating both here and overseas.
To keep Australians safe, the Government has also established:
The National Disruption Group – bringing together Federal agencies and state and territory police to coordinate counter-terrorism disruption operations;
An AFP Online Targeting Team to identify perpetrators online and collect evidence;
Australian Border Force Counter-Terrorism Units at all eight Australian international airports and fast-tracked biometric screening; and
The Foreign Fighters Task Force which is using its unique coercive powers and wealth of criminal intelligence to uncover terrorist networks.
AUSTRAC is now using advanced data analytics to detect and act against terrorism financing risks.
The Government is increasing its investment in Countering Violent Extremism programs, to protect young people from the risk of online engagement with violent extremists.
We are also contributing to the global fight against terrorism, through Australia’s military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.
The Coalition has also strengthened laws to help our agencies to monitor, investigate, arrest and prosecute home-grown violent extremists and returning foreign fighters.
This includes:The ability to arrest terrorism suspects on lower thresholds (several recent arrests to prevent terrorist attacks would not have been possible without this);
The suspension of passports at short notice where ASIO is concerned an individual represents a security risk;
The ability to cancel welfare payments on security grounds;
The retention of metadata for two years, which agencies say is essential to most counter-terrorism investigations;
The designation of declared areas, making it an offence to travel to certain areas in the conflict zone without a legitimate purpose; and
Legislation to ensure terrorists who are dual nationals can be stripped of their Australian citizenship.
We have overseen the introduction of the new National Terrorism Threat Advisory System (NTTAS), which replaces the National Terrorism Threat System and the Public Alert System, to better inform the public about the likelihood and nature of an act of terrorism occurring in Australia.
In addition, the Coalition Government is also working with the states and territories to introduce new preventative detention protocols.
Labor’s record
Labor cut over $700 million from the Customs and Border Protection Service budget.
Despite evidence of the growing terror threat, in six years Labor didn’t pass a single law to strengthen national security agencies.
BUILDING AUSTRALIA’S INFRASTRUCTURE
The Coalition Government is investing a record $50 billion in Australia’s land infrastructure – to improve road and rail links, build dams and pipelines and support economic growth.
The Roads to Recovery funding for local roads has been increased by 83%, to $3.2 billion over the next four years
and $500 million has been allocated to fix road black spots, along with $300 million for the Bridges Renewal Programme.
As well as $248 million for the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programme for road upgrades on key freight routes to make them safer and boost productivity;
the Coalition’s commitment to the Inland Rail will transform freight movements through Victoria, NSW and South East Queensland and stimulate growth and prosperity in these regions.
As well, Infrastructure Australia has delivered the first ever 15 Year National Infrastructure Plan.
New South Wales
Pacific Highway
Four lane divided road from near Newcastle to Queensland, with crashes reduced and travel times cut by up to 2.5 hours.
16,500 direct and indirect jobs.
Victoria
Murray Basin Rail
Upgrading over 1000 km of rail line to provide an alternative to road freight.
276 jobs.
Great Ocean Road
Strengthening bridges and upgrading pavement, guardrails, cliff and land slip sites.
Urban Congestion and Regional Roads Packages
A number of projects that will relieve congestion in urban areas.
Upgrading rural and regional road infrastructure in Victoria.
Princes Highway West
Duplication to help bring regional communities together and link key industries to markets.
Queensland
Bruce Highway
Upgrades to improve safety, congestion and flood immunity.
Reducing travel times for motorists and freight – including a range of safety packages and overtaking lane projects, the duplication of the Boundary Road interchange and the upgrade at Yellow Gin Creek south of Ayr.
Gateway Motorway North
Widening from 4 to 6 lanes, improving access and better connecting the Bruce Highway, Northern Brisbane and the Port of Brisbane.
1,000 jobs.
Toowoomba Range Crossing
Cutting travel times and removing traffic from Toowoomba Town Centre.
1,800 jobs.
Western Australia
North-link WA
A new 40km highway to improve freight and save travel times through the Swan Valley.
Perth Freight Link
Providing a direct, free-flowing connection to the Port of Fremantle.
2,400 jobs.
South Australia
North South Corridor and Northern Connector project
Better connecting Adelaide’s port, airport and freight terminals.
The construction of a new 15.5 kilometre road linking the Northern Expressway to the northern end of the South Road Superway.
1,330 jobs.
Tasmania
Midland Highway Upgrade
Upgrade between Hobart and Launceston, to improve safety and freight delivery.
234 jobs.
Northern Territory
Tiger Brennan Drive
Duplication to improve safety and congestion.
120 direct jobs; 30 for Indigenous Australians.
Northern Australia
Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility
Unlocking the economic potential of the North through $5 billion in concessional loans that will deliver major economic infrastructure.
Northern Australia Roads
Priority road projects in key strategic corridors in Northern Australia
plus targeted upgrades to key roads necessary for transporting cattle and improving cattle supply chains in Northern Australia.
National Water Infrastructure Loan Facility
The Coalition Government will make available $2 billion over 10 years for loans to the state and territory governments under a new National Water Infrastructure Loan Facility.
The loan facility will be available from 2016-17 to enhance the capital available for water infrastructure projects, stimulating and accelerating investments in water infrastructure in regional areas by the states.
This will include the construction of new dams, pipelines and managed aquifer recharge projects that are economically viable and will generate affordable water to grow regional economies.
Access to affordable water will be a key influence over the extent to which Australia’s farm and food sectors can realise export growth opportunities and meet growing demand from population growth.
This compliments the $500 million National Water Infrastructure Development Fund to plan for and build the water infrastructure, including new dams and pipelines, needed to secure growth in agricultural production and regional communities.
National Stronger Regions Programme
The $1 billion National Stronger Regions Fund is supporting 162 job creating infrastructure projects in regional and disadvantaged communities across Australia.
Connecting regions to the National Broadband Network
We have put the NBN back on track to deliver high-speed broadband to all Australian homes and businesses by 2020.
In September 2013, fewer than three percent of Australian premises could obtain a service on the NBN.
Today over two million homes and businesses can access the NBN and there are more than 900,000 active users.
By completion, every user will have broadband speeds 4 to 10 times faster than today’s average.
Our plan is the fastest and most affordable way to deliver better broadband to all Australians by 2020.
Under Labor, the NBN was the most poorly managed infrastructure project in Australia’s history.
Labor spent $6 billion in 4 years to connect just 51,000 users to the built network.
We are connecting more than 50,000 homes a month, compared to 51,000 in total under Labor.
The most recent nbn Corporate Plan estimates that reverting to Labor’s all-fibre plan would require peak funding of between $74 billion and $84 billion, and the rollout could not be completed until at least 2026 and possibly as late as 2028.
The Coalition’s nbn plan requires peak funding of approximately $49 billion and will be finished by 2020.
Fixing mobile black spots
Fixing mobile black spots In round one of the Mobile Black Spots Programme $100 million was provided to build or upgrade 499 mobile phone base stations which will improve the mobile phone coverage in 3000 mobile black spots.
An additional $60 million will see more mobile black spots fixed under round two of the programme.
WORLD CLASS HEALTHCARE
The Coalition Government is committed to providing Australians with world class health care.
Hospital Funding
The Government has provided an additional $2.9 billion in public hospital funding over the next three years (an increase of up to 6.5% a year) through an agreement with the states and territories that places greater focus on patient outcomes, particularly when it comes to caring for patients with chronic and complex needs.
Healthier Medicare
The Government is strengthening Medicare through the new Health Care Homes initiative, which will better coordinate comprehensive care for chronically ill patients.
GPs will be able to coordinate the medical, allied health and out-of-hospital services required by chronically ill patients on an ongoing basis to help manage their conditions, and in doing so keep them out of hospital.
From 1 July 2017, 65,000 Australians will initially participate in this program at up to 200 medical practices across Australia, ahead of a full national rollout.
Primary Health Networks
The Government has introduced a system of Primary Health Networks to identify local health needs, improve patient access to primary care services and improve co-ordination with local hospitals and community services.
The Government has established 31 Private Health Networks around Australia to improve access to local health services, by investing close to $1 billion.
Mental Health Reforms
The Coalition Government is delivering significant reforms that will put the individual needs of patients at the centre of our mental health system.
These reforms will reshape the delivery of primary mental health services towards a more modern, flexible model of care, rather than the current “one-size-fits-all” approach.
Cheaper Medicines
The Government is making medicines cheaper – in some cases by as much as 60% per script, saving patients with multiple chronic conditions as much as $500 per year.
Additional cost savings for many common medicines are due to come into effect in October 2016, as a result of changes to the way everyday drugs are priced.
New Medicines
The Government has put nearly 1,000 new and amended drug listings onto the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, ensuring these life-saving medicines are available to all Australians, including:
Keytruda, which is used to treat Melanoma;
Mekinist, which is used to treat positive Metastatic Melanoma;
and
Perjeta, Herceptin and Kadcyla, which are used to treat Breast Cancer.
The Government has also invested $1 billion to subsidise breakthrough treatments for all sufferers of Hepatitis C.
|These treatments would cost $100,000 per patient if not subsidised through the PBS.
Medical Research Future Fund
Australia is a world leader in the field of medical research.
The $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund is providing a sustainable source of funding for vital medical research over the long term.
No Jab No Pay
To protect children from diseases, our “No Jab, No Pay” rule is removing access to family and child care payments for parents who don’t vaccinate their children.
PUTTING STUDENTS FIRST
The Coalition Government is investing record levels in our schools with total Commonwealth funds reaching $73.6 billion over the next four years.
This is an increase of 26%. School funding will continue to increase each and every year going forward.
As part of this, the Government is providing an additional $1.2 billion between 2018 and 2020 for schools, contingent upon reform efforts by the States and the non-government schools sector to improve education outcomes.
The Coalition Government is focused not just on more money but on making sure money is invested where it can make the most difference to student results.
Through our Students First approach, we are working with states and territories to focus on the four key areas that make a real difference to student results:
Better teaching quality
More school autonomy
Engaging parents in education
Strengthening the curriculum.
For example, our teaching quality reforms are introducing a new national literacy and numeracy test to ensure all new teachers are in the top 30% for literacy and numeracy in Australia.
Our National Innovation and Science Agenda is leading the way in promoting learning in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
Supporting Apprentices
The Coalition Government is supporting apprentices through Trade Support Loans – helping apprentices with the costs of living, tools and training through loans of up to $20,000 each.
So far, over 40,000 loans have been taken up.
To help match the right apprentice to the right apprenticeship and lift completion rates, the Government has established the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network, supported by $200 million of annual funding.
This year the Government is supporting an estimated 68,000 employers with incentive payments to help businesses create opportunities for apprentices.
Fixing the VET FEE-HELP Scheme
To restore confidence in vocational education, the Coalition Government has taken over a dozen measures to crack down on dodgy providers, including strengthening the powers of the regulator and establishing a National Training Complaints Hotline for students.
Following consultation with the sector and the community, the Coalition will redesign the VET FEE-HELP scheme for 2017.
Support for Universities
Under the Coalition Government, funding for universities is at record levels, with funding of over $16 billion in 2016.
Support for students is also at a record level, with $6.8 billion invested in 2016 (a 65 per cent increase on 2009 levels).
Australia has one of the most generous student loan schemes in the world, under which no domestic student has to pay up-front fees.
The National Innovation and Science Agenda will drive stronger university collaboration with industry through an additional $127 million in targeted research funding and new research impact measures.
Simply put, we are connecting our academics with industry in order to build commercial capacity
and create jobs in Australia.
More Investment in Early Childhood Education
The Government is investing more than $3 billion in a new Jobs for Families child care package to make child care simpler, more affordable and more accessible for almost one million Australian families.
Families with incomes between $65,000 and $170,000 will be around $30 a week better off.
The Coalition Government is also ensuring all Australian children can receive 15 hours of preschool a week in the year before school (and exempting these 600 hours a year from the child care activity test).
Investing in Vocational Education and Training
The Coalition Government invests around $7 billion in the VET sector each year through funding and student loans.
This includes $1.8 billion to the states and territories to support their training systems, including TAFE.
TACKLING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
TACKLING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Women and children in Australia must be safe in their homes, safe on our streets and safe online.
Domestic and family violence is never acceptable.
The Coalition Government is taking action on domestic violence, with a $100 million Women’s Safety Package.
Immediate and practical action is focussed on three key areas:
Keeping women safe at home
Innovative technology is being trialled and used to keep women safe, including GPS trackers for perpetrators, safe phones and safety devices for homes.
We are expanding support to counselling services such as 1800RESPECT and Mensline.
Support and training for frontline services
Training is being expanded for frontline workers, including police, doctors, emergency department staff and social workers.
Domestic violence units are being established in legal services.
Breaking the cycle of violence
To address the negative behaviours and attitudes that can lead to violence, we are providing additional resources to help teachers, parents and students learn more about respectful relationships.
This Women’s Safety Package is in addition to the $30 million committed by all Australian governments to a national campaign to change young people’s attitudes to violence.
CARING FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT
The Coalition Government is committed to protecting Australia’s magnificent natural environment.
Protecting the Great Barrier Reef
Our Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan is the most comprehensive plan ever developed to protect the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.
The Coalition has put in place an historic ban on capital dredge disposal in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park – ending a 100 year old practice.
$2 billion is being invested by Australian governments on projects that include improving water quality, reducing sediment and nitrogen run off, removing crown of thorns starfish and improving our scientific knowledge of the reef.
Our work to protect the Great Barrier Reef resulted in the World Heritage Committee declaring last July that Australia was a global role model for the management of World Heritage properties.
Supporting renewable energy
The Coalition Government will double renewable energy in Australia over the next four years.
Under the Renewable Energy Target, more than 23% of Australia’s electricity will come from renewable energy by 2020.
We are supporting large scale projects, while at the same time making solar more affordable for households.
We are encouraging new technology to assist in the transition to clean energy, through the $1 billion Clean Energy Innovation Fund.
This Fund will target projects such as large-scale solar.
Tackling climate change
To protect our environment for future generations, we need to tackle climate change.
As a country, we are playing our part in the global challenge on climate change.
Australia has signed the Paris Climate Change Agreement.
We are on track to beat our 2020 target by 78 million tonnes, and have set an ambitious target of reductions of up to 28% by 2030 based on 2005 levels.
That is equivalent to reducing emissions per capita by up to 52%– the second largest reduction of any G20 economy.
We will meet our targets without Labor’s Carbon Tax, which made electricity more expensive for all Australian families.
We are investing $2.55 billion to incentivise business to reduce their emissions through our Emissions Reduction Fund.
Projects we’ve supported include carbon farming to increase carbon in the soil,
energy efficient lighting for town councils,
supporting re-vegetation and bushfire reduction.
We are also implementing a National Energy Productivity Plan, reducing emissions from ozone-depleting gases and supporting investments in new technology such as solar storage.
Supporting on-ground environmental projects
Right around Australia, young local people are delivering environmental projects in their communities through the Green Army.
We have already launched more than 500 teams across the country.
We are investing $1 billion in natural resource management through the National Landcare Programme.
The Coalition will continue to deliver on our $50 million commitment to plant 20 million trees by 2020, with almost 10 million trees already committed for planting over the next three years.
As well, we are greening our cities as part of the Coalition’s cities agenda.
Protecting our threatened species
Australia has some of the most unique flora and fauna on the planet and we’re protecting our native wildlife with the launch of Australia’s first Threatened Species Strategy and the appointment of Australia’s first Threatened Species Commissioner.
The Threatened Species Strategy targets the key threats to our wildlife, in particular feral cats.
Funding for projects to protect our threatened species has already topped $190 million.
Our National Environmental Science Program is supporting this work, with projects that deliver research projects in the field.
Protecting Australia’s heritage
The Coalition Government’s Australian Heritage Strategy sets out the action we are taking to support and promote our remarkable natural, historic and Indigenous heritage.
Protection of Australia’s national and world heritage is a fundamental pillar of the Government’s environment policy.
Our natural, Indigenous and historic heritage enhances our sense of place and national identity and makes a positive contribution to the nation’s wellbeing.
One stop shop
We have maintained environmental standards whilst reducing the red tape.
We have established a one stop shop for environmental assessments with every state and territory – cutting the double handling of assessments for projects.
OUR PLAN TO INVEST IN QUEENSLAND’S WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Water infrastructure is essential to population growth, sustainable communities, jobs, productivity, and stronger economic outcomes.
Every community and industry requires water security to grow and prosper.
Many regional and remote communities depend on quality water infrastructure for their livelihood and jobs.
The Coalition has a strong record supporting investment in water infrastructure.
We are delivering more than half a billion dollars in grants to support the construction of nationally significant water infrastructure.
We are also providing $2 billion in concessional loans to fast-track the construction of water infrastructure throughout the country.
Our investment in water infrastructure is supporting jobs and regional communities.
We will do more to support jobs and growth through greater investment in Queensland’s water infrastructure.
The Coalition will invest $20 million to support the development or finalisation of feasibility assessments and business cases for 14 water infrastructure projects across Queensland.
These water infrastructure projects in Queensland include: development of a works programme for construction and upgrade of major water infrastructure for Clermont, as well as augmentation and remediation works on the Theresa Creek Dam
funding business case development for the construction of the Rookwood Weir
development of feasibility studies for new dams near Collinsville, Hell’s Gate, and Emu Swamp
raising the height of the Burdekin Falls Dam by approximately two metres
feasibility studies for new water storage and irrigation infrastructure options to help Isis Central Sugar Mill Company Limited cultivate 6,800 hectares for sugarcane in the Gayndah Region of the Burnett River catchment
investigating three dam storages on the upper and middle reaches of the Herbert River and the Millstream
assessment of additional water storage for Mount Isa and Cloncurry
assessment into the utilisation of South-East Queensland’s treated effluent for agricultural production
We will also fund half the cost of Rookwood Weir – up to $130 million – if the business case meets all the necessary requirements and it acquires the required environmental approval.
Read more about our plan to invest in Queensland’s Water Infrastructure
Investing in Queensland’s Water Infrastructure
Water infrastructure is essential to population growth, sustainable communities, jobs, productivity, and stronger economic outcomes.
The Coalition has a strong record supporting investment in water infrastructure.
We are delivering more than half a billion dollars in grants to support the construction of nationally significant water infrastructure.
We are also providing $2 billion in concessional loans to fast-track the construction of water infrastructure throughout the country.
Policy Principles
For us, policies are all about principles that guide our actions.
These principles are set out to inform Australians of our legislative views.
Items shown under 'Examples of what needs to be done' are indicative only and parliamentary members and candidates are encouraged to propose and debate the most workable solutions and options possible.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - the first Australians - as the traditional owners of this continent and acknowledge and respect their ongoing relationship with the land.
Examples of what needs to be done: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations must be consulted and engaged with the process of developing Indigenous Affairs policy
Constitutional recognition to reflect the unique role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have in Australia’s past, present and future
Provide ongoing funding for “Closing the Gap” between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-indigenous Australians
In consultation with individual communities, develop micro policies and programs to better meet the diverse needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Ageing Population
Australia is a prosperous country built on the contribution of older Australians.
Our ageing population deserves to be treated with respect and dignity and assisted where needed by government and the wider community.
Examples of what needs to be done: Workforce participation
NXT does not support an increase in the pension age, but we do believe older Australians should be both encouraged and supported to be involved in the paid or community service workforce.
For those who receive a pension, income tests should be relaxed further so that they can supplement their income without penalty.
Community service volunteers should be automatically covered by a government funded insurance scheme.
Cost-of Living
Utility cost increases should be pegged to be no greater than the CPI.
Any increases above the CPI should be rebated to those on a government pension, or self-funded retirees who have reached the eligible pension age.
Housing/Retirement/Aged Care
Government policy should encourage and deliver where possible affordable, comfortable and well-maintained retirement and aged care accommodation.
Developers and providers of retirement accommodation must meet all existing government requirements, as well as be required to provide transition accommodation options for residents who may require low or high care facilities in the future.
These transition options should be on, or adjacent to, the existing retirement estate.
Agriculture
Agriculture is a vital part, not just of the fabric of rural and regional Australia, but of the entire nation.
With agriculture contributing $53.6 billion to the nation’s economy, and employing 314,000 Australians across the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector (with huge multiplier effects), it is essential that it is encouraged to grow.
The $1billion dollars of farmer and government contributions to agricultural research and development (R&D) organisations needs to be effectively targeted to help improve the profitability of Australian agriculture through enhancing the skills and decision making of farmers.
Examples of what needs to be done: Support the lifting of the small business tax threshold from $2m to $10m to encourage agricultural businesses to grow as agricultural output expands from individual businesses.
Having strong competition laws that that can effectively deal with and penalise predatory abuse of market power from companies in the agricultural to retail supply chain.
This needs to include a stronger ‘effects’ test than the government is currently proposing, divestiture powers to break up companies for gross abuse of market power, and quicker and more affordable access to justice.
Continue to push for clear country of origin labelling for food and ingredients including clear labels showing the source country of imported products.
The recently announced changes, due to come into force later this year, while welcome need to be improved upon and monitored for their effectiveness.
It’s imperative to scrap the punitive AQIS charges on small exporters that destroy incentives to export.
We will continue to push for urgent strong anti-dumping rules to prevent domestic industries being dumping grounds for imported produce such as what happened with tinned tomatoes.
Help work to encourage domestic investment in Australian agriculture through investment vehicles such as Australian superannuation funds.
Encourage immigrant arrivals, including those with needed skills and investment dollars, to settle in rural and regional Australia to address rural labour shortages.
Continue to support the full implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
As part of that we see the automation and upgrading of the barrages where the river meets the Coorong  as a key part of modernising the river infrastructure to more effectively manage the interaction between fresh and salt water.
States which were early adopters of water efficiencies must be acknowledged in any federal scheme.
Irrigators should be able to access federal infrastructure grants for value adding to agriculture more easily.
Immediately scrap the planned Backpacker Tax as these young people are a vital part of harvesting different agricultural products, many of them with only short harvest windows.
Support the export of livestock to countries who implement Australia’s strict ESCAS Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System.
However, our preference is to encourage the processing of livestock in Australia, in regional Australia, to grow industry and jobs, we understand that different markets exist and that will take time to grow.
Federal drought funding must require that state governments do not unreasonabley impede the delivery of drought support.
Australian Made
Australians and government in particular should support Australian businesses and our quality Australian made goods because of the hugely beneficial flow-on effects to the Australian economy.
The term 'Australian Made' should mean just that, so consumers can make an informed choice.
Examples of what needs to be done: Labelling laws must be overhauled to provide consumers with truth in labelling as to the ingredients and their country of origin
Introduce an Australian Made labelling category where 75% or more of the labour component to manufacture or assemble the product was undertaken by Australian residents
A single federal authority should be formed to accredit the use of all Made in Australia symbols
Government departments should be required to procure a much greater proportion of Australian produced and manufactured products and services
Have more effective anti-dumping laws to prevent below-cost imported goods flooding the market and destroying Australian jobs in the process
Aviation
A safe and strong aviation sector is vital to Australia's needs.
Having our aircraft maintained in Australia is an integral part of ensuring high safety standards and trust in the aviation industry.
Examples of what needs to be done: There should be an Inspector General of Aviation that acts as an impartial watch-dog over all aviation regulators -  in particular CASA and the ATSB - to ensure that they operate in the public interest.
Implement recommendations from Senate reports on aviation and safety
Childhood Education & Care
Australian families should have access to high-quality, accessible and affordable early childhood education, as well as affordable child care when needed.
The childcare sector is facing an affordability crisis, which in turn will severely impact on the number of women who can readily participate in the workforce.
Examples of what needs to be done: Enhance the policy focus on Early Childhood Education, given its critical impact on the stage of life where social and emotional development is most influenced
•Increase the existing child care rebate from $7,500 to $10,000 p.a. per child, indexed annually to CPI
•Federal funding for child care should favour centres run by local communities
Climate Change & Energy
Action is required to reduce carbon emissions and our reliance on fossil fuels and inefficient forms of energy generation.
Australia is uniquely placed to embrace renewable energy resources.
Government at all levels must play an integral role in leading a best-practice approach.
It is about being smart and efficient for the benefit of the planet.
We support a 50% renewable (electricity only) target by 2030.
Examples of what needs to be done: Have an efficient and effective emissions trading scheme (ETS) based on world's best practice
Australia needs to quickly move toward a cleaner and more affordable energy future.
This will involve reduced reliance on economically unsustainable technologies
Government policies need to facilitate innovative and job creating energy industry opportunities through research, adoption, education and manufacturing of new technologies
Australian energy resources should be available to Australians before being available for sale to the rest of the world.
An allocation for domestic use prior to export would also help lower the cost of energy for consumers
Australian tax payer funded research into renewable energy and climate change needs to be made more easily available to Australian industry to ensure our competitive advantage in these areas is fostered
The importation of substandard and unsafe products related to renewable energy and or climate change must be curtailed
Co-operatives & Mutual Enterprises
Co-operatives and Mutual Enterprises are a bedrock of communities around the country and have enormous potential to grow and play an even bigger role in Australian society.
Examples of what needs to be done: The current senate inquiry instigated by Nick into co-ops is a useful starting point for the reforms needed to allow co-ops to flourish
Government policies must be supportive of Co-operatives and Mutual Enterprises
Educators should include the Co-op and CME business model in their curriculum
Crime
All Australians have the right to feel safe as they go about their lives.
Being tough on crime also means being tough on the causes of crime.
Inadequate penalties not only insult victims and their families, they continue to put the community at risk.
Substance abuse – a major contributor to violence and theft – must be tackled.
Examples of what needs to be done: Increase the transparency of plea bargaining and give victims a greater say in the plea bargaining process
Legislation regarding the confiscation of proceeds from crime, particularly drug trafficking, needs to be more effective
The mental impairment defence needs to be reformed as it is being abused in some cases
Prisons should have more effective rehabilitation programs, rather than being a training ground for more hardened criminals
Defence
Australian defence policy must focus on the protection of our nation and creating stability in our region.
We also believe parliament should be involved in any decision to deploy troops to conflict zones.
Above all, Australia needs to be self-sufficient in defence resources.
Examples of what needs to be done: Defence procurement must be overhauled to acknowledge the economic and strategic benefits of local manufacture
Our defence strategy must be based first and foremost on Australia's needs
Disabilities
People with disabilities should be treated with dignity and respect and be able to live full and meaningful lives.
Examples of what needs to be done: The rollout of the NDIS needs to be carefully evaluated to ensure it has the maximum benefit for its clients
Respite for those families with a disabled family member needs to be given greater priority
Education
Our vision is realising the full potential of education in Australia to propel all learners to be the best that they can be now and in the future so they can further their individual aims and assist in lifting Australia’s competitiveness and innovation.
We support transforming schooling to drive a new era of development and growth across the full range of expectations for 21st Century learning.
We support building upon the strengths of our schools and driving and amplifying leading edge research driven teaching in Australia.
Children should have the best start for learning through quality early childhood experiences that nurture and develop the whole child.
Examples of what needs to be done: Implement and fully fund Gonski to address the inadequate and piecemeal approach to funding for our schools.
Currently schools in South Australia receive less Federal Government funding than if they were in any other state or territory.
If this funding inequity continues, South Australian independent school students will receive on average $400 less in funding each year, increasing each year from 2017 compared to students in other states.
This funding discrimination against South Australian schools and their students must be reversed as a matter of urgency.
•Further support for students with special learning needs including students with disability and high achievers.
•All Year 7 students in South Australia should receive the same amount of Federal Government funding as Year 7 students in other states.
Year 7 students in South Australia receive less Commonwealth Government funding per year than students in other states and territories.
This is because the federal government funds them at the primary school student rate even though all Year 7 students in Australia now use the Australian Curriculum.
•A Senate inquiry into Australia’s education system, with a particular focus on best practice in teach and learning and how this can be supported by Government funding.
•Tie education funding to practical educational outcomes so that students of all ages and socio-economic statuses have the best opportunity to achieve their potential and goals
•Maintain university fee regulation to ensure students from all backgrounds are able to access higher education as a way to address socioeconomic disparity
•Place greater emphasis on trade, work-ready and entrepreneurial courses from years 10+
Employment & Workplace Relations
High levels of workplace participation and productivity are the key to achieving a strong and prosperous economy, particularly in the small business sector.
This needs to be set in a framework of mutual fairness.
Examples of what needs to be done: Reviews of the employment and workplace relations system should be ongoing to ensure our standard of living is maintained and small business – the engine-room of jobs growth – prospers
Acknowledge and respect the role of responsible unions in the workplace to give a voice to workers who otherwise would face an un-level playing field
Environment
Clean air, clean water and preserving our iconic natural resources are fundamental to guiding what we do for our environment – not just for us, but for Australia’s future generations.
Examples of what needs to be done: Call on state governments to identify and preserve our best agricultural land as an investment in our future
Review the applicability of California’s vehicle emissions standards to Australia
Protect groundwater (aquifers, including the Great Artesian Basin) from any adverse impacts of mining and coal seam gas exploration
Have an efficient emissions trading scheme based on the Frontier Economics scheme
Have federal legislation to protect key environmental assets, rather than being dealt with on a state by state basis
Maintain the right of environmental and community groups to pursue legal action under environmental legislation
Family Violence
Australian families should be free from incidents of violence.
Police and family violence services must properly protect and support survivors.
Examples of what needs to be done: The creation of a federal body which investigates the circumstances surrounding every fatal family violence incident, with a particular focus on systemic failures in the lead-up to each incident.
Currently police forces rarely undertake this level of investigation, which allows flawed systems to remain in place.
Often law enforcement agencies have missed opportunities to intervene before a fatal incident occurs.
•Advocate for uniform laws relating to family violence across all state and territory jurisdictions, to ensure equal protection regardless of where someone lives
•Create and fund an evidence-based national awareness campaign with a particular focus on the cultural environment which contributes to family violence
•Provide adequate funding for a coordinated approach to family and intimate partner violence including safe houses, counselling, case management and legal support to ensure survivors have a voice and can enforce their rights
•Rehabilitation of perpetrators to help reduce the ongoing harm caused by repeat offenders and in turn the damaging intergenerational cycle of this particular type of crime
•Creation and funding of a national education program in schools focussing on respect and safety in family and other interpersonal relationships
Food Security
Australia needs a comprehensive strategic approach to protect, invest and grow our own food production resources.
It is an integral part of our national security.
Examples of what needs to be done: Change competition laws to allow for the break up of companies that abuse their market power in their dealings with farmers
Establish a rural development bank that will make it easier for farmers to access finance.
Create incentives to invest in agriculture, including for our super funds
Overhaul and implement truthful food labelling laws.
Our current laws that allow imported produce to be passed off as Australian are costing our farmers jobs
Scrap the punitive AQIS charges on small exporters that destroy incentives to export
Foreign Aid
Foreign aid helps people in developing countries escape extreme poverty, improve health outcomes and helps increase regional stability.
Through the provision of foreign aid, Australia is able to meet its obligations as a responsible global citizen and also benefits from a heightened level of prosperity and stability in the region
Examples of what needs to be done: Restore the $7.6b of aid funding cut by the Australian government in the 2014 budget
Work towards a foreign aid budget that represents 0.7% of Gross National Income, in line with Australia's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development goals
Foreign Investment
Australia needs a strategic approach to foreign investment, rather than the inconsistent approach we have now.
Foreign investment would be much lower if there were greater incentives for Australians to invest in their own country.
Examples of what needs to be done: Adapt New Zealand’s foreign investment laws which clearly set out a definition of the national interest and have lower thresholds for foreign investment approval
Lower the existing Foreign Investment Review Board threshold ($252m) so that all proposed overseas transactions greater than $5m are subject to greater scrutiny
Have a foreign investment register of key assets in order to promote greater transparency
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)
Farmers and consumers should have the right to say no to GMOs.
Government has a role to play in supporting continued research into the long-term unknown effects of GMOs on both human and plant health.
Examples of what needs to be done: Ensure all GMO products are correctly labelled so consumers can make informed decisions
Protect farmers who want their crops to remain GMO free by imposing stricter regulations and legal liability on those responsible for contamination
Fund independent research on the long-term health and environmental effects of GMOs
Government Accountability
Politicians must be open and up front with the Australian people.
Government's primary role is to provide public infrastructure
and services
and to drive both national economic growth and personal growth.
The public have the right to expect that governments will deliver services efficiently and fairly without unnecessary waste and duplication.
Australians who speak out against corrupt practices deserve to be protected.
Examples of what needs to be done: Establish a national anti-corruption commission
Ensure politician entitlements and claims are reported in a timely and transparent way
Put in place whistleblower legislation that protects the informant and compensates them for any loss of income due to their actions
Government services (federal, state, local) must be delivered quickly and efficiently and be fully accountable to the public
Review duplicated services at a federal, state and local government level and determine the most appropriate entity to deliver these services
Health Care
High quality, easily accessible health care is a fundamental right for all Australians.
With an ageing population and rising health costs that outstrip the CPI, there needs to be a new approach that focuses on preventative health care.
Examples of what needs to be done: Government resources should be directed to maximising patient outcomes that involve enhancing local care and existing GP clinics
Preventative health care must be an absolute government priority, with targeted funding to reduce chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis.
This should include comprehensive and effective public education campaigns
Telemedicine should be expanded for regional communities to improve access to specialist medical care
Address medical practices which pursue quantity over quality
The 30% private health insurance rebate should be reinstated to ensure greater participation and affordability.
This in turn takes pressure off the public hospital system
The Australian health care system should be subject to rigorous evidence based assessment to identify and eliminate waste and maximise efficiency
Housing Affordability
A combination of local, state and federal government taxes and red tape have made housing less affordable, particularly for those trying to enter the housing market for the first time.
This needs to be tackled head on.
Examples of what needs to be done: Form a housing affordability taskforce charged with delivering practical solutions to encourage greater home ownership.
The aim of this taskforce is to examine relevant housing affordability levers and recommend measures to reduce tape and taxes and highlight innovative and cost-effective building and housing concepts.
Ensure Australian residents are not priced out of the housing market by foreign investors
Modify negative gearing to encourage the creation of new affordable housing stock
Immigration
Immigrants have played a critical role in building Australia.
We should continue to encourage safe and orderly immigration to Australia, in particular amongst younger skilled families and investors who will help drive economic growth.
Examples of what needs to be done: A special category of visa should be created to encourage investors to settle in areas of low population and economic growth.
Innovation, Technology, R&D
Government must facilitate and bring together world class research and development, innovative thinkers, venture capital and a highly skilled, creative and diverse work force.
This strong platform will revitalise Australia’s economic outlook by strategically growing the innovation and technology sectors.
Examples of what needs to be done: Encourage universities, government agencies and companies to undertake research and development by increasing funding to align with other world leading countries
•Improve funding strategies to target specific research goals, increase focus on commercialisation and enable longer term research projects
•Encourage entrepreneurship by legalising equity funding platforms and co-investing with venture capitalists to drive local development of innovative Australian ideas and keep talented Australians onshore
•Create a ministerial-level position with responsibility for leading a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship throughout all government agencies, research institutions and the private sector
Live Animal Exports
It is important that strict controls are placed on live animal exports to ensure animals are treated in accordance with Australian animal welfare standards.
However, our preference is to have Australian processing and the exporting of chilled meat.
Marriage Equality
Marriage is a formalised commitment that should be available to all people who wish it, irrespective of their gender.
Examples of what needs to be done:  Remove all discrimination from the Marriage Act to ensure that all people, regardless of their sex or gender identity, have the opportunity to marry
•Churches and religious bodies should retain the right to decide for themselves whether to perform or recognise any marriage
Mental Health
Mental health is a significant issue affecting millions of Australians.
Early intervention can reduce the impact of mental illness in the community and help people receive appropriate treatment and support to recover.
Government must prioritise mental health.
Examples of what needs to be done: Government must increase funding for preventative mental health measures and services that provide individual and family support within the community
•Substance abuse, including alcohol, needs to be considered as part of a wider approach
Overseas Students
Overseas students play an important part in Australia’s economy.
We need to focus on providing competitive world-class educational resources
and encourage students to utilise theirs skills in Australia.
Examples of what needs to be done: Both state and federal governments need to work with higher education providers to support them in offering high quality, flexible services that support industry needs
•Overseas students should be offered the opportunity to stay an extra 12 months in low population growth areas after completion of their studies and encouraged to apply for residency if they have needed skills or the ability to invest in our country
Penalty Rates
Penalty rates are an integral part of the industrial relations system and any variance to rates and conditions must be dealt with by the appropriate workplace relations tribunal (currently Fair Work Commission).
The unique challenges of small business should always be considered.
•Examples of what needs to be done: Fair Work Commission should remain the independent umpire
•Small business*
and the potential for increased youth employment should always be considered in any determination of weekend penalty rates.
See Frequently Asked Questions.
* ABS defines small business as less than 20 employees. Fairwork Australia defines small business as less than 15 employees.
Population
People should be encouraged to move to areas where there is low population growth.
A more even distribution of the population would allow regional areas to flourish and allow metropolitan cities to grow sustainably
Examples of what needs to be done: Businesses and individuals who commit to moving to low population areas could be provided with tax breaks for the first two years to help them become established
•Actively seek skilled and business migrants and in particular those who have the means to set up and operate businesses in low population areas via a special category of investor category of visa
Predatory Gambling
Targeted gambling reform is required. We have the world’s highest per capita gambling losses and level of problem gambling.
Our governments are totally out-of-touch with the overwhelming community desire to rein in the damage caused.
Examples of what needs to be done: With pokies being the biggest cause of problem gambling, the immediate implementation of the Productivity Commission’s recommendation for $1 maximum bets per spin and $120 in hourly losses (compared to $10 per spin and $1200 an hour) is required
•Challenge the major parties to conduct a referendum on implementing $1 maximum bet reforms.
•Ensure the Productivity Commission regularly updates its gambling research
•End micro-betting on sports events, which can lead to corruption and match fixing in sports
•Remove ATMs from venues with poker machines
•Overhaul outdated online gambling laws, to take into account the impact of emerging technologies
•End sports betting ads during games
•The Commonwealth needs to develop an approach to wean state governments off their $5billion a year of gambling taxes
Privacy Protection
Ordinary Australians' privacy needs to be safeguarded against potential abuse from businesses and governments.
Examples of what needs to be done: Amend the Privacy Act to prohibit betting agencies from engaging in direct marketing to prospective customers
•Amend the Privacy Act to ensure that all Australians must provide informed, written consent before their personal information can be disclosed to third party and overseas entities (e.g. banks and telcos outsourcing to overseas data and call centres)
•Ensure metadata collection only occurs following the issuing of a warrant by an Australian court that deems the collection to be necessary to prevent or investigate serious crime or terrorist activity
Regional Australia
Regional centres around Australia present a prime opportunity for both investment in development and economic growth.
Examples of what needs to be done: Encourage industry and educational institutions to invest in regional Australia via incentives, helping to boost both the economy and increase education pathways
•Encourage immigrant arrivals to settle in rural and regional Australia first
•Encourage tourism and the arts to refocus on the regions
•Economic incentives for families living in regions
•Call upon government to revisit the recommendations proposed in 2013 House of Representatives report into ‘Fly in, Fly out’ workforce practices in regional Australia
•Greater incentives for renewable energy in regional areas to boost manufacturing
Refugees/Asylum Seekers
Genuine asylum seekers must be treated with dignity and compassion.
The bipartisan support for off-shore processing, in order to discourage dangerous boat journeys to Australia, should be matched with an increase in the humanitarian intake to at least 27,000 places per year.
However, priority should be given to timely (preferably within 12 months) resettlement to appropriate countries, working together with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Above all, Australia must play a key role for an orderly regional solution to this crisis.
Examples of what needs to be done: Depending on the outcome of the assessment, individuals must either be returned to their country of origin where safe and practical to do so, or settled in another country with the co-operation of the UNHCR.
•Government must ensure the safety and security of refugees in offshore processing centres, including timely health and mental health care.
•International agencies such as the UNHCR, Red Cross and media organisations should have access to any detention centres.
•Whistleblowers must be protected for speaking out.
Religious Freedom
People of religious faith should be able to practice their religion without persecution.
This important right carries with it the mutual obligation to respect other faith-based beliefs (and those who do not believe) and not incite violence or discriminatory behaviour, or harass or use coercion tactics.
What needs to be done: We should look at implementing French laws giving protection to the vulnerable for psychological coercion
•There needs to be ongoing multi-faith dialogue to encourage tolerance and respect for the beliefs of others
Small Business
As Australia's largest employing sector, small business makes a significant contribution to Australia’s economy.
All Australians should be encouraged to develop their own niche and/or nurture and grow their own enterprises.
Government must play an integral role in fostering small business growth and in doing so reduce bureaucratic obstacles.
Examples of what needs to be done: Targeted tax breaks for the first two years of operation
•Payroll tax exemption for businesses with up to 15 full-time equivalent employees
•Streamline access to and processing of Government services for small business
Subcontractors
Over the past 10 years the building and construction industry has contributed approximately 10 percent of Australia’s GDP and accounts for nearly the same proportion of employment.
However, over the same period the construction industry has experienced nearly one quarter of all insolvencies in Australia.
There is a culture of non-payment of subcontractors in the construction industry, as well as serious allegations that phoenixing activity has become an acceptable way to make a profit.
•Examples of what needs to be done: Implementation of all of the Senate Economics Committee’s recommendations in their report on insolvency in the construction industry
•National legislation for a security of payment regime, and rapid adjudication processes in the commercial construction industry
•Close the legal loopholes that allow phoenixing activity to take place
Substance Abuse & Rehabilitation
With one of the highest levels of substance abuse in the world, we need a total revamp to ensure those with a problem can access help.
We must develop programs and an Australia wide culture that seeks to minimise addiction is the first place.
Examples of what needs to be done: Treat personal drug use as primarily a health issue, rather than a criminal issue, with well funded rehabilitation programs - including mandatory rehabilitation in certain circumstances.
•Develop programs and an Australia wide change in culture ￼that seeks to minimise addiction in the first place
•Explore innovative ways to disrupt and minimise the drug business model
•Enable the ability of the public to simply and safely “inform” on dealers to significantly reduce any localised interest in dealing and cut off the sale and revenue elements of any drug based business model
•Current resources should be focussed more on prevention and rehabilitation
•An increase in spending is required to establish better access to rehabilitation clinics along with a clear transition into skills and job training
•Drug trafficking legislation should be modified to allow authorities to rapidly and simply seize assets of those involved trafficking and distribution
Superannuation
Encouraging a nest egg for a comfortable and secure retirement is what superannuation policy should be about.
That should include greater certainty and a bigger say in how superannuation funds are managed.
Examples of what needs to be done: Overturn the unacceptable 7-year delay to increase the superannuation guarantee from 9.5% to 12%
•Overhaul the superannuation industry to increase transparency, end fee gouging and require that investment choices are made under increased checks and balances
•Superannuation funds must be required to hold an annual general meeting where members are entitled to ask questions as to how their fund is performing and how it is being administered
•Tax-breaks for superannuation must be re-calibrated so the greatest benefit is directed to those with the least savings, and a reduced benefit is enjoyed by those with very high superannuation savings
Terrorism
There is no excuse for terrorism.
Such acts of violence cannot be justified in any circumstances.
It is incumbent on community leaders and government to denounce and take action to prevent all acts of terrorism and to keep its citizens safe.
Examples of what needs to be done: Ensure government has sufficient power to deal with terrorists in a way that is effective and not counter-productive
•Put adequate resources into counter radicalisation strategies, so young and susceptible people are not brainwashed by extremists
•Extremists that groom susceptible people for acts of violence need to be locked away
•Rather than stripping Australian citizenship of dual nationals involved in terrorism, which could allow them to retaliate against Australians overseas - they need to be brought back to Australia and locked up for community safety.
Utilities
Ideally all essential utilities (electricity, water, gas and NBN) should be owned by the public.
Current rules need to change to have a greater focus on the rights of consumers and small businesses.
Examples of what needs to be done: There should be an option for all new utility proposals (such as generation and network assets) to be community owned (or owned through a co-operative)
•Change the National Electricity Market rules and enhance the power of the Australian Energy Regulator to rein in the wasteful and costly gold-plating of electricity assets that consumers end up paying for.
Over time this will have a greater impact on reducing electricity prices than any other single measure.
•Price increases should be set at no greater than the CPI
Water Security
The existing national framework must be strengthened.
Water security is vital to the national interest.
Examples of what needs to be done: Storm water harvesting – which is more efficient than desalination – must be fast-tracked
•
•States which were early adopters of water-efficiencies must be acknowledged in any federal scheme.
Irrigators should be able to access federal infrastructure grants for value-adding to agricultural produce more easily
•Wasteful practices throughout the Murray-Darling Basin must be addressed as a matter of urgency to ensure a fair distribution of water rights across the entire system
A FUTURE FOR ALL OF USTHE GREEN’S POLICY PLATFORM, ELECTION 2019
RIGHT NOW, MORE THAN EVER, POLITICS NEEDS A SHAKE-UPPeople are fed up with politics. Can you blame them? The gap between the rich and the poor grows wider, and both the Liberal and Labor governments have repeatedly failed to address it.  We’re staring down climate change, the biggest threat humanity has ever faced, and the major parties are pretending it doesn’t exist. The truth is, with so many vested interests, neither of the old parties are able to represent the values of our diverse and progessive community. Australia is crying out for real leadership. I couldn’t be more proud of our record in leading the way on some of Australia’s biggest national issues -we introduced marriage equality to Parliament, and pressured the government into establishing the banking Royal Commission. We’ve led the campaign to evacuate of sick refugees from off-shore detention, and helped patients access medicinal cannabis. We’ve given people a genuine alternative to the two old parties. We’ve shown the leadership that’s been missing from the Liberal and Labor parties. We know that Australians want a positive plan to tackle the big challenges we’re facing as a community. One that looks after everyone - not just those who can buy influence. They want to know there’s bold political vision with policies based in science, to fight for a fairer, more equal community, for world-class public education, health and social services. That’s what this is: our plan to create a better future for all of us. Richard Di Natale
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CONTENTSTHE CASE FOR CHANGE9A FUTURE FOR ALL OF US11RENEWABLE ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE13CLEAN UP POLITICS19WORLD CLASS PUBLIC EDUCATION, HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES27PUBLIC OWNERSHIP, NOT PRIVATISATION35PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT41A HOME FOR ALL49JOBS AND TRAINING FOR THE FUTURE55A FAIRER, MORE EQUAL COMMUNITY63PAYING FOR OUR PLANS77
THE CASE FOR CHANGE
Over the last decade, selfish and power-hungry Labor and Liberal governments have knocked off four sitting Prime Ministers and have been more committed to fighting each other than planning for our future.
They’ve taken over $100 million from big corporations since 2012 - including big polluters, mining giants and the big banks -
and in the process, created an economy that works for their rich mates and donors, instead of doing what’s best for all of us.
Big donations mean big influence.
They mean inaction on the mining, burning and exporting of coal - the biggest contributor to climate change -
and a failure to keep public services working for everyone.
They mean less money for our schools and hospitals,
increased cost of living
and rising inequality.
We need to shake up politics because time is running out to avoid climate disaster
and the major parties don’t have a plan to deal with coal.
And if you don’t have a plan to end coal, oil and gas, you don’t have a plan to take action on climate change.
A FUTURE FOR ALL OF US
Politics should give you something to believe in.
That’s why the Greens have bold plans to build a future for all of us, not just the wealthy few.
While the major parties are listening to their big donors and failing to address the major issues facing our society, the Greens are listening to the community.
Our plan would raise billions of dollars by making corporations pay more tax and ending the $11 billion per year tax avoidance industry.
By making corporations pay their fair share, we can fund the things that benefit everyone: action on climate change,
free TAFE and uni,
dental care covered by Medicare
and 500,000 affordable community homes.
These are some of the bold, evidence-based plans in our platform for this election - a platform that shows the Greens are leading the way on the big issues in the national debate.
Unlike the major parties, the Greens give you a voice in parliament, and we will work with the community, not big donors, to deliver a future for all of us.
RENEWABLE ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Creating a renewable economy that tackles climate change,
creates jobs,
makes bills cheaper
and energy more reliable.
This is the climate election.
We are in a global race against time on climate change.
We’re seeing its effects all around us: severe drought, more intense and longer bushfire seasons and rising sea levels.
Australia has the capacity to be a world leader in climate action and renewable energy,
phasing out coal, oil and gas and building a renewable energy economy that exports clean energy to the world.
The mining, burning and exporting of coal is the world’s biggest cause of climate change - and Australia is the world’s biggest exporter of coal.
Instead of embracing renewable energy and tackling climate change, both the Liberal and Labor parties have propped up the coal, gas and oil industries while accepting millions of dollars in political donations.
The fossil fuel lobby continues to do everything it can to undermine action on climate change
and block the transition to renewable technology.
By ending the influence of fossil fuel giants and their lobbyists, we can transform Australia’s energy system from one of the oldest and dirtiest in the world to one of the cleanest and smartest.
The Greens have a strong and evidence-based plan for a rapid, managed transition to a renewable energy economy-
one that will replace coal, oil and gas with renewables, build a new clean-energy export industry
and create 180,000 new jobs.
Right now, the future is in our hands.
We can stop the damage being done to our climate, and we can hand over a better, safer future for generations to come.
OUR PLAN FOR A RENEWABLE ECONOMY THAT TACKLES CLIMATE CHANGE:
Phase out coal, no new oil or gas, move to 100% renewables and deliver cheap, clean and reliable energy for homes, businesses and industry
Create 180,000 new jobs in renewables, including a renewable energy export industry to replace coal and gas exports
Provide support for coal workers and communities as we phase out coal
Create Power Australia, a not-for-profit, public energy retailer for renewables
Prioritise and properly fund clean, safe, affordable public and active transport
Kick start the electric vehicle revolution and reduce the cost of electric vehicles
RENEW AUSTRALIA 2030: OUR PLAN FOR A RENEWABLE ECONOMY
Action on climate change has been held back by a decade of Liberal and Labor governments beholden to the donations and lobbying of big mining and resource corporations, and the climate change-denying politicians in their own ranks.
Instead of embracing the sunrise industries of clean, renewable technologies, the major parties are protecting the polluting coal and gas industry in its sunset years.
This obsession with digging up and shipping out dirty coal has doubled our emissions footprint
at a time when we need to embrace renewable energy.
While opening up gas reserves in the Galilee and Beetaloo Basins will increase Australia’s emissions by 6% a year.
The Greens have a comprehensive plan to rapidly transform Australia’s energy system from one of the oldest and dirtiest in the world, to one of the cleanest and smartest.
Renewables are already driving down power prices.
Australia is at the forefront of technological innovation,
and with the right plan we have everything we need to repower our economy with renewables.
The Greens’ plan to Renew Australia sets a clear and achievable plan to transform our economy by driving investment in new renewables projects
and creating tens of thousands of jobs.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Cheaper energy bills, including support for renters and small business owners to access clean and reliable renewable energy
A planned phase out of coal fired power stations,
supporting workers as we transition to a 100% renewable energy economy
Replacing the mining and exporting of coal with a clean energy export industry
180,000 new jobs across the clean energy economy
Drive billions of dollars of investment in renewable energy
CREATE POWER AUSTRALIA, A NOT-FOR-PROFIT, PUBLIC ENERGY RETAILER
Electricity is essential for modern life.
It fuels our communication, our homes and our businesses, our schools, universities, hospitals and nursing homes.
But both Liberal and Labor governments have sold off the grid to private companies.
And ever since, those companies have invested in sales managers and marketing gurus instead of efficiencies and renewables, and as a result we’re paying more than twice what we were paying a decade ago.
It’s time we took back control of the energy grid.
The Greens have a plan to provide energy as an essential public service, putting public good before profit.
We will establish a new, publicly owned competitor to the private power companies, dedicated solely to driving down your costs instead of driving up its profits.
Under the Greens’ plan, you will be able to buy renewable energy from a government provider, Power Australia, which supplies your household electricity to you without the unnecessary profit mark-ups.
Under our plan, energy bills will be reduced by an estimated $200 a year for an average customer, we’ll increase competition in the existing retail market and end the profit-at-all-costs business model.
By purchasing energy only from renewable sources, this model will fast-track investment in renewable technology,
create more public sector jobs
and help tackle climate change.
All Australians will have guaranteed access to cheap, clean and reliable electricity.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Make electricity cheaper
Drive investment in renewables to tackle climate change
Create more public sector jobs
and disrupt the market dominance enjoyed by big energy companies
Ensure you don’t get ripped off
PUTTING PUBLIC TRANSPORT FIRST
For decades, dysfunctional Liberal and Labor governments have failed to plan ahead and meet the demands of our growing cities and regions.
Rather than building public transport infrastructure to meet community needs, our transport options are being decided by big toll road and oil companies, whose donations corrupt the policies of the major parties.
While the Labor and Liberal parties wine and dine with their big corporate donors, it’s the rest of us who are left to pay the bill, in the form of huge tolls, fines and gridlocked roads.
Unlike the other parties, the Greens don’t take donations from big corporations who seek to influence us.
That’s why our plan prioritises clean, safe, affordable public and active transport.
By ending toll road rorts, properly funding rail and bus services and giving walking and riding the legitimacy they deserve, we’ll help people get where they’re going quicker and make our towns and cities more liveable.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Easier and safer to cycle and walk in our cities
Billions currently allocated to huge toll-road companies redirected to the public transport we all need
More buses, trains and trams more often
Investment in transport options that tackle climate change
SPARKING THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE REVOLUTION
If we’re truly committed to meeting our Paris Agreement commitments and building towards net-zero emissions, we need to transform the way we transport people and goods.
Unlike the Liberal and Labor parties, whose decade of dysfunctional government has failed to deliver a plan to reduce emissions, the Greens are committed to re-powering our economy through clean energy.
This includes our plan to immediately spark the transition from internal combustion engine cars to electric vehicles.
Electric vehicles are better for our health, cheaper to refuel and maintain, and emit no pollution when powered by renewable energy.
That’s why the Greens will fast-track the roll-out of fast-charging electric vehicle infrastructure
and legislate tougher vehicle pollution standards to drive down transport pollution.
Under our plan, a set percentage of electric vehicle sales by car manufacturers will be mandated so that fossil fuel cars are transitioned off the road, and the cost of electric vehicles will be significantly reduced so more people can buy them sooner.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Electric vehicles will be cheaper to buy
Charging electric vehicles will be easier and more convenient
Our cities will be cleaner
Action on climate change
CLEAN UP POLITICS
Strengthening our democracy so that it works for everyone.
Our democracy is the best tool we have to care for people, plan for the future
and protect the environment,
but it has to work for everyone.
In a strong and well functioning democracy, we can all have our voices heard and the values of our community represented in Parliament.
Right now, corporate influence in politics is getting in the way of progress on everything, from tackling climate change to housing affordability.
Instead of delivering a better future for all of us, the Liberal and Labor parties take millions of dollars in donations from big corporations, host secretive fundraising functions, and organise cushy lobbyist jobs for ex-politicians, with no transparency or accountability.
Big corporations donate for a reason.
In return for their money, property developers, big banks, gambling corporations and mining giants have received billions of dollars worth of favourable policy decisions from Liberal and Labor governments.
While the major parties continue to take money from big corporate interests, they will never be completely focused on what is good for our communities.
Unlike the major parties, the Greens refuse to take donations from corporations trying to buy influence.
That means we are entirely focused on outcomes that are good for our community, not outcomes that suit big donors.
We have a plan to return integrity and transparency to the political system and hold politicians and major parties to account.
And we have a plan to properly fund and protect our publicly owned broadcasters, which are critical to the health of our democracy.
OUR PLAN TO CLEAN UP POLITICS:
Ban political donations from mining, property development, tobacco, alcohol and gambling industries.
Cap all other donations and make sure every donation over $1000 is disclosed publicly, in real time
Ban MPs and senior staff from accepting lobbying jobs after they retire and require the publication of the subject of all meetings with lobbyists
Root out corruption by establishing a federal anti-corruption commission that can undertake investigations of politicians
Protect the rights of citizens and community groups to speak out
Ensure all of us are represented and able to participate in our democracy
Save the ABC and SBS because public broadcasters acting in the public interest are essential to a functioning democracy
CLEAN UP POLITICS
Our democracy should work for everyone, not just those who can afford a seat at the table.
Australian politics needs a major shake-up.
For too long, our parliament has played out behind closed mahogany doors, shutting out communities and making decisions about people, without their involvement.
REFORM POLITICAL DONATIONS
Big corporations make donations to the major parties for a reason: to buy influence in political decisions and policy-making.
Big mining, tobacco, alcohol, and gambling companies donate millions to political parties – and they get what they pay for.
The fossil fuel industry is estimated to gain $2,000 in subsidies for every $1 they donate.
The Greens are the only party that refuses donations from corporations trying to buy influence.
We will ban political donations from the mining, property development, tobacco, alcohol, and gambling industries to all political parties and candidates.
We will cap all other donations and make sure every donation over $1 000 is disclosed publicly, in close to real time.
Our plan will ensure that all politicians are accountable to everyone – not just their big donors.
SHINE A LIGHT ON SHADY LOBBYING
Professional lobbying can be a shady business.
The public rarely knows who is meeting with politicians, for what purpose, and what outcomes are gained.
And too often, politicians and senior staff members find themselves with cushy lobbyist jobs as soon as they leave parliament.
That doesn’t happen by accident.
Our plan will require the publication of information about meetings, such as the subject of the lobbying and we will enforce a five year ‘cooling off’ period during which Ministers and their senior staff cannot be engaged in private enterprise that raises a conflict of interest, or particular benefit, from their role and connections.
ESTABLISH A FEDERAL ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION
Confidence in politics is incredibly low, and that’s not surprising.
Scandal after scandal has demonstrated that politicians from the major parties are representing the big end of town and their big donors, rather than the rest of us.
But we don’t have a robust mechanism federally to ensure separation, or to prosecute politicians when they do the wrong thing.
State and territory anti-corruption commissions have proven effective at investigating corruption and acting as a warning to potentially corrupt MPs and public servants that they will be caught.
The Greens will create a Federal Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate corruption and prosecute politicians when they do the wrong thing, and to stop big corporations and the super rich from buying the political outcomes that favour them.
Their time is up.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Decisions are made to benefit our community, not big donors
Politicians held accountable for the decisions they make
Better transparency and accountability of government
PROTECT OUR DEMOCRACY
We should all be able to have our say and play a role in shaping our future.
Whether your political involvement includes signing a petition, having a chat with friends or campaigning with a local not-for-profit, your voice should always matter.
Our ability as citizens to speak up for and speak out against government policies is one of the most important aspects of our democracy.
PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF CITIZENS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS TO SPEAK OUT
The Greens were built on grassroots democracy.
We believe that real progress is achieved when enough people believe it is possible to make a difference and then decide to do something about it.
Instead of addressing the influence of big money from corporations and powerful individuals, the Liberal government instead tried to stop charities, other non-government organisations and civil society more broadly from doing their jobs through new laws and regulations.
The Greens will always defend charities, not-for-profit groups and the public so that they are free to undertake issues-based advocacy that advances critical issues that affect us all - from climate change to the impacts of poverty and the well-being of refugees.
Our plan also ensures government funding can’t be withdrawn from organisations that speak out against government policy.
ENSURE MORE PEOPLE CAN PARTICIPATE IN OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM
The more people that participate in our political system, the healthier we make our democracy.
That’s why we want to encourage greater public participation in our democracy, by using legislation to ensure that consumer groups and citizens are represented in government decision-making bodies, advisory bodies, and in oversight of community consultation processes.
Thanks to tech developments, there are more ways than ever to get involved in our democracy.
Many local councils have already implemented online budget allocation tools to complement community forums to help work out their budgets.
The Greens will trial a variety of innovations and digital platforms to increase democratic participation, including: Citizen assemblies and juries to complement Parliamentary processes on big decisions
Participatory budget making, where more people have the opportunity to have a meaningful say when governments determine how to invest and raise revenue
Petitions which reach a threshold of support to trigger a real debate in parliament
We will also legislate stronger freedom of information laws to enable greater scrutiny of government processes and decisions.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
It’s easier for people and organisations to get involved in decision making
Charities can fight for what’s right without fear of funding cuts
Communities can take back our democracy from vested interests
SAVE THE ABC AND SBS
Democracy requires a strong and diverse public media, but instead of protecting our ABC and SBS, they are under assault from the twin threats of funding cuts and political interference.
Changes to media ownership laws have further undermined the strength of our journalism, allowing power to concentrate in the hands of a few and weakening our democracy in the process.
ENSURING ABC AND SBS FUNDING
The ABC has been cut by more than 1,000 jobs and more than $300 million since Tony Abbott went to the 2013 election promising no cuts to the ABC.
The Greens will restore every dollar cut from the ABC’s budget by the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government since 2013, and we’ll grow the ABC’s funding year-on-year to account for those years of chronic underfunding.
This represents an investment of $1.2 billion over the decade.
The Greens will make sure that funding for the ABC is done by hard law not handshakes.
We will amend the ABC Act to create a standing appropriation - meaning that funding of the ABC is law, not subject to the whim of the government of the day.
This will help recover the jobs lost
and restore and protect the news-breaking ability of our nation’s public media across the country.
Meanwhile, SBS is under attack from commercial stations trying to undermine its ability to serve its audience.
The Coalition government has tried to expand the number of advertisements SBS can carry, as a pretext for cutting its funding.
But every advertisement makes it harder for SBS to fulfil its charter obligations.
It compromises the independence of the public broadcaster when it is forced to rely on commercial sponsorship to stay afloat.
We will commit $130 million over the next three years to phase out in-program advertising on the SBS, and reduce program break advertising by 80 per cent.
Public broadcasters shouldn’t rely on private income to keep the lights on.
DEFENDING THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE ABC
The politicisation of the ABC Board has never been more evident.
We need a clear, non-partisan process for selecting the Board.
Under our plan, we will secure the editorial independence of the ABC in legislation by:
Establishing clear protocols for the nominating panel
Requiring nominees to come before the Senate as well as being referred to the Minister
Granting the Senate the power to recommend the Chair to the Minister
Requiring the Minister to explain the rejection of any nominee recommended by the panel
Introducing an audience-appointed board member, reflecting the role of ABC viewers as the critical stakeholder in our public broadcaster
The new board processes will ensure that the board is independent and filled with the best candidates with relevant skills, experience and expertise.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Protect the ABC and SBS and keep them independent
Fully fund our public broadcasters so they are better resourced to deliver news you can trust
Hold the government to account
WORLD-CLASS HEALTH, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES
Ensuring all of us have the basics we need to live a good life.
We should all have access to high quality, free health care
and education,
affordable housing
and a strong social safety net that looks after us when we are out of work, as we age or if we have a disability.
But for decades, Liberal and Labor governments have sold us out by giving massive tax handouts and subsidies to their big corporate donors, instead of investing in the public services that we all need.
It’s about choices and priorities – and time after time, they’ve let us down by cutting services and making us pay more and more for the things that used to be free.
So while big corporate profits are soaring and 1 in 3 of the largest corporations pay no tax, the rest of us are left paying more or waiting longer to get help.
No wonder more and more people across our community are stressed and struggling to make ends meet.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
The Greens will make big corporations pay their fair share of tax
and put that money directly into funding public services to ensure everyone has what they need to live a good life.
THE GREENS HAVE A PLAN TO CREATE WORLD-CLASS PUBLIC SERVICES:
Introduce Medicare of the future: a truly universal health care system that includes dental and mental health
Guarantee free or low-cost access to all essential community services such as disability services, childcare, mental health and aged care services
Increase Newstart and Youth Allowance
Fully fund public schools and provide free TAFE and Uni
Guarantee access to aged care services and ensure there is an aged care workforce for the future
Treat drug use as a health issue, not a criminal issue
MEDICARE OF THE FUTURE
High quality, free public health care is a basic service that everyone needs to live a decent life.
But in the last six years in government, the Coalition has ripped money out of hospitals and Medicare and has done nothing to address looming health crises like obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
As a result, many Australians are forced to pay enormous out-of-pocket costs for doctors, hospital visits, dental care and mental health services.
The Greens will fund a truly universal, public health system designed to keep you well and provide the free, quality care you need when you need it, regardless of your postcode or bank balance.
Under our plan, hospital waitlists will be significantly reduced, and you’ll be able to go to the dentist and use your Medicare card instead of paying huge fees.
We will keep people healthier, and out of hospitals, by introducing an Independent Preventative Health Commission which delivers evidence-based programs that tackle the rising rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease by putting prevention at the heart of health care.
Our plan will ensure your mental health is considered as important as your physical health.
We will reduce the stigma around mental health and ensure more people get help when they need it.
We will increase funding to mental health services and train the mental health workforce of the future.
We could afford all of this, if our government stopped spending $6 billion a year on propping up the private health insurance companies who are making mega-bucks selling us services that don’t cover what we need.
The Greens would redirect those funds towards the public health system.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
See the dentist without huge costs
Get help with your mental health without delay
Significantly reduced hospital waiting lists
You will be healthier for longer
CARING FOR PEOPLE: A NEW BLUEPRINT FOR SOCIAL SERVICES
One of the values that defines our Australian community is our willingness to give each other a hand when we need it – whether it’s because someone has lost their job, had a relationship break down, got older or they are living with disability.
Our contributions via the tax system ensure that this support will be there for each of us if we ever need it.
But rather than maintaining our strong social safety net, successive Labor and Coalition governments have cut services and frozen payments so they can afford to give big businesses tax breaks and subsidies instead.
Unlike the major parties, and the Greens will always choose to look after everyone, rather than just the very wealthy few.
We have a comprehensive plan to repair our social safety net.
SUPPORT PAYMENTS
We will immediately raise Newstart and Youth Allowance by $75 per week and bring back Parenting Payment Single to help more than 90,000 single parents.
We will abolish punitive measures like the cashless welfare card – because we should all be able to access income support with dignity, while being treated with respect.
SERVICES GUARANTEE
We will guarantee free or low-cost access to all essential community services such as disability services, childcare, mental health and aged care services.
Our plan includes establishing a Commonwealth taskforce to map need, identify which areas have unmet needs and to work across all levels of Government to ensure no-one is left behind.
AGED CARE SERVICES
The Greens will ensure older Australians have safe, affordable aged care, and are able to choose whether to stay at home or to move to residential care.
We will also improve quality of care through increased levels of care and improved staffing ratios, and ensure that we have the aged care workforce of the future by improving staffing levels, providing better training and increasing pay.
DISABILITY SERVICES
The Greens support a fully funded and adequately staffed NDIS that is transparent, consultative and accountable.
CHILDCARE
The Greens will ensure access to early childhood education and childcare services for families that need them.
We will make childcare free for low-income families, and increase access for everyone else.
SOCIAL SERVICES WORKERS
We value the commitment and contribution that people who work in caring and social services bring.
We recognise the need for wage increases and better conditions as well as the importance of helping grow our caring workforce to meet rapidly increasing demand, particularly in aged care.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
People get access to the services they need for a better life
Easier navigation of the NDIS
Higher wages for caring jobs
Better care in-home or in residential care
More income for single parents and better payment on Newstart and Youth Allowance so that people don’t live in poverty
WORLD-CLASS PUBLIC EDUCATION
Everyone has a right to accessible and affordable education, whether you are leaving school, changing careers or looking to gain new skills and knowledge.
Education enriches all stages of our lives.
The opportunity to learn unlocks our potential, reduces inequality and allows us to live a good life.
Guaranteeing universal access to education helps us build a just society and prepare for a brighter future.
But under the Coalition Government, billions have been cut from school funding.
Our childcare services are under pressure and our universities and TAFEs are being slowly deregulated and privatised, at the expense of both students and teachers.
If we don’t improve our investment in public education, just 13% of public schools will have the funding to meet their minimum needs by 2023 while 65% of non-government schools will be overfunded.
That means 2 million young people will miss out on the education they need.
And our university and TAFE fees will also continue to rise out of reach of many young people.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
The Greens have a plan to ensure everyone, regardless of their bank balance or postcode,
is able to gain a world-class education and continue learning and upskilling as their life changes.
FULLY FUNDED PUBLIC SCHOOLS
We’re making an unprecedented investment in public schools of over $24 billion in the next 10 years.
Under our plan, by 2023, every public school in Australia will be fully funded to reach the nationally agreed standard and to meet the educational needs of all students.
We will expand building and infrastructure funding so that the majority of funds go to public schools, remove the artificial cap on federal funding for public education
and stop the special deals made by major parties with private schools.
FREE TAFE AND UNI
Students leaving university or TAFE now face greater pressures than ever before, including high youth unemployment and record high housing and living costs.
Being saddled with tens of thousands of dollars in student debt that takes decades to repay is unsustainable and unfair.
Our plan will fund unlimited free TAFE and undergraduate university for everyone,
increase Youth Allowance by $75 a week,
and boost uni funding by 10% to better support students, teachers and staff, so no one leaves uni with an enormous debt that will take a decade to pay off.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Public schools have everything they need
No school is underfunded
Free TAFE and undergraduate uni
Better support for students, teachers and staff
More funding for universities to improve learning and teaching conditions
Everyone has access to world class education
REFORM DRUG LAWS TO REDUCE HARM AND SAVE LIVES
The current approach to reducing the harm that illicit drugs cause in our community is not working.
And right now, many of the things we are doing to address this issue are making it worse rather than better.
It’s high time for a complete re-think.
By investing in harm reduction, we create better health outcomes for drug users and for our communities as a whole.
For more than half a century, governments have aggressively pursued the disastrous “war on drugs” policy that criminalises a health problem and has only succeeded in making things worse.
The major parties’ “tough on drugs” policies are causing enormous harm, ruining lives and killing young people.
The Greens see drug use as a health issue, not a criminal issue.
That’s why our drug reform policy is based on the need to change our dysfunctional law and order approach and move towards a harm minimisation model.
Under our plan to change Australia’s drug laws for the better, we would legalise cannabis for adult use within a tightly regulated market
and make pill testing accessible at music festivals and in local communities.
To ensure vulnerable Australians are able to better access support, our plan will also double the amount of funding to alcohol and drug treatment services, expand safe injecting facilities to more locations and fully fund lifesaving opioid substitution therapy.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Help when you need it
Pills tested to save lives
Grow your own cannabis for personal use
No criminal records for minor possession of cannabis
Bust the business model of cannabis drug dealers
Boost the economy by taxing and regulating cannabis
PUBLIC OWNERSHIP, NOT PRIVATISATION
Ensuring everyone has affordable access to the services they need: energy, banking and the internet.
Privatisation has failed us.
It’s led to huge profits for big corporations but less reliable services and increased costs for the rest of us.
In the last decade alone, the Labor and Liberal parties have taken millions of dollars from the big banks, energy and telecommunications companies.
These companies have stitched up the policy platforms of the major parties because they demand a return on their investment, and they usually get it.
Political donations have corrupted our democracy.
The Greens believe electricity, banking and the internet should be run as essential services, putting public good before corporate profit.
Unlike the major parties, the Greens refuse to take donations from big corporations who seek to influence us.
That means we are entirely focused on outcomes that are good for our community, not outcomes that suit donors and vested interests.
We can’t be bought and we won’t sell you out.
We are the party of public ownership.
We will create publicly owned energy and banking providers and stop Labor and Liberal governments from further privatising our essential services, including the electricity grid and the NBN.
Our plan will ensure everyone has access to the services they need,
stop you getting ripped off by big corporations,
immediately reduce your bills,
make services more reliable
and kick off a rapid, planned transition to renewable energy to tackle climate change.
OUR PLAN FOR PUBLICLY OWNED ELECTRICITY, BANKING AND THE INTERNET:
Create a not-for-profit energy retailer to kick off the transition to renewable energy
Cap power prices and buy back essential electricity infrastructure
Create a not-for-profit bank to end the rorts and bring down prices
Break up the big banks and cap executive pay
Oppose the sell-off of the NBN and upgrade it to the best technology for fast and reliable services
RETURN ELECTRICITY TO PUBLIC OWNERSHIP
If you’ve experienced a blackout, you know how essential electricity is.
It fuels our communications, our homes and our businesses, our schools, universities, hospitals and nursing homes.
The Greens believe electricity should be run as an essential service, putting public good before profit.
But both Liberal and Labor governments have sold off the grid to private companies.
And ever since, those companies have invested in sales managers and marketing gurus instead of efficiencies and renewables,
and as a result we’re paying more than twice what we were paying a decade ago.
Privatisation has failed to deliver cheaper electricity.
The price of energy in deregulated states is higher than in regulated ones.
Privatisation has also been a barrier to the investment that is needed to shift our electricity system to clean energy.
Right now, big power companies make monster profits while more and more of us are getting disconnected because we can’t pay our power bills.
It’s time we took back control of the grid.
POWER AUSTRALIA: A PUBLICLY OWNED NOT FOR PROFIT ENERGY PROVIDER
The Greens will establish a new, publicly owned competitor to the private power companies, dedicated to driving down your costs instead of driving up its profits.
Under the Greens plan, you will be able to buy renewable energy from a government provider, Power Australia, which supplies your household electricity to you without the unnecessary profit mark-ups.
Under our plan, energy bills will be reduced by an estimated $200 a year for an average customer, we’ll increase competition in the existing retail market and end the profit-at-all-costs business model.
By purchasing energy only from renewable sources, this model will fast-track investment in renewable technology,
create more public sector jobs
and help tackle climate change.
All Australians will have guaranteed access to cheap, clean and reliable electricity.
Our plan would also force the government to regulate the price that corporations can charge you for energy.
That means a better deal for all customers.
BUY BACK ESSENTIAL ELECTRICITY INFRASTRUCTURE
If we want an electricity grid that can underpin the rapid transition to renewable energy
and keep prices down we must return the grid to public hands.
But a publicly owned energy retailer can’t ensure the lowest cost if it’s forced to pay private companies for wholesale electricity generated over state borders.
That’s why the Greens will establish a Grid Transformation Fund - to restore public ownership to those critical interconnectors between states.
We can’t have a national electricity market without them.
And under our plan, they won’t be there to turn a profit - they’ll be there to support a nation.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Make electricity cheaper
Drive investment in renewables to tackle climate change
Make sure you don’t get ripped off
BANKING FOR PEOPLE, NOT FOR PROFIT
Banking is an essential service and people should be able to access it at a fair price.
Unfortunately, as the Royal Commission has proven, Australia’s banking system is a rort.
Three decades of deregulation and privatisation has allowed the big four banks to write the rules to suit themselves (and their executives to rake in exorbitant salaries), while they gouge super profits out of the rest of us.
This has to stop.
The Government needs to step in.
But, while both the Liberal and Labor parties take huge donations from the big banks, they will only ever tinker around the edges.
Under our comprehensive plan to bring banking back to basics, we will reform the system so that it operates in the best interests of people and protects us from being ripped off.
A PEOPLE’S BANK
We will establish a People’s Bank to provide basic banking at cost price.
The Greens will use the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to establish a People’s Bank to provide basic low-risk banking services to the public.
At the People’s Bank, everyday Australians would be able to establish accounts directly with the RBA for day-to-day banking facilities.
Customer service would be provided online, by telephone, or face-to-face through Australia Post and other partners.
Everyday banking for public good, not profit margins.
Imagine a bank whose real goal was to serve its customers, not line its shareholders’ pockets.
We would also overhaul the management of banks and cap executive pay,
level the playing field for smaller banks
and break-up the banks so that an institution is either a bank, superannuation fund, insurance company, or a provider of other financial products.
Under our plan, big banks can no longer rip people off by cross-selling their own products.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Provide a cheaper alternative to the big banks
Disrupt the big bank oligopoly
Ensure you don’t get ripped off
Deliver banking as an essential service
21ST CENTURY INTERNET CONNECTION
Affordable, quality telecommunications are fundamental to the future of our jobs, education, essential services, and way of life.
The National Broadband Network (NBN) belongs to all of us, but only because the Greens secured safeguards making it as difficult as possible for future governments to privatise the NBN.
Greens in the Senate have ensured that any move to sell it off is subject to a full public inquiry and vote in parliament.
We are committed to retaining the NBN infrastructure as a public asset and will ensure it remains in public hands as Australia’s sole universal-access, wholesale service provider.
UPGRADE THE NBN
It isn’t enough to keep the NBN as it is.
The Abbott-Turnbull ‘multi-technology mix’ disaster has left many Australians without affordable or reliable services.
The Greens are committed to a forward-looking NBN that uses Fibre to the Premises, Fibre to the Curb, and 5G Fixed Wireless to prepare us for the future and bring us in line with the capabilities of other countries.
Under our plan, the NBN will be finished using the best long-term technology solutions and make it available to all Australians.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Stop any move to sell-off the NBN
Upgrade the NBN to increase internet speed
Ensure you’re connected, wherever you are
Prioritise the NBN as critical infrastructure
PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT
Creating a future where our environment, our wildlife and future generations thrive.
We are fortunate to live in one of the most diverse and beautiful places in the world.
But it’s under threat like never before.
Our Great Barrier Reef is dying and our farmers are suffering through intense drought as a result of climate change caused by the mining, burning and exporting of coal and gas.
For decades, Liberal and Labor governments have let corporations get away with trashing our planet for their own private profit.
Both parties have stood by while their big donors have dug up our environment, destroyed our climate and sold off our green spaces, with little accountability.
They’re polluting the places we live – our farmland, our rivers and our oceans – and destroying the places we love.
Hundreds of native Australian species have been pushed to the brink of extinction, while recovery plans for their survival gather dust.
The Greens recognise that good economic management means taking care of our planet.
Our future will only be a prosperous one if we build our economy in line with the principles of long-term sustainability and science, rather than short-term self-interest and political point-scoring.
We will phase out support for industries that destroy our environment and support industries that protect our environment, creating the clean, green jobs and industries of the future.
The Labor and Liberal parties have taken millions from the big polluters in recent years, including $13 million from energy and resources companies since 2012.
Unlike the major parties, the Greens refuse to take donations from these corporations who are buying policy influence.
That means we are entirely focused on outcomes that are good for our community, not outcomes that suit big corporate donors.
We can’t be bought and we won’t sell you,
or our environment, out.
OUR PLAN TO PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT:
Overhaul our environmental laws
Tackle the waste crisis to make Australia a global leader in reusing and recycling products
Look after our oceans, forests, rivers and reefs by introducing a network of marine parks, ending deforestation, saving the Great Barrier Reef, protecting the Murray-Darling basin and stopping oil and gas exploration in the Great Australian Bight
Halt the animal extinction crisis by properly funding recovery plans for all threatened species and creating thousands of jobs to look after our environment
Ban all new coal seam gas and fracking projects across Australia, including expansions to existing projects
Protect animals from cruelty
OVERHAUL OUR ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS
We should all be able to enjoy the places we love in nature without them being threatened by big polluters and corporations who want to trash our environment for their own profit.
The Australian government has the power, authority and resources to look after Australia’s natural heritage and better protect our wild places and threatened species.
But we need to end the influence that corporations have over our parliament to make this happen.
The major parties have let big corporates dictate their environment policies and destroy our environment.
Environmental funding has been slashed, while Liberal and Labor government efforts to demonstrate their ‘enviro-creds’ are nothing more than tinkering around the edges.
Our planet needs a comprehensive plan rather than stop-gap measures at election time.
BETTER LAWS
To better protect our shared natural resources, our wild places and our threatened species, we have a plan to rewrite the outdated Howard-era federal environmental laws.
BETTER PROTECTION
Under our plan, a new generation of environmental laws will be introduced and overseen by a federal regulatory body with expanded responsibility and with real power to enforce the law.
Crucially, this national Environment Protection Agency will operate at arm’s length from politicians and lobbyists.
Unlike the major parties, the Greens are committed to preserving, protecting and restoring nature.
We are your voice inside parliament for the prevention of human-caused extinction of animals, plants and ecosystems, and will always hold governments to account when it comes to environmental regulation.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Environmental protection laws that actually work
Independent advice, free from political or corporate influence
Expanded regulatory responsibility to include regulation of land clearing, invasive species, air pollution and more
Increased community access to justice
WIN THE WAR ON WASTE
As Australians, we pride ourselves on being good recyclers and doing our bit.
But we are being let down by corporations and governments who send our recycling overseas or to landfill instead of repurposing it.
Rather than relying on other countries to deal with our waste, we have an opportunity to build a recycling system that creates Australian jobs,
establishes new industries,
makes the best use of our recycled goods and helps us live more sustainably.
Our recycling industry is in the midst of a major crisis.
With the Liberal and Labor parties asleep at the wheel, tonnes and tonnes of low-quality recycling has been stockpiled and dumped into landfill.
Much of this waste finds its way into our water, where it pollutes our beaches and destroys the health of everything that lives in our rivers and oceans.
TACKLING WASTE
Unlike the Labor and Liberal parties, whose inaction has caused the waste crisis, the Greens have a comprehensive plan to create less waste, fix recycling and build a circular economy.
This includes the establishment of a national container deposit scheme, to ensure a consistent nationwide approach, and to provide greater incentives for manufacturers to make recyclable products.
ENDING THE RECYCLING CRISIS
Under our plan, we would also introduce stewardship schemes for problematic waste items, like mobile phones, tyres and mattresses, and phase out single-use plastics for take-away food, including straws, containers, lids and other plastic packaging.
Our plan will also invest in waste avoidance and resource recovery initiatives, to encourage greater recycling uptake, and in research to clean up our oceans and to develop new uses for recovered plastic.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
A consistent national approach to recycling
An incentive for people to recycle
Manufacturers are encouraged to make recyclable products
A solution for problematic waste streams, like e-waste, tyres and mattresses
PROTECT THE PLACES WE LOVE
We can protect the places we live, and save the places we love, if we listen to the advice of experts and get big corporate interests, like mining and energy companies, out of politics.
Under the watch of negligent Labor and Liberal governments, Australia has become a deforestation world leader, our Great Barrier Reef has been dredged and bleached within an inch of its life, and the Murray-Darling basin is being run dry by big corporate irrigators.
Our environment is under threat like never before, yet the major parties are just standing by and letting their big corporate donors get away with trashing it.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
The Greens have an extensive plan to protect our environment.
Under our plan, a network of marine parks will be introduced based upon on scientific recommendations,
Japanese whalers will be pursued for illegal hunting, and there will be no further oil and gas exploration in the Great Australian Bight.
The Greens will prevent the destruction of our precious forests by completing the transition to 100% plantation-sourced timber and fibre.
We will decrease the pressure on the Great Barrier Reef by stopping the Adani mine and investing $2 billion to improve its water quality.
And we will stand up to corruption in the Murray Darling basin to stop water theft and return more water to the river.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Healthier oceans
Better forest protection
No Adani coal mine and a safer Great Barrier Reef
Less water for corporate irrigators; more water in the Murray Darling
NO FRACKING WAY
By investing in renewable technology we can harness all the energy we need to live a good life without drilling into the ground and risking our water supplies.
Using the sun and wind we can power our country,
while protecting our agricultural land, farmers and communities for years to come.
Fracking and coal seam gas (CSG) pose a serious threat to our climate, groundwater, agricultural land and community.
These practices are fundamentally incompatible with farming.
Drilling for gas has the potential to contaminate and lower the water table, while extracting coal seam gas, shale and tight gas requires dangerous and risky fracking.
Despite damning evidence against these practices, there has been rapid expansion of the CSG and fracking industry across Queensland and New South Wales
thanks to the industry’s cosy relationship with Labor and Liberal governments.
And to make matters worse, if the Northern Territory is opened up for fracking then Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions will rise by 6%.
Unlike the major parties, we will always fight for outcomes which are in the best interest of the community, not for political donors or big business mates.
The Greens are committed to defending farmers and our environment against the big gas companies by banning all new CSG and fracking projects across Australia, including expansions to existing projects.
Under our plan, we will extend the ‘water trigger’ in our national environmental protection laws to cover all forms of gas extraction and protect farmers and their water sources.
And we will make gas companies clean up after themselves by requiring sufficient funds to be set aside for rehabilitation once existing projects end.
We’ll work with unions and industry to ensure a just transition for workers, including retraining for the industries of the future.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Fracking is banned
No new unconventional gas approvals or expansions on existing projects
Landholders, including First Nations peoples, have the right to say no to gas mining on their land
‘Water trigger’ extension will protect water sources
Gas companies will be made to clean up their own mess
PROTECTING ANIMALS
The Greens believe in a world where all animals are treated with compassion and we are committed to ending animal cruelty.
The way we treat animals reflects how we treat all life.
We have a duty of care to minimise physical and psychological suffering of animals resulting from human activity.
That’s why it is unacceptable that every day, animals across the country are made to suffer in order to maximise corporate profit in gambling, entertainment, cosmetics and agriculture.
We are committed to fighting for better animal welfare laws and for an end to harmful practices in order to protect animals from cruelty and suffering.
Our priorities at this election include ending live export of animals for slaughter overseas, banning the manufacture, sale and importation of animal-tested cosmetics, ending intensive factory farming across Australia, working at a state level to ban greyhound racing and banning the export of racing greyhounds.
The Greens will work with industry, farming and union stakeholders to include appropriate industry adjustment measures to ensure a best practice transition.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
An end to the live export industry and a smooth transition to local processing of boxed and chilled meat for export
A ban on animal-tested cosmetics and cosmetics ingredients
No cage egg production, sow stalls or other cruel industrial animal farming practices
No greyhound racing and no exporting of racing greyhounds
A HOME FOR ALL
In a wealthy country like Australia, no one should be without a home.
Housing is a basic necessity, like healthcare and education.
Unfortunately, for years Liberal and Labor governments have treated housing like a commodity and created a system that works best for their big corporate donors.
So while the rich get richer, it’s become really hard for young people to buy their first home, rents are skyrocketing and more people, of all ages, are struggling to find an affordable, secure home.
So while the rich get richer, it’s become really hard for young people to buy their first home, rents are skyrocketing and more people, of all ages, are struggling to find an affordable, secure home.
The Labor and Liberal parties have taken over $75 million from the big banks and the finance and property industry since 2012.
Unlike the major parties, the Greens refuse to take donations from corporations who seek to buy influence.
That means we are entirely focused on outcomes that are good for our community, not outcomes that suit corporate donors.
We can’t be bought and we won’t sell you out.
We’ll invest in a vibrant social and community housing sector, give renters the dignity of an affordable and stable home and we’ll make it easier for you to buy your first home than for an investor to buy their fifth.
The Greens will ensure we have a housing system that puts people’s needs before property developer greed.
OUR PLAN TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE HAS AN AFFORDABLE HOME:
Build 500,000 rent-controlled and well-designed public and community homes
Give renters real rights including long term leases, a home for your pet, and no more unfair rent increases
Provide $30 million for tenancy advocacy services, to help renters defend their rights
Support first home buyers by phasing out unfair tax rules, including reforming negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount
Increase funding for temporary accommodation services so that no one has to sleep on the streets
BUILD AFFORDABLE PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY HOMES
We believe housing should be a universal right.
Just like Medicare and our public school system, everyone should be able to apply for public and community housing if they need it.
More than a million households in Australia pay more for housing than they can afford because the Liberal and Labor parties are happy to let the housing market remain a plaything for wealthy investors and property developers.
While the major parties tinker around the edges, we have
a comprehensive plan to solve the housing crisis and ensure everyone has a home.
Our plan will establish a Federal Housing Trust that issues loans for states, territories and community housing providers to build new affordable homes over the next fifteen years.
This plan will transform Australia’s housing system, by providing affordable rents based upon household income, secure long-term leases, and environmental, mobility and accessibility friendly home design.
The Greens’ vision of a Federal Housing Trust will provide people with a home for life.
It’s been done successfully in many other countries, including Denmark, Sweden and The Netherlands, and it can be done here as well.
We’ll pay for this by winding back the unfair Capital Gains Tax handout and phasing out negative gearing over five years.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
More affordable homes in every city
Everyone can apply
Cheaper rent
An end to homelessness
BETTER RIGHTS FOR PEOPLE WHO RENT
Owning your own home should not be the only way to guarantee a roof over your head.
The Greens believe that every renter deserves the dignity of an affordable, liveable and secure home for the long-term.
One in three Australians are renters, yet we have one of the most expensive and unregulated rental markets in the world.
We have no national rental standard for renters’ protection, and years of mismanagement from Liberal and Labor governments have left many of us facing application discrimination, unfair rent increases, ‘no grounds’ evictions, poor living conditions and short-term leases.
Our plan will establish a national standard for residential tenancy agreements.
It will create tenancy laws for long-term leases, ensure minimum standards for energy and security, protect tenants against eviction, unfair rent rises, discrimination and landlords who refuse to maintain properties.
And under our plan, we’ll prohibit blanket ‘no pets’ clauses so your fluffy best friend is guaranteed a home with you.
The Greens will commit $30 million to properly fund tenancy advocacy services, to provide free and independent information, advice and advocacy to people who rent.
We’ll pay for this by winding back the unfair Capital Gains Tax handout and phasing out negative gearing over five years.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Let you live with your pet
No more unfair rent increases
Hang a picture and make minor changes without unfair consequences
Longer leases for better security
You can’t get kicked out of your home without justification
ABOLISH UNFAIR TAX RULES
Right now, wealthier people are claiming tax deductions on their second, third or fourth house while young people, young families and those on lower incomes may never own a home.
The Greens have a plan to ease the market lock-out for first home buyers by ending the tax breaks that make it easier to buy your fifth home than your first.
Decades of Labor and Liberal tax policies have rigged the housing market in favour of their big donors: property investors who can afford to play the housing market and big banks who profit from mountains of mortgage debt.
By reforming our tax system, we can build a fairer housing system where an affordable home is a reality for everyone.
The Capital Gains Tax (CGT) discount is an unfair tax break that has encouraged wealthy investors to gamble on future price rises and has done very little to encourage the building of affordable homes.
Negative gearing has encouraged speculation by wealthy homeowners into the housing market, and stamp duty is an inefficient tax that raises the upfront cost of homes.
By backing these policies for decades, the major parties have made it easier for investors to buy their fifth property than for a young person to buy their first.
We will dismantle the rigged tax system by winding back the CGT discount and phasing out negative gearing over five years, prohibiting negative gearing on all future investment properties.
Phasing out the Capital Gains Tax discount and reforming negative gearing will raise $5.8 billion.
Under our plan, this money will be redirected to fund affordable housing, protect renters rights and support crisis services.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Easier to buy your first home
No unfair advantages for investors
More affordable homes
Fewer investors to compete with
FUND CRISIS HOUSING SERVICES
We all deserve a comfortable and secure place to call home.
Without this security, it is hard to go to work, raise a family, be healthy, or be part of a local community.
Around 300,000 people seek assistance for homelessness every year, including thousands of people fleeing domestic violence.
Rather than ensuring that everyone has a place to live, the Government has sought to criminalise and vilify people who are experiencing homelessness.
Our approach will be one based upon compassion and care for people doing it tough.
In addition to tackling the housing crisis by building new community and public homes, the Greens will commit $500 million per year to crisis services, which represents a significant increase in funding.
This extra funding will be guaranteed for ten years to provide certainty and security.
We’ll pay for this by winding back the unfair Capital Gains Tax handout and phasing out negative gearing over five years.
Our plan is to make secure housing the start of the solution, rather than the result of it.
This is what’s worked in Finland, where the same approach has led to homelessness falling by 35% and the need for crisis services dramatically reducing.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
No one left without a roof over their head
More funding to help more people
Ten year funding guarantee provides security for support workers
More compassion, less stigma
Support for all people, no matter who you are, including people fleeing domestic violence, young LGBTIQ+ people kicked out of home, people experiencing relationship breakdown and older Australians struggling to find work
JOBS AND TRAINING FOR THE FUTURE
Planning for the future of work and protecting people as our industries change.
All of us should have access to meaningful, secure work so we don’t struggle to make ends meet and we have the freedom to do more of the things we love.
And while most of us have to work to live, we should never be living just to work.
Employment in Australia is changing rapidly.
Some of us are stuck working too many hours, while many of us can’t find enough work.
Jobs are less secure, wages are flatlining
and small businesses are getting squeezed by big business and their mates in the government.
We live in a wealthy country where advances in technology could be making everyone’s lives better, but instead, economic inequality is the highest it has been for 70 years in Australia.
We know an increase in automated technology will have a huge impact on many industries and we need to start planning for it now
creating the jobs of the future,
so no one is left behind.
But the major parties are doing the bidding of their big corporate donors instead of planning for the rest of us.
The Labor and the Liberal parties have taken over $100 million from big corporates since 2012, and both major parties have sided with those corporations to cut award conditions,
keep wages down,
restrict our ability to protect our rights at work
and ignore small business.
The Greens have a plan to educate, up-skill and protect people as our industries change.
We will protect workers’ rights,
support small business and the industries of the future,
create jobs,
close the gender pay gap
and plan for the future of work.
OUR PLAN FOR THE FUTURE OF WORK:
Increase wages and protect workers’ rights by rewriting our workplace laws
A Future of Work Commission to plan for the future
Invest in science, research and innovation
Close the gender wage gap and better support working parents
Grow the creative economy and support the contribution art and artists make to our society
FIGHTING FOR YOUR RIGHTS AT WORK
For many people, work is insecure, unfulfilling and low paid.
Despite decades of uninterrupted economic growth, the changing nature of work means life is harder than it used to be for many of us.
So even though people are working hard, wages are flatlining and too many people – especially young people – aren’t getting the hours of work they need to live a decent life.
Job insecurity is on the rise and people are in record levels of personal debt because of unaffordable housing and the rising cost of living.
And yet, one in four people living in poverty are also working full-time.
The system is rigged.
Under Labor and Liberal governments, labour laws were rewritten to restrict people’s rights to organise, cutting away at awards and repressing wages growth.
The minimum wage has fallen to the point where even working full-time is no longer a guarantee of security.
Our Fair Work Act now breaches international law.
Giant corporations are wrecking our planet and making record profits while employers use labour laws to cut wages, conditions and workplace rights.
REJECT THE TPP
The Labor and Liberal parties even joined together to sell out Australian workers by supporting the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)– one of the most shocking trade agreements in a generation.
The only winners out of the TPP are the giant corporations looking to exploit workers for their own super-profit.
The Greens voted against the TPP and will always vote against unfair trade deals that undercut labour laws.
CHANGE THE RULES
Right now, something has to give.
Our industrial relations laws are broken.
The Greens are the only party that has formally endorsed the #ChangeTheRules campaign.
The Greens stand for: Labour laws that reduce inequality, including increasing the minimum wage to a living wage, stronger awards, ending employers’ ability to terminate agreements during bargaining, restoration of penalty rates and paid family and domestic violence leave
Equal pay for equal work, including equal pay for gig economy and
labour hire workers, ending the gender pay gap, tackling wage theft, abolishing work for the dole, and stopping contracting out of minimum conditions
Tackling job insecurity and giving workers more control, including restricting casualisation and contracting out, and the right to work fewer hours if you want
The right to engage in industrial action, including abolishing the ABCC and Registered Trade Organisation Commission, restoring the right to strike, bargaining at whatever level workers consider appropriate, not just within an enterprise
Creating jobs and tackling unemployment, including large-scale government investment in services, infrastructure and industry support, and returning essential services to public ownership
No more unfair trade deals that undercut labour laws
PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE OF WORK
Work is changing all around us.
From temporary or freelance work through to manufacturing, advancements in technology and science represent an exciting opportunity for all of us.
But we must plan for the transition for those whose jobs may be replaced by automated technologies within the next twenty years.
We need to plan for the future, right now.
For younger and older workers alike, job security has been significantly reduced in today’s economy.
But this issue has proven too big for the old parties to even acknowledge – they are too beholden to the industries of the past, instead of thinking about the industries they could be creating for our future.
FUTURE OF WORK COMMISSION
Under our plan, we will establish a specialised, independent Future of Work Commission.
The Commission will examine the impacts of technological innovation and develop long-term strategies for jobs.
It will find ways to overcome the threat of insecure work, casualisation and automation, as well as the new opportunities technological advancement creates.
It will model a four day work week without loss of pay, and explore the prospect of introducing an Australian Universal Basic Income.
INVEST IN SCIENCE, RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
The Greens will also invest in the science, research and innovation that will transform our economy and make Australia a global leader in new technology.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
More secure, long term jobs
More time doing the things we love
No one left behind as our industries change
More money for science, technology and innovation
CLOSING THE GENDER WAGE GAP
Everyone has the right to equal pay for equal work.
But right now, across Australia, women continue to be paid much less than men.
The Greens believe all women should receive equal pay for work of equal value and unpaid caring responsibilities should be acknowledged and properly valued throughout our lifetime.
The Greens have a plan to begin legal, workplace and economic reforms to address the root causes of women’s income inequality.
We support women’s rights to financial security and will focus on creating family-friendly, caring-friendly and flexible workplaces for everyone, including flexible working hours and the possibility of working from home.
The Greens are working towards equality for all women in all aspects of life, and are committed to seeing these values reflected in our laws and society.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
No more gender pay gap
Easier to work and be a mum
Caring work and family caring responsibilities are more valued
More superannuation available in retirement
INVESTING IN AUSTRALIAN CREATIVITY
Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in a vibrant and thriving arts sector.
The arts form the foundation of who we are as a culture, a society and as individuals.
We should all be free to explore the arts and have our contributions valued.
Artists make a significant contribution to Australian cultural life.
But, thanks to years of funding cuts by Labor and Liberal governments, they are forced to operate part-time and often for no pay at all.
The average Australian artist lives below the poverty line and works multiple jobs - sometimes even taking unemployment payments in order to keep the lights on.
98% of Australian artists received Newstart between 2010 and 2015.
The arts are too valuable to be a part-time contribution.
The Greens recognise that art and culture make a valuable contribution to the nation’s economy and we recognise that support to the arts represents an important economic, as well as a social, investment.
We have a plan to support a creative and innovative Australia by establishing a Creativity Commission to provide oversight, advice and structural support to help grow the arts sector, by investing in local content production and by reinstating funding to the independent Australia Council for the Arts so that it can provide security and confidence to the sector.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Grow the creative economy, an industry which Australians love
Better support for artists and greater depth of creativity
A thriving local screen content sector
More secure jobs for people working in the creative sector
A FAIRER, MORE EQUAL COMMUNITY
Better together: protecting diversity, championing equality and promoting peace.
All of us deserve to feel safe and to have equal opportunities in life, no matter our cultural background, ability, gender, sexuality, income or postcode.
To ensure a safe, equal world for all, we can’t let a few powerful voices turn us against each other or divide us based on where we come from, who we love or what we look like.
Both Liberal and Labor governments have cynically pitted members of our community against each other.
They’ve introduced and aggressively championed policies that exclude or vilify people just because of who they are - divisive policies like allowing schools to discriminate against gay teachers, unbelievably cruel policies like locking refugee children up in offshore detention indefinitely, or discriminatory policies that result in First Nations children locked up in jail at ten times the rate of non-Indigenous children.
They’ve eroded everyone’s fundamental rights, including our right to privacy and digital freedoms.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
The Greens will always advocate for our rights, champion diversity and call out discrimination, bias and bigotry.
We will make sure that everyone has the opportunity to live a good life, free from discrimination.
The Greens understand that everything is connected, which is why we need to be good global citizens.
We recognise that this always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land and that sovereignty was never ceded.
It’s long past time for treaties, healing, justice and truth for our First Nations Peoples.
OUR PLAN TO CREATE A MORE DIVERSE, EQUAL AND PEACEFUL FUTURE:
Work with First Nations Peoples, to establish a path for sovereignty and treaties and to close the gap
Close offshore detention and create a safe pathway for people who seek our help
Champion diversity in our communities
Enure equality for women in all aspects of society, including at work
Stamp out systemic racism and hate speech
Make Australia accessible and fully fund the NDIS
Ensure LGBTIQ+ people have full equality under the law and in our communities
Create a charter of rights
Make Australia a good global citizen, by supporting peace
and demilitarisation
JUSTICE FOR FIRST NATIONS PEOPLES
The Australian Greens acknowledge that First Nations Peoples are the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land we call Australia.
We know this land was stolen and that sovereignty was never ceded and that Australia has unfinished business.
We pay our respects to elders, past, present and future.
Despite living in a wealthy nation, First Nations Peoples still experience entrenched disadvantage with health, education and life expectancy outcomes more common in the developing world.
Liberal and Labor governments have not listened to First Nations Peoples, and their paternalistic, punitive approaches have failed First Nations communities.
A PATH TOWARDS TREATIES
Self-determination is a key part of justice and healing for First Nations Peoples, and to closing the gap and addressing intergenerational trauma.
Any plan for justice must be led by First Nations Peoples.
First Nations Peoples must be the key decision makers in policies and programs that affect their communities.
We must start by addressing Australia’s unfinished business through implementing a constitutionally enshrined Voice to Parliament and establishing a path to treaties.
The Australian Greens support the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full.
ADDRESS INDIGENOUS INCARCERATION RATES
Twenty-seven years after the final report into the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, there are still too many First Nations Peoples incarcerated
and over 407 First Nations people have died in custody since the release of the Royal Commission report.
Australia-wide, First Nations Peoples are eleven times more likely to be imprisoned than non-indigenous Australians.
The Greens will adopt the Change the Record campaign recommendations to reduce the rate of incarceration of First Nations Peoples
as well as promoting a Justice Reinvestment approach that prioritises the services that we know keep people out of jail.
FEWER FIRST NATIONS KIDS IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE
There are currently more than 15,000 First Nations children in out-ofhome care across Australia.
The Greens will fund a system that focuses on keeping children out of the care system in the first place and focuses on early intervention and support for children and their families, including trauma and healing services.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Addressing unfinished business through truth, justice and healing
Genuine treaty or treaties
Justice reinvestment, not jails
First Nations Peoples’ voices heard in our parliament
Genuine progress to Close the Gap
CLOSE THE CAMPS
All of us, including people who are fleeing persecution or war-torn countries, have a right to live free from danger, to be treated with dignity and compassion and to be given help when we need it.
Australians are compassionate and fair.
Looking out for others is at the very core of who we are.
But our values are being betrayed by both the major parties, who, in an attempt to win your vote, have spent years locking up women, men and children in indefinite detention, separating families who have turned to Australia for help.
Labor created offshore indefinite detention and the Liberals doubled-down on it.
Both the Labor Party and the Liberals support the indefinite detention of people in deliberately cruel and torturous conditions.
They support turning around boats at sea and returning people to face persecution.
People have died, been assaulted and endured psychological torment because of the choices of the old parties.
Labor and the Liberals have refused to act with basic humanity and compassion and people who need our help are suffering.
The Greens are the only party to have always stood against indefinite offshore detention.
We believe the Manus Island and Nauru detention centres must be closed, and every single man, woman and child detained there should be brought to Australia.
Our plan will create a system that fairly and quickly helps people find safety, rebuild their lives with dignity and doesn’t punish them for seeking our help.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
An end to offshore detention
Faster, more efficient processing times
Refugees living in our community, not in detention
Assistance for those who need our help
We meet our international obligations
SUPPORTING MULTICULTURAL AUSTRALIA
Australia is one of the most culturally diverse countries on earth and we are a stronger nation because of this.
This country is home to generations of migrants and refugees who are valuable members of our communities, and we should be celebrating what makes us all different.
The Greens have a plan to address the needs and aspirations of Australians from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and reflect this diversity in policy.
DELIVER THE FEDERAL MULTICULTURAL ACT
Most states have legislation to protect and value multiculturalism, however there are no such laws at a federal level.
This has led to multiculturalism being used as a political football on the national stage by conservative politicians and media outlets, promoting fear and dividing communities.
The Greens have introduced a Federal Multicultural Act to Parliament, which will create a framework for multiculturalism and establish clear guiding principles for Australian society to embrace cultural and religious diversity, and we will continue fighting for it to be legislated.
PROMOTING DIVERSITY IN FEDERAL PARLIAMENT
Half of all Australians are either born overseas or have a parent who was born overseas.
But currently, Australians with dual nationality cannot sit as MPs in our Federal Parliament.
The Greens believe this should change.
Diversity in our political leadership means more innovation, better policy outcomes and a Parliament which is reflective of our society and its values.
Our plan will ensure that multicultural Australians can run for Federal Parliament and keep their dual citizenship, by calling a referendum to amend section 44 of our Constitution.
MORE FAMILY REUNION VISAS
The Greens recognise how prohibitively expensive and difficult it is for migrants to bring their family members to Australia, particularly with some visa categories imposing a 30-50 year wait list.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Everyone feels safe in our community
Everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives
More diversity in our Federal Parliament
Thousands more families reunited in Australia
EXTEND THE NATIONAL ANTI-RACISM CAMPAIGN
Despite anti-discrimination law, racism and discrimination remain prevalent within our society.
In many cases, racism is a result of unconscious bias, and education is key to addressing this.
The Greens’ plan will extend the current national anti-racism strategy, delivered by the Australian Human Rights Commission, to deliver programs in schools, workplaces, sporting organisations and media institutions.
TACKLING RACISM AND FAR-RIGHT EXTREMISM
In the wake of the Christchurch massacre we must act to stem the rising tide of Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, racism and bigotry.
Enough is enough.
The Greens are shoulder to shoulder with the overwhelming majority of Australians, united against hatred and the hate-speech that has dominated our politics and our public spaces for far too long.
We have a plan for a united, respectful and decent society that welcomes and celebrates difference.
STOP POLITICIANS SPEAKING HATE
Too often politicians attack and dehumanise minority communities.
This has to stop.
The Greens have proposed a Code of Conduct to establish a set of rules governing federal politicians, requiring them to represent public office in a manner consistent with Australian values of respect and inclusion.
COUNTER VIOLENT EXTREMISM
Tackling racism and extremism will take a commitment from all levels of government, and the support of community-led organisations.
In many cases, racism is the result of unconscious bias.
We know that education is the key.
The Greens will extend the current anti-racism strategy, commit $10 million each year to counter violent extremism, and empower communities to prevent it.
MAKE HATE SPEECH ILLEGAL
Left unchecked, hate speech will often lead to hate crimes, yet there is currently no criminal prohibition of hate speech at federal level.
We believe Australia needs an effective legal framework to handle hate speech, while also balancing freedom of expression.
So we have a plan to protect everyone, by introducing a Charter of Rights.
STRENGTHEN GUN CONTROL
It is estimated there are 260,000 weapons in the illicit firearms market in Australia.
This puts the whole community at risk.
And at the same time, the gun lobby is becoming more active in its push to weaken gun laws.
The Greens will ban all political donations
and prohibit the possession of semi-automatic guns in the community.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
A society that welcomes and celebrates diversity
Members of Parliament held to account for the way they behave towards all communities
A coordinated strategy to counter violent extremism
Greater respect for diversity is promoted through a national anti-racism campaign
Improved community safety through stronger gun laws
EQUALITY FOR WOMEN
The Greens believe that women should enjoy equality with men in all aspects of their lives and in our society.
We believe that all women, including LGBTIQ+, First Nations, and women of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, have the right to live free from harassment, fear, violence, abuse and discrimination.
Right now, we are in the midst of a national security crisis, with one in three women experiencing family and domestic violence in their lifetime and, on average, one woman killed by her partner or former partner every week.
These rates of domestic violence have not reduced, despite significant public attention.
Women also still face systemic discrimination in many areas of their life.
Older women represent the largest growing cohort of homeless people, with huge increases in the number of women seeking housing and homelessness support services.
In the workplace, women continue to be paid much less than men.
Women also face greater barriers to healthcare, with abortion, for example, remaining a criminal offence in NSW.
The Greens are committed to achieving equality for women by building housing, financial, and workplace security.
We have a plan to ensure women are safe, valued and treated as equals in private and public life, and we will put in place legal, workplace and economic reforms that directly address the key causes of inequality for women in Australia and around the world.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Safety for women, in the home, workplace and in the community
Gender pay gap is abolished
Abortion is safe, legal, accessible and free for all women
Equality is promoted for women
AN ACCESSIBLE AUSTRALIA
The Australian Greens believe that a healthy, functioning society embraces diversity and removes barriers to provide for equitable access and participation by all.
We believe that all people have a right to independence, self-determination and choice in their lives.
Disability policy and law is a matter of human rights, as well as individual health and well-being.
Disabled people continue to fall through the cracks, to be locked out of the community and denied the same rights as other Australians.
Failings of successive Labor and Coalition governments have perpetuated this discrimination, often denying disabled people access to inclusive education, meaningful employment, adequate services and the support they need.
Disabled people are so often shut out of our communities through outdated, discriminatory planning regulations.
We must do better. It’s time to talk about disability differently.
It’s time to build our places and spaces differently.
It’s time to change attitudes and realise that we are all different and unique, and that an inclusive society is a better society for everyone.
The Greens also recognise that it is not enough to deliver services for people, we must work with them to ensure they are the right services.
We see that decisions that profoundly shape the lives of disabled people are currently being made without their genuine involvement.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Better access to public transport, events, shops and other public spaces
More jobs and more opportunities
Easily accessed, adequately funded and staffed NDIS
Disabled Australians enjoy more control over their own lives
LGBTIQ+ EQUALITY
The Greens believe that all people are equal, have fundamental human rights
and are entitled to live their life with equal protection under law and without any discrimination, including on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status.
The Greens celebrate the diversity in our society and value the contributions of LGBTIQ+ members of our community.
We recognise that people have the right to self-identify their gender.
All too often LGBTIQ+ communities are shut out of decisions that affect them.
The Greens are very proud to continue to be strong allies of the LGBTIQ+ community.
As the first party to support and actively campaign to remove discrimination in marriage, we are so proud of what a strong and united community campaign can do to make positive change.
We congratulate all those who have celebrated love through marriage since the reforms.
But there is so much more to be done.
The Greens have a plan to continue to work with the LGBTIQ+ community to achieve equality for all of us.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
End sexual orientation and gender identity conversion efforts (commonly referred to as ‘gay conversion therapy’)
Everyone is free to love who you want to love
Everyone is safe in our community
Everyone has equal opportunities in all areas of life
Free healthcare that is respectful and appropriate for you
A CHARTER OF RIGHTS
Australia is the only western democracy that does not protect the basic rights and freedoms of its people in either legislation or the Constitution.
So many of our freedoms have been hard won, and others are still being fought for.
The Greens have a plan to protect everyone’s rights in law by introducing a Charter of Rights.
Without a Charter of Rights it is too easy for the Liberals, Labor and big corporations to take freedoms away.
We have seen this in the gagging of media and criminalising of whistleblowers, passing of anti-protest laws, restrictions on association and expression, and the acquisition and pollution of private property, agricultural land and water tables by governments and corporations.
We believe that the rights of people are far more important than the rights of huge corporations, that’s why we want to protect the economic, employment, civil, cultural and environmental rights of every Australian.
A Charter of Rights for Australia would tip the balance back in favour of people
and the environment rather than corporations and the faceless men and women of governments.
This Charter would include civil and political rights, including expression, privacy, association, equality, movement, and presumption of innocence.
It will include economic, social and cultural rights, including our right to housing, education, healthcare, employment, and participation in cultural life.
And, crucially, it will also protect our environmental rights including clean air, water and climate.
A Charter of Rights will give us all the opportunity to shape our own lives and to help us to live with dignity and self-respect.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Protection of our digital freedoms and privacy
Freedom to protest
Guaranteed access to essential services no matter who you are
Freedom of religion and cultural expression
Rights for the environment
AUSTRALIA: A GOOD GLOBAL CITIZEN
Everyone has the right to live in peace.
We know that the vast majority of Australians want peace
and global prosperity,
not more weapons
and war.
The Coalition government, supported by Labor, is intent on making Australia a top 10 global arms exporter, continues to blindly support the US, and is focused on arming our nation rather than supporting those in need across the world.
Our government has shamefully committed almost $4 billion to assist arms exporters to do deals with human rights abusers like Saudi Arabia.
The Greens’ plan will immediately abolish the Defence Export Facility, and introduce legislation that prohibits Australia from exporting weapons to human rights abusers.
Under our plan, we will immediately sign and ratify the Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty, substantially increase our development budget and limit our role as a global arms dealer.
The Greens believe Australia’s foreign policy should be based on dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation, not aggression.
The Greens are committed to peaceful and non-violent solutions locally, nationally and internationally.
We know that trying to prevent or counter violence with violence itself will not work.
Genuine security rests on parliamentary scrutiny,
international cooperation,
and respect for human rights.
Unquestioning support for the US and more machines of war is not the right path.
Instead of buying a whole lot more big and expensive equipment, we should be preparing our defence force to provide humanitarian support in our region.
Our plan would give Parliament the power to decide if we go to war, not just the Prime Minister, and would renegotiate the increasingly unstable alliance we have with the United States.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Money for overseas development, not weapons
A defence force that it fit-for-purpose in a warming world
Less risk of nuclear disaster
Fewer senseless wars
PAYING FOR OUR PLANS
If everyone paid their fair share of tax, we’d all get a fair go at living a decent life.
The Greens are building a world where everyone has what they need for a decent life, where essentials are either free or low-cost,
our jobs are meaningful,
our environment is protected and restored back to its proper health.
Our economic plan is based on a few simple premises. That: A strong economy is a sustainable economy, built on a healthy environment
It’s the shape of our economy, not simply its size, that determines our nation’s wealth
Our economy should work for us, not the other way around
Right now our economy doesn’t work for us.
Big corporations are using their influence and their political donations to gain more and more for themselves, while many people across our communities are struggling to afford a roof over their head or to put food on the table.
Since 2012, both Liberal and Labor governments have taken over $100 million from big corporates and in return, they’ve sold our public assets to those vested interests, protected their record profits
and left big loopholes in our tax system, to the point where 1 in 3 of the biggest corporations pay no tax at all.
That’s not good economic management.
That’s economic injustice.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Being a good economic manager should mean that your plan works for people and communities, not solely for enormous private profit.
It means you share the enormous wealth in our society by prioritising investment in public services for everyone – in world class accessible social services, education, healthcare and affordable homes.
OUR PLAN TO MAKE OUR ECONOMY WORK FOR ALL OF US, AND PUT BILLIONS OF DOLLARS BACK INTO PUBLIC SERVICES:
Introduce a super profits tax on the oil, gas and mining giants that operate in uncompetitive markets and with huge tax advantages
End the billions in corporate handouts from government
Make big corporations pay for their pollution, instead of getting government handouts
Close the tax avoidance system, to stop giant multinationals dodging their tax bill
Reverse the big tax cuts to shareholders and the super wealthy
A TAX ON SUPER-PROFITS
The mining, oil and gas industries exploit our environment for their own super-profits
and an unfair tax system means many don’t pay for these natural resources.
The result: less money for the public services we all need to live a good life.
Companies in some industries make super profits not because of their skill, innovation or hard work but because government sets the regulatory and tax settings in their favour.
Australia is now the world’s biggest gas exporter.
These offshore gas companies will make billions over the next 40 years but never pay a cent in royalties and may never pay a cent in tax either.
They get our gas resources completely free and the major parties won’t change that arrangement because they have received millions in donations from these companies.
The rules have been rigged in favour of big business and it’s one of the major contributors to the rapidly growing gap between the super-rich and the rest of us.
The Greens would set royalties for gas extraction
and wind back the staggering $367 billion worth of tax credits they are sitting on.
For mining companies, we would implement the recommendations of the Henry Tax Review by introducing a 40% super-profits tax on very profitable mining ventures to ensure more wealth is shared with the community.
Our plan would reclaim those super-profits from the mining and gas industries to invest directly in improving public services
and infrastructure.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
End the free ride these giant companies enjoy
Tax super profits for the benefit of society, not just shareholders
Encourage investment in more productive areas of our economy
Total raised: $18.7 billion
1 Financial implications prepared by the independent Parliamentary Budget Office are costed and current as at 2018-19 Mid Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook.
ENDING CORPORATE HANDOUTS FROM THE GOVERNMENT
We can build a future for all of us, and create a truly sustainable economy
with quality public services,
but only if we reverse decades of terrible decisions by Labor and Liberal governments that reward industries which are causing social
and environmental damage.
Government subsidies to mining companies make it more profitable for them to run their operations and pollute our environment.
Subsidies to destructive industries cost the economy billions each year - money that could be spent on schools, hospitals and other public services.
These handouts are a reward to the big corporate donors of the two major parties.
The Greens also have a plan that will take on the vested interests in health insurance and the military, cutting unnecessary spending and investing billions into the public services everyone relies on.
Tax-Free Fuel Rebate: The Greens plan scraps the tax-free fuel rebate for mining companies.
This is the government’s 17th biggest expenditure item, just below funding for public schools and has given an enormous benefit to some of our largest and dirtiest companies.
Private Health Insurance Subsidies: We would remove the public subsidies that line the pockets of private health companies yet do nothing to take pressure off the public health system.
This disproportionately benefits those who can afford private health insurance, while taking money out a system which is available to all of us.
The Greens will reinvest this $6.5 billion a year back into the public health system to pay for our plan for health, including the expansion of Denticare.
Weapons Exports: Our plan cuts back the billions the government hands over to weapons exporters and those who make money from war and misery.
Billions of dollars have already been thrown at our military and weapons manufacturers with almost no scrutiny and for no overriding purpose.
And still the Liberals, supported by Labor, are intent on making Australia a top 10 global arms exporter.
Our government has shamefully committed almost $4 billion to assist arms exporters to do deals with human rights abusers like Saudi Arabia.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Make renewables cheaper and dirty energy more expensive
Redirect funding going to private health companies into the public health system
Stop weapons exports ending up in the hands of human rights abusers.
Total raised: $55.6 billion
2 Financial implications prepared by the independent Parliamentary Budget Office are costed and current as at 2018-19 Mid Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook.
TAXING POLLUTION
A green economy is one where we tax pollution and use that revenue to support households and transform our energy sector to renewables.
Our biggest polluters are so profitable because they get to pollute for free.
Macquarie University calculates that this looting has totalled a staggering $9.5 trillion of corporate profits since 1995, with communities forced to clean up the mess left by these big polluters.
The Greens support a carbon price as the simplest, fairest, most effective way to reduce emissions, drive a transition in renewables and reduce household costs.
Under our plan, we will legislate to re-introduce an economy-wide carbon price on direct emissions from facilities which emit more than 25,000 tonnes of CO2-e per year.
THE BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
Reduce pollution and fast-track more renewable energy
Unleash innovation in smart, clean technologies
Make polluters pay for the damage they are doing to our environment
Total raised: $12.8 billion
3 Financial implications prepared by the independent Parliamentary Budget Office are costed and current as at 2018-19 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook.
END TAX AVOIDANCE
Profits made by multinational corporations in Australia are soaring.
These enormous businesses get so much out of our society, but many are not giving anything back.
They use every method available to avoid paying their fair share of tax, if they pay any at all.
We don’t have a tax system anymore, we have a tax avoidance system - and Australians are sick of it.
They’ve had enough of multinational companies and the super rich treating tax as an optional extra.
That’s why the Greens have a comprehensive plan to stop the $11 billion a year tax avoidance industry.
We’ll focus on enforcement, changes to our tax laws, public disclosure and global action.
Trusts and Transparency: Our plan cracks down on the tricks of tax avoidance, like income splitting through trusts, and reduces the threshold for public reporting to $50 million to provide greater transparency over the tax affairs of the biggest companies in the country.
Buffet Rule: Under our plan, a Buffet Rule will be introduced so the super rich will have to pay a baseline amount of tax, no matter how many deductions they use.
With this Buffet rule in place, we can make serious inroads in eliminating poverty and economic inequality.
Every year, we hear news stories about the millionaires in Australia who paid accountants to reduce their tax bill to zero - so they don’t even pay the Medicare Levy.
Our plan is to cap those deductions so that someone earning above $300,000 a year - the richest 0.5 percent of the workforce - could no longer deduct to a level below 35 cents in every extra dollar earned.
Resource the ATO: The Greens would also resource the Australian Tax Office (ATO) so they can do their job well.
We would re-create the 4,400 ATO positions taken away by Labor and Liberal governments since 2012.
Our plan would also require accurate and timely reporting on tax avoidance, including a settlements register to detail any arrangement reached with the ATO.
BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
No more tax loop-holes
Restore faith in our tax system
Everyone pays their fair share
Total Raised: $12 billion
4 Financial implications prepared by the independent Parliamentary Budget Office are costed and current as at 2018-19 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook.
REVERSE UNFAIR TAX-CUTS
Everyone should pay their fair share of tax in order to contribute to a fairer, more equal society.
Our taxes pay for the things we all need, like schools, hospitals, public transport and infrastructure.
No one should be above contributing to a fairer society for all of us.
Both the Liberals and Labor have passed tax cuts to top income earners and big business in this term of Parliament.
The Liberals want to go further after the election and Labor have said they will support big business tax cuts when Australia’s surplus reaches 1% of GDP.
The tax cuts which have already passed the Parliament will turbocharge economic inequality and wipe out our progressive tax system - for example, a graduate nurse on $41,000 will pay the same rate of tax as a financial adviser on $200,000.
We can create new jobs by reversing these unfair tax cuts
and investing in the public services we want and need.
Company tax cuts for banks and mining companies will do nothing to help ordinary Australians as public services deteriorate.
And because of Australia’s dividend imputation system, company tax cuts will only benefit foreign investors.
The ‘trickle down’ approach to economics has failed for thirty straight years.
These giant businesses don’t need a tax cut, they need to start paying tax so government can pay for the services that we all need to live a good life.
The Greens will reverse any company tax cuts for businesses earning more than $10 million per annum by restoring the tax rate to 30%.
Small businesses would still keep their current tax rate.
Only the Greens will unequivocally oppose further tax cuts to big corporations and the wealthiest Australians.
We should be sharing the enormous wealth in our society by investing in public services, not handing out tax cuts.
BENEFITS OF OUR PLAN:
More money for essential services, like schools and hospitals
Bigger corporations pay more tax than small businesses
New jobs directly created instead of hoping that ‘trickle-down’ jobs eventually arrive
Total raised: $16.8 billion
5 Financial implications prepared by the independent Parliamentary Budget Office are costed and current as at 2018-19 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook.
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Policies
Labor's Policies For A Fair Go For Australia
Better Hospitals Fund
A Shorten Labor Government will invest more in every single hospital in the country with our $2.8 billion Better Hospitals Fund.
In 2013, the Liberals promised there would be no cuts to hospitals.
Then in 2014 they cut funding from 50 per cent of the efficient price to 45 per cent.
Labor’s Better Hospitals Fund will reverse in full the government’s unfair cuts to public hospitals, and help reduce waiting times and improve services in every hospital around the country.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor’s $2.8 billion Better Hospitals Fund will benefit every hospital and every patient in the country by restoring every cent of the core funding cut by the Liberals.
Labor’s investment means more doctors, more nurses, more hospital staff and more beds.
We have committed $1 billion in new capital projects – physical infrastructure like hospital expansions, new and refurbished wards, upgraded emergency departments and new palliative care and mental health facilities.
Labor’s investment will lead to shorter emergency department and elective surgery waiting times.
We have committed $250 million to blitz elective surgery waiting lists in public hospitals.
Procedures such as knee and hip replacements or cataract surgeries are essential procedures for many Australians.
This commitment could pay for more than 62,000 cataract procedures or 9,800 knee replacements or 9,400 hip replacements.
There is a real choice at the upcoming election between Labor’s plan for properly funded hospitals and the best health care system in the world, or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Fair Funding for Australian Schools
Fair Funding for Australian Schools
Labor will deliver an extra $14 billion for public schools over the next decade, with an extra $3.3 billion flowing in the first three school years alone.
For public schools in each state and territory, over the first three school years alone, that means:The extra $14 billion for public schools is the equivalent of more than: · 13,000 extra teachers.
· 23,000 extra teacher aides.
This will transform public schools across Australia and give all children the opportunity to reach their full potential
– no matter where they live, or how much their parents earn.
As a condition of this funding, Labor will require State and Territory governments also invest strongly in their schools and sign up to a national plan to improve schools with clear and ambitious goals and targets.
Labor wants every public school to reach 100 per cent of its fair funding level, and we will work with the States and Territories to achieve this.
Labor's Fair Funding for Schools will cost $3.9 billion over the first three school years and over $14 billion over the decade.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan For Higher Wages
A Shorten Labor Government has a plan for better wages, not bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town.
Under the Liberals, the economy isn’t working for everyday Australians.
Everything is going up in Australia except people’s wages.
People are finding it harder to get ahead.
Households are saving less and families are being forced to dip further into their pockets to pay for the essentials.
The Morrison Liberal Government voted eight times to support cuts to penalty rates, cutting the take-home pay of hundreds of thousands of Australians.
And the Liberals have said that low wages are a “deliberate design feature” of their economic strategy.
At a time when corporate profits are growing five times faster than wages, Labor believes Australians deserve a decent pay rise.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor has a plan to get wages moving again.
Penalty rates: Labor understands that penalty rates are not a luxury.
Labor will reverse the cuts to penalty rates in our first 100 days, restoring fair pay for up to 700,000 workers.
And we will change the laws to make sure they can’t be cut for anyone again.
Living wage: Labor will ensure that the minimum wage is a living wage – fixing the law so that the Fair Work Commission has the tools to deliver a living wage for Australia’s low-paid workers to ensure they have a decent standard of living.
Labour hire: Labor’s Same Job, Same Pay policy will crack down on dodgy labour hire companies that rip off and exploit workers.
Labor will legislate to ensure that workers employed through a labour hire company will receive the same pay and conditions as people employed directly.
Casuals: We want to make sure people aren’t stuck in the purgatory of permanent casualisation, with all the obligations and commitments expected of the permanent employee, but with no guarantee of job security, no leave entitlements and no protections.
Labor will end the use of so-called ‘permanent casuals’ by introducing an objective definition of casual.
We will also allow workers to request permanent part-time or full-time employment after 12 months of regular hours with the same employer, and provide workers with the right to challenge an employer who unreasonably refuses such a request.
Gig economy: Labor will make sure workers in the gig economy are paid properly and not used to undermine Australian wages, including by changing the legal test for sham contracting.
Labor doesn’t support a business model if it can only succeed by undermining workers’ rights and avoiding workers’ entitlements.
Wage theft: Failure to pay workers at the legal minimum undermines everyone’s wages.
Labor has a plan to crack down on wage theft, with significantly higher penalties and better enforcement.
Pay equity: Labor believes women and men should be paid the same for doing the same work.
Labor has a plan to address the gender pay gap.
Sham agreements: Some employers are using sham enterprise agreements to reduce the pay and conditions of their workforce.
Labor will legislate to make sure that agreements have to be agreed by the actual workers who will be covered by them.
Termination of agreements: Labor will legislate to prevent employers using agreement termination to cut wages and conditions
Medicare Cancer Plan
A Shorten Labor Government will deliver the biggest cancer care package in Australian history, with a $2.3 billion investment to dramatically slash out-of-pocket costs for cancer patients.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor’s Medicare Cancer Plan is the most important reform to Medicare since it was introduced by Bob Hawke.
It will mean millions of free scans, millions of free consultations and cheaper medicines for cancer patients.
Labor’s Medicare Cancer Plan includes: $600 million towards eliminating all out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic imaging, with up to six million free cancer scans funded through Medicare;
$433 million to fund three million free consultations with oncologists and surgeons for cancer patients;
A guarantee that every drug recommended by independent experts will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, cutting out-of-pocket costs for cancer medications;
$500 million to slash waiting times for cancer patients in public hospitals;
$300 million for better cancer centres across Australia, designed to bring cancer treatment closer to patients’ homes and including $60 million for 13 radiation therapy facilities in regional and rural areas;
$200 million to protect bulk billing for pathology and keep life saving blood tests free for older Australians and Australians with cancer.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Investing in Cancer Research
As part of Labor’s $2.3 billion Medicare Cancer Plan, we will invest $125 million in ground-breaking clinical trials and cancer research.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor’s Medicare Cancer Plan is the most important reform to Medicare since it was introduced by Bob Hawke.
One in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer, which means every year 150,000 Australians will be given the news that they will have to fight cancer.
In addition to slashing out-of-pocket costs for cancer patients, Labor will invest $125 million in a fund to fight cancer – giving our world-class researchers additional resources to search for a cure, including:
$20 million to give around 1,800 blood cancer patients access to new and emerging treatments – working with the Leukaemia Foundation and other partners to develop the new Right to Trial program.
$20 million for the Avner Pancreatic Cancer Foundation to implement a comprehensive Pancreatic Cancer Medical Research Strategy.
$26 million in the amazing work of the Australian Clinical Trials Alliance in clinical trials to help patients access better care now and help strengthen our healthcare system into the future.
Labor will pay for our Medicare Cancer Plan by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Investing In Services And Support For Cancer Patients
As part of Labor’s $2.3 billion Medicare Cancer Plan, we will invest in measures to provide targeted services and support for cancer patients.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor’s Medicare Cancer Plan is the most important reform to Medicare since it was introduced by Bob Hawke.
One in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer, which means 150,000 Australians will be given the news that they will have to fight cancer every year.
In addition to slashing out-of-pocket costs for cancer patients, Labor will invest in additional services and support for cancer patients, including:
$63.4 million for several initiatives to support patients with lung cancer, reduce the number of new diagnoses and reduce health care costs, including:
$40 million for the Cancer Council Australia to reboot the landmark National Tobacco Campaign.
$17.4 million for the Lung Foundation Australia to fund 20 lung cancer nurses and awareness campaigns targeting workplace hazards and reducing the stigma and isolation associated with lung cancer and other lung conditions.
$6 million to support Tobacco Free Portfolios’ work in disentangling the Australian finance sector from tobacco industry investment.
$10 million to support the Jodi Lee Foundation to run a national awareness campaign aimed at boosting bowel cancer screening rates through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP).
$8.6 million to work with the Cancer Council Australia to relaunch a renewed sun protection awareness campaign (‘slip, slop, slap, seek, slide’).
$37.7 million to support the thousands of young Australians diagnosed with cancer every year, including:
$24 million for CanTeen, the organisation that supports young Australians aged 12-24.
$10 million to establish a Children’s Cancer Endowment Fund with the Children’s Cancer Foundation to fund research projects in children’s cancer.
$3.7 million for Camp Quality to enable them to continue their work with cancer coordinators in hospitals – directly supporting children and parents.
$12.5 million for 24 metastatic cancer nurses located across Australia, boosting care and support for locals who face this awful diagnosis.
$12 million towards Ovarian Cancer Australia’s National Action Plan for Ovarian Cancer Research as well as $150,000 for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, matching their fundraising target and helping them in their bid to develop an early detection screening test.
$38 million for an additional 42 Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses to boost care and support for men and their families.
$4 million to establish a Pancreatic Cancer Patient Hub, connecting patients with practitioners, facilities and support services.
Labor will pay for our Medicare Cancer Plan by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan For Local Jobs
Labor will boost local jobs by providing more opportunities for local businesses and solving local skills shortages with our Local Projects, Local Jobs plan.
The Federal Government spends $50 billion every year on goods and services and Labor wants to see that investment spent on local businesses and local jobs – not multinationals that don’t provide local jobs and don’t pay tax in Australia.
Australia also needs a real plan to skill up Australian workers and connect them with local jobs,
reducing the need for business to rely on temporary workers from overseas.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor’s Local Projects, Local Jobs plan will invest in local infrastructure projects including road, rail and port upgrades
and will make sure that Commonwealth investment results in local jobs.
Labor will require government departments to work with local firms to ensure they can benefit from government contracts, and properly value the economic benefit that local businesses provide.
Labor will ensure that more public and large private projects will be required to put in place plans to give Australian firms a chance to win work on major projects.
Labor will require 1 in 10 jobs on Commonwealth funded projects to be filled by local apprentices.
More information on Labor’s National Procurement Plan is here.
Labor will also make sure that employers have to look for local workers first –
and we’ll make sure local workers have the skills to do the job.
There is no excuse for a skills shortage to last one day longer than it takes to train an Australian to do that job.
Labor will establish the Australian Skills Authority – an independent, labour market testing body.
This new body will determine genuine skills needs.
Temporary skilled visas will only be available when a genuine skills gap cannot be met with local workers.
Labor will increase the cost of temporary visas to send a strong price signal to employers that they should be looking for and training local workers first.
Labor will not waive labour market testing requirements for any new Free Trade Agreements.
Labor's Plan For Cheaper Child Care
A Shorten Labor Government will deliver massive cost of living relief for nearly one million Australian families struggling with the costs of child care with a $4 billion investment in early education.
Labor will crack down on excessive fee increases.
We will task the ACCC with a new role of investigating excessive fee increases and unscrupulous providers, and we will make those findings public through www.childcarefinder.gov.au.
The ACCC will also be tasked with investigating mechanisms for ensuring greater controls on child care fee increases to keep child care affordable.
Labor will also review the system for vulnerable children to make sure that vulnerable and low income families and children aren’t falling through the cracks.
LABOR’S PLAN
A Shorten Labor Government will put more money back in working parents’ pockets for 887,000 Australian families.
Every single family earning up to $174,000 will get cheaper child care with Labor.
All families earning up to $174,000 will be better off under Labor's plan - slashing up to $2,100 per child off their annual child care bill.
We will increase the subsidy rate from 85 per cent to 100 per cent up to the hourly fee cap (currently $11.77 per hour for long day care) for families earning up to $69,000 who meet the activity test requirements, making child care free, or almost free, for up to 372,000 families.
The current tapered reduction will be updated to reflect this new, higher subsidy rate.
Families earning between $69,000 and $100,000 will receive a subsidy rate between 100 per cent and 85 per cent up to the hourly fee cap, and families earning between $100,000 and $174,000 will receive a subsidy rate between 85 per cent and 60 per cent up to the fee cap – delivering an effective increase of 10 per cent.
Families accessing approved Centre Based Child Care, Family Day Care and Outside School Hours Care, including holiday care, will all benefit from the more generous subsidy.
Combined family incomeCurrent Subsidy rateNew subsidy rateNumber of families better offAverage annual saving per familyUp to $69,52785%100%372,000$1,400Over $69,528 to $100,000 Tapered reduction from 85% to 50% to $174,527Tapered reduction from 100% to 85%158,000$1,400$100,001 to $174,527Tapered reduction from 85% to 60%357,000$1,200
Fee-Free TAFE
Labor will waive upfront fees for 100,000 students, enabling them to attend TAFE to access the education and skill development they need to assist them into employment.
Labor will work to ensure at least 50 per cent of those places go to women.
All Australians should have access through their working lives to the education and skills development they need for decent jobs that allow them to live good lives and be active members of the community.
Course fees and upfront costs have risen to the point where many Australians can’t afford to go to TAFE.
Under the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government the number of government funded students going to TAFE has dropped by 25 per cent.
This is despite an increasing number of jobs requiring vocational education and skills.
Many trades face skills shortages - from carpenters and bricklayers, to bakers and pastry cooks.
Despite high unemployment in some areas, workers can’t learn the skills they need locally, particularly in regional areas.
If we don’t get this right, there won’t be enough knowledgeable and skilled workers to meet the important demands of our ageing population and the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Nor will there be sufficient workers with the high-tech skills to work in evolving and emerging industries.
Labor will reserve:20,000 places for people studying the skills they need to work in the NDIS and aged care.
10,000 places for people studying early education.
We know that TAFE is the best place for young and adult Australians to gain knowledge and skills in the communities that benefit from them.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Cheaper Cleaner Renewable Energy
Labor's Plan to Invest in Cheaper Cleaner Renewable Energy
A Shorten Labor Government will ensure 50 per cent of our electricity generation comes from renewable energy by 2030, modernise our energy systems, and empower households and businesses to take advantage of cheap, clean renewable energy and storage.
Renewable energy plus storage is the cheapest source of new energy, offering immense opportunities for Australian businesses and households to reduce pollution
while also reducing their power bills.
Households in Australia are already seeing the benefits, with the number of households with rooftop solar rising from 7,000 in 2007 to around two million today.
The Liberals’ policy chaos has stalled this transition towards clean energy by attacking renewable energy, undermining investor confidence, causing power prices to skyrocket and putting at risk billions of dollars of investment in clean energy.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor has a plan for more renewable energy and cheaper power, with a ten-year energy investment framework that delivers certainty for industry, lower power prices and more reliability.
We will:Give businesses the policy certainty to invest in clean energy by implementing Labor’s National Energy Plan.
Labor will continue to pursue a bipartisan mechanism, such as a National Energy Guarantee.
Double the original investment in the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) by $10 billion to support new generation and storage, concessional loans for household purchases of solar and battery systems, commercial community renewables projects and the transformation and growth of new and existing industries.
Futureproof our energy networks by creating a $5 billion independent Energy Security and Modernisation Fund.
This will build and upgrade Australia’s energy transmission and distribution systems, including transmission links to Renewable Energy Zones, to unlock the supply of cheaper, cleaner energy.
Encourage the uptake of household solar and battery systems by setting a target of one million household battery systems by 2025 and providing a $2,000 rebate for 100,000 households on incomes of less than $180,000 per year to purchase and install battery systems, as well as low-cost loans for households.
Establish a Neighbourhood Renewables Program to ensure renters and social housing residents can benefit from cheaper and cleaner renewable energy.
Labor will establish community power hubs to support the development of projects in local communities – such as solar gardens on apartment rooftops, community wind farms and energy efficiency upgrades for social housing.
Develop a Bioenergy Strategy with a $2 million investment to boost the development of this important industry in Australia.
Bioenergy has significant potential to help Australia meet its emission reduction goals and reduce waste, improve energy security and boost regional development.
Establish the Solar Schools program to cut school electricity bills by allocating up to $1 billion from our expanded Clean Energy Finance Corporation capital to establish the program - supporting the creation of VPPs through virtually linked solar and battery systems installed at schools, to deliver electricity and other services to the electricity system.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Nation-Building Infrastructure
Nation-Building Infrastructure
Labor is committed to the nation-building infrastructure Australia needs.
We will work with state and territory governments to get projects up and running.
We will create thousands of jobs nationally with new work in every state and territory.
We will build on the record of the previous Labor government which doubled road funding;
rebuilt a third of the interstate rail freight network;
and committed to more urban public transport infrastructure than every previous Federal Government combined.
Over nearly six years of cuts and chaos the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government has slashed infrastructure investment.
Budget papers show that over their first five budgets, they have delivered $5.1 billion less than promised from transport infrastructure alone.
We will change this.
A Shorten Labor Government will address the Liberals and Nationals’ backlog in transport infrastructure investment by boosting existing federal investment levels in the short-term, before the next election.
Much of the Liberals’ new spending is at least two elections away.
Labor's Plan For Making Multinationals Pay Their Fair Share
Labor will deliver billions to the budget by closing tax loopholes used by multinationals and the top end of town, clamping down on tax havens and increasing transparency.
Multinational tax avoidance and the use of tax havens threaten Australia’s tax base.
When tax revenue gets lost to tax havens, Australia loses revenue that could be used to fund vital services like hospitals and schools.
The Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government has spent most of its term prioritising an $80 billion tax cut for multinationals and big banks, rather than clamping down on multinational tax avoidance to fund hospitals and schools.
It also slashed over 4,000 jobs from the Australian Taxation Office.
Labor has a strong record on multinational tax.
We started the job when we were in government and have built a policy suite to deliver billions to the budget bottom line while in opposition.
In contrast, the Liberals and Nationals tried to take credit for large multinational tax revenues in the past few years, until it was revealed they voted against Labor’s laws in 2012-13 that delivered the revenue.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Thin Capitalisation (Worldwide Gearing Ratio) – tightening debt-deduction loopholes used by multinational companies, generating billions in revenue over the decade, by removing the ‘arm’s length’ and ‘safe harbour’ tests, leaving the ‘worldwide gearing ratio’ as the sole thin capitalisation test.
Royalty Integrity - stopping multinationals from getting a tax deduction when they unfairly funnel royalty payments to arms of their own company that pose a multinational tax risk.
Thirty per cent final withholding tax on distributions from certain fixed trusts to non-residents, aligning them with treatment of distributions from companies and public fixed trusts.
This complements Labor’s discretionary trust policy.
Increased capacity for the Australian Taxation Office – providing it with compliance resources.
Increased promoter penalty regime – allowing courts to impose fines of up to $2.1 million for an individual or $10.5 million for a body corporate, or three times the consideration received or receivable, directly or indirectly, by the entity or its associates who promote tax avoidance schemes.
Public reporting of country-by-country reports – publicly releasing high-level tax information about where and how much tax was paid by large corporations (over $1 billion in global revenue).
Restore Labor’s $100 million threshold for public reporting of tax data for private companies – reinstating the lower threshold that was raised to $200 million in a Liberal-Greens deal.
Community Sector Representative on the Board of Taxation – ensuring civil society voices are heard in tax design and review processes.
Whistleblower protection and incentives or rewards – providing protection for whistleblowers who report on entities evading tax to the Australian Taxation Office, as part of our overall whistleblower protection plan.
Individuals who highlight tax evasion collect a share of the penalty collected.
Mandatory reporting of ‘material tax risk’ (tax haven exposure) to shareholders – requiring companies to disclose to shareholders if the company is doing business in a known or suspected tax haven.
A list of these jurisdictions would be maintained by the Australian Taxation Office and would be similar to the design of the European Union’s ‘blacklist’.
Public reporting of AUSTRAC data – publicly releasing International Funds Transfer Instructions data for every calendar year.
Disclosure of ‘material tax risk’ for government tenders – amending government procurement process requirements so Australian Government tender process require all companies to state their country of domicile for tax purposes.
Responsible investment – tasking the Australian Taxation Office with creating or reviewing guidelines for responsible investment for superannuation funds.
Publicly accessible registry of the beneficial ownership of Australian legal entities – fully implementing the G20 principles Australia signed in 2014 and ensuring transparency over who ultimately owns a company or trust, rather than just accepting who is listed on company paperwork.
Australian Taxation Office disclosure of settlements and reporting of aggressive tax minimisation – including how many settlements were achieved per financial year and associated data.
Closing a debt deduction loophole to ensure consistent treatment in related party financing arrangements.
Automatically denying tax deductions from companies for travel to and from tax havens.
Clamping down on unsubstantiated allowances for travel in tax havens.
Crackdown on citizenship shopping – requiring all individual Australian taxpayers to notify and declare to the Australian Taxation Office if they have residency or citizenship of any other jurisdiction and the name of that jurisdiction.
These are just some of the ways we are making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor’s plan for making multinationals pay their fair share will save around $1.5 billion over the forward estimates.
Fairer Tax Cuts For Working Australians
A Shorten Labor Government will deliver better tax cuts for 3.6 million working Australians.
We will support the increase to the low and middle income tax offset proposed in the Budget and will deliver tax relief from 1 July this year.
But the Liberals’ unfair Budget leaves 3.6 million Australians earning less than $48,000 a year short-changed – and 57 per cent of these taxpayers are women.
To give these workers the tax cut they deserve, Labor will increase the offset for low income and part-time workers.
With Labor, 10 million Australians will get the same or a bigger tax cut from 1 July 2019.
Under Labor’s changes, which will apply from the 2018-19 financial year, workers earning up to $37,000 a year will receive a tax cut of up to $350.
For workers earning between $37,000 and $48,000 a year, the value of the offset will increase up to the maximum offset of $1,080.
A retail worker on $35,000 a year would get a tax cut of $255 a year under the Liberals, compared to $350 in Labor’s plan.
A part-time nurse on $40,000 a year would get a tax cut of $480 a year under the Liberals, compared to $549 in Labor’s plan.
The Liberals’ priorities are all wrong.
With the Liberals, low income workers get less than $5 a week, but an investment banker gets more than $11,000 a year in tax cuts.
Labor can pay for better tax cuts for 3.6 million Australians – without the Liberals’ cuts to schools and hospitals – because of our reform decisions to make multinationals pay their fair share and close tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
This policy will have a budget impact of $1.05 billion over the forward estimates and $59.3 billion over the medium term.
Labor will not proceed with the Morrison Government’s fiscally reckless income tax cuts for the top end of town.
Voters would have to elect a Morrison Government twice to see them come to fruition – it’s ridiculous.
Independent Parliamentary Budget Office analysis shows that the fiscal impact of the Morrison Government’s stage two and three tax cuts is an astonishing $286 billion over the medium-term, coming at an annual cost of nearly $50 billion by the end of the decade.
These tax cuts also primarily benefit high income earners, with Australia Institute analysis showing that 54 per cent of the benefits go to the top 20 per cent of income earners, with $77 billion of the tax cuts going to those earning more than $180,000.
Plan for Small Business
A Shorten Labor Government will boost our vibrant small business community and diversify Australia’s economy,
while still investing in our world class education system
and strengthening quality health care across the country.
Labor knows there are many challenges facing established and emerging small businesses in this country, and we are committed to enabling and encouraging their success.
Labor cares about Australian small businesses, and believes they deserve better if they are to compete, thrive, and employ in the modern economy.
Labor will deliver the same tax relief for small business as the Liberals, but we’ll do it without cutting funding to schools or hospitals or increasing national debt.
And we’ll also deliver a new Australian Investment Guarantee that all Australian businesses can access when they invest.
Labor will:Support the corporate tax rate for small businesses reducing to 25 per cent by 2021-22.
Support increasing the instant asset write-off threshold from $25,000 to $30,000.
Provide an Australian Investment Guarantee for all businesses that will allow all businesses to immediately deduct 20 per cent of any new eligible asset worth more than $20,000.
Ensure small businesses are supported to defend themselves against anti-competitive conduct by improving access to justice – Labor worked hard to legislate this from Opposition.
Legislate to establish a new position of Second Commissioner (Appeals) within the Tax Office to ensure small business disputes are given the care and attention they deserve.
Protect small businesses by making unfair contract terms illegal and punishable with multimillion dollar fines.
Implement a Tradie Pay Guarantee, a Tradie Litigation Fund, and a series of reforms to detect, deter, and punish fraudulent phoenix operators hurting honest small businesses and employees.
We will pay for these commitments by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Australian Investment Guarantee
A Shorten Labor Government will boost investment
and create new jobs with the Australian Investment Guarantee – targeted tax relief for businesses that invest in Australia and Australians.
Annual business investment in Australia as a proportion of the economy is at a quarter century low.
When firms aren’t investing, they’re not expanding and they’re not diffusing cutting edge technologies that make them produce more with less.
This is why Labor will invest in a new Australian Investment Guarantee.
Under Labor’s Australian Investment Guarantee, all businesses in Australia will be able to immediately deduct 20 per cent of any new eligible asset worth more than $20,000, with the balance depreciated in line with normal depreciation schedules from the first year.
Labor’s Australian Investment Guarantee is permanent – that means businesses can continue to take advantage of the immediate tax deductibility whenever they make a new investment in an eligible asset.
Labor supports the reduction in the company tax rate to 25 per cent for businesses with turnover of less than $50 million and extending the instant asset write off for small and medium businesses making investments less than $30,000.
In addition, Labor’s Australian Investment Guarantee will allow all companies to accelerate their depreciation expenses on all new investments.
The new Australian Investment Guarantee features the following scope and key design elements:Eligible assets will include tangible machinery, plant and equipment for both upgrades and new purchases (for example, farm tractors and food processing machinery).
Depreciable intangible assets (often referred to as “knowledge assets”) which make up an increasingly larger component of non-mining investment will also be eligible (for example, patents and copyrights).
Investments in structures and buildings are excluded, consistent with previous accelerated depreciation policies used in Australia.
It will not apply to otherwise eligible expenditure currently claimed under the existing research and development tax concession.
It will not apply to passenger motor vehicles, but it will apply to non-passenger motor vehicles such as lorries, vans, utes and trucks that are used to support trade businesses.
It would also apply to battery-powered electric vehicles.
It will only apply to eligible investments valued at over $20,000 (with no pooling of assets allowed) to ensure it is well-targeted at productivity-enhancing investments.
The Australian Investment Guarantee is a pro-growth,
pro-jobs reform
that rewards businesses making new investments in Australia.
It will be a permanent feature of the tax system, so all companies have the confidence to invest for the long term.
The Australian Investment Guarantee will cost around $3.9 billion over the forward estimates.
We will pay for this commitment by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Australian Shipping Industry
A Shorten Labor Government will enhance Australia’s economic sovereignty
and national security by creating a Strategic Fleet to secure our access to fuel supplies, even in times of global instability.
Australia relies on shipping to move 99 per cent of our imports and exports – it is in Australia’s economic,
environmental
and national security interests to maintain a vibrant maritime industry.
But Australia’s own merchant fleet, as well as the skilled workforce it trains and employs, is fast disappearing.
Over the past 30 years, the number of Australian-flagged vessels has shrunk from 100 to just 14 now – and it is in our national interest to change that.
For more than five years the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government has stood idle as large multinationals dumped Australian flagged and crewed vessels so they could hire overseas crews.
This has destroyed the jobs of Australian seafarers
and created a situation where none of the vessels our nation relies upon to deliver its essential supplies of crude oil, aviation fuel and diesel are registered in this country or crewed by Australians.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will appoint a Taskforce to guide the establishment of the Fleet, which is likely to include up to a dozen vessels including oil tankers, container ships and gas carriers.
The Australian-flagged and crewed vessels will be privately owned and operate on a commercial basis.
But they will be available to be requisitioned by the Government in times of national need.
Labor’s Strategic Fleet Taskforce will examine the fine details of the establishment of the fleet.
It will include representatives of oil companies, ship owners and operators, industry body Maritime Industry Australia Ltd, maritime unions and the Department of Defence.
Labor will also enforce existing laws around coastal shipping.
That means for trading within Australia where domestic freight is moved between Australian ports, we will require firms to seek out an Australian operator.
When none are available, foreign flagged vessels can be used so long as they pay Australian-level wages on domestic sectors.
A Strategic Fleet will put an end to this unilateral economic disarmament,
while also providing a platform for the training of more Australia seafarers.
In addition to creating the Strategic Fleet a Shorten Labor Government will address skills shortages in the Australian maritime sector by re-establishing the Maritime Workforce Development Forum, abolished by the Coalition Government after it took office in 2013.
We would also order the Department of Infrastructure to resume proper oversight of the issuance of temporary licences that allow overseas-flagged and crewed vessels to work around our coasts where no Australian flags are available.
The existence of a vibrant Australian shipping industry serves the nation’s economic,
environmental
and national security interests.
Labor's Plan To Help Close The Gender Pay Gap
A Shorten Labor Government will lead a national push to help close the gender pay gap and ensure women receive equal pay for their work.
Labor’s plan will deliver a fair go for Australian women by encouraging employers to take action to close gender gaps in their workplaces
and make it easier for the Fair Work Commission to order pay increases for workers in female dominated industries such as early childhood, aged care and disability services.
The 17 per cent gender gap in total pay means Australian women are effectively working the first two months of every year for free.
The Liberals have ignored the gender pay gap, supported cuts to penalty rates that disproportionately harm women and refused to support increases to the minimum wage that help close the gap.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will:Change the Fair Work Act to make it clear that the Fair Work Commission must consider pay equity a central objective of the workplace relations system.
Establish a statutory Equal Remuneration Principle.
Give the Commission greater capacity and funding to conduct Pay Equity Reviews and order pay increases in undervalued feminised industries.
Fully fund professional pay increases of 20 per cent to early childhood educators over eight years.
Set up an expert Pay Equity Panel led by a new Presidential member and supported by a specialist Pay Equity Unit.
Restore cuts to penalty rates, which disproportionately impact women.
Make large companies with more than 1,000 employees publicly reveal their gender pay gaps for the first time.
Ban pay secrecy clauses and give employees the right to disclose (or not disclose) their pay.
Require all Australian government departments and agencies to conduct gender pay audits within the first year of a Labor Government.
Enforce gender-equitable government procurement processes.
Real Action On Climate Change
A Shorten Labor Government will take real action on climate change.
Ignoring climate change is simply not an option.
Each year there are more extreme weather events like droughts and floods – natural disasters are already costing the economy $18 billion a year.
The Liberal Party is full of climate sceptics and hopelessly divided on climate change.
There is only one political party serious about doing something on climate change - Labor.
That is because we are determined to pass on a better deal to the next generation.
We are committed to reducing pollution by 45 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030 and reaching net zero pollution by 2050.
After six years of chaos, uncertainty and division under the Abbott/Turnbull/Morrison Governments, Australians need stability and certainty on climate change policy – that’s what Labor’s plan delivers.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor’s plan will tackle climate change
and keep the economy growing by:
Investing in renewable energy and batteries to grow jobs
and cut power bills
this will help deliver 50 per cent renewables by 2030, which is expected to see the creation of over 70,000 new jobs.
Creating clean transport and infrastructure: a target of 50 per cent of new car sales being electric vehicles by 2030, creating a $200 million fund to rollout charging infrastructure across the country, and introducing responsible vehicle emissions standards. The Electric Vehicle Council estimates that switching to an EV can deliver annual savings up to $2,300 from reduced fuel and maintenance costs.
Working in partnership with business to help bring down pollution: extending the existing pollution cap implemented by Malcolm Turnbull – the safeguard mechanism – to gradually reduce pollution by big business over a decade (0.01 per cent of businesses are covered by the extended safeguard mechanism).
Supporting trade exposed industries to keep Australian businesses competitive: tailored treatment through the safeguard mechanism and a $300 million fund to help business reduce pollution.
Helping the land sector to cut pollution while giving farmers and the forestry industry new opportunities to earn income: strengthening the carbon farming initiative so farmers can make money from reducing pollution.
In addition, Labor will reduce pollution
and support jobs
by kick-starting Australia’s hydrogen economy;
increasing energy efficiency;
revive Australia’s international engagement on climate change;
and restore Australia’s climate change institutions.
Battery Metal Manufacturing
A Shorten Labor Government will supercharge Australia’s battery metal manufacturing industry to support Australian manufacturing jobs
and our drive to a clean energy future.
Australia is the world’s biggest supplier of lithium and we have every metal needed to make a lithium battery in Australia.
But we still send most of our battery metals overseas without local manufacturing getting much of a role.
Because of the need to develop capacity to store renewable energy, along with the growth in electric cars, and smart devices the Association of Mining and Exploring Companies estimates that the global Lithium value chain will grow from $160 billion in 2018 to $2 trillion in 2025.
There’s no reason why Australian manufacturing workers can’t refine more of our battery metals and also make batteries here.
We can be a country that makes more things.
At the moment there are a few companies investing around Australia to refine battery metals and establish battery manufacturing facilities.
This includes investments like BHP’s nickel refinery; Tianqi’s Lithium processing plant in Kwinana; the Sonnen battery plant in Adelaide; and Energy Renaissance’s battery plant planned for Darwin.
We want to support them to take the next step to move further down the supply chain.
State and territory Governments like Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory are developing their own battery metal manufacturing strategies.
Federal Labor will partner with these states and territories to support further growth in battery metal processing and battery manufacture.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will supercharge Australia’s battery metal manufacturing industry by getting Austrade to develop a Manufacturing, Export and Investment Strategy - starting with a review of the future of battery metal extraction and advanced processing.
Labor will also make research into battery metal processing and battery manufacture a funding priority for the Australian Research Council (ARC).
This will be further supported by Labor’s $1 billion Australian Manufacturing Future Fund and the $5 billion Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility as well as the Australian Investment Guarantee.
This implements recommendation 15 from the Federal Government’s Resources 2030 Taskforce report into Australia’s resources industry.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Emergency Department Waiting Time Blitz
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $500 million to upgrade and expand emergency departments across Australia and slash waiting times.
LABOR’S PLAN
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $500 million to upgrade and expand emergency departments across Australia and slash waiting times.
All Australians will get faster access to better emergency care in public hospitals across with Labor’s plan, which comprises:$250 million for emergency department upgrades; and
$250 million for more doctors, nurses and health workers to bring down national waiting times.
Australia’s emergency departments are overcrowded,
and health workers are at breaking point.
Last year, fewer than two-thirds of urgent patients were seen on time.
That means more than a million patients who presented to a public hospital emergency department in need of urgent treatment were left languishing in queues, waiting longer than clinically recommended.
Labor’s plan for better hospitals includes:$2.8 billion in our Better Hospitals Fund – building new hospitals and wards, reducing waiting lists and restoring the core funding for more doctors and nurses;
$500 million to slash public hospital waiting lists for cancer patients;
$500 million to slash emergency department waiting times (includes $250 million from the Better Hospitals Fund); and
$250 million to slash elective surgery waiting lists (from Better Hospitals Fund).
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
There is a real choice at the upcoming election between Labor’s plan for properly funded hospitals and the best health care system in the world, or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
Labor's $1 Billion Plan To Protect Our Environment
A Shorten Labor Government will provide urgent action and overdue leadership to step up the fight to protect Australia’s environment and hand on a better environment to the next generation.
We will invest more than $1 billion in new environment programs to tackle the extinction crisis, cut single-use plastics, protect our beaches and coastlines, clean up the nation’s rivers, double the number of Indigenous Rangers caring for country, and protect the Great Barrier Reef.
For six years, the Liberals have attacked, undermined and cut Australia’s environmental programs, policies and institutions.
At the same time, our environment is under growing pressure.
Drought across eastern Australia, reef bleaching events, fires in Tasmania and thousands of fish deaths in the Murray Darling system all speak to the scale of the environmental challenge facing us in the 21st century.
In February the Liberals confirmed Australia has suffered the first global mammal extinction directly as a result of climate change.
It is time to fundamentally change our approach to addressing the environmental crisis.
A Shorten Labor Government will reshape Australia’s approach to caring for our unique natural assets, reform Australia’s environmental laws and create a new, independent Environment Protection Agency – if we get the entire framework right, we will protect our environment for our children and grandchildren.
Labor’s Protecting the Environment plan includes:$100 million Native Species Protection Fund
$62 million Beaches and Coastlines Climate Adaptation Plan
$50 million towards Environmental law reform and a new EPA
$200 million Urban Rivers and Corridors Program
$90 million Plastics and Recycling Package
More than $200 million to double the number of Indigenous Rangers over five years
More than $400 million through the return of Great Barrier Reef Foundation grant, to be reinvested through public agencies
Labor has a proud history of protecting Australia’s environment.
We saved the Franklin River and the Daintree Rainforest, we led the world in ozone protection, we protected Australia’s oceans, we ratified the Kyoto Agreement and introduced world-leading climate laws.
This election is a choice between investing in a better future for our children and protecting the environment or more of the Liberals cuts and chaos.
Better And Fairer Trade Agreements
A Shorten Labor Government will ensure that trade works for all Australians.
Trade is important to Australia’s prosperity because companies that export employ more people, pay higher wages and contribute more to our economy.
Labor has done the heavy lifting when it comes to trade - the unilateral tariff reforms of Hawke and Keating have helped ensure that Australia has experienced a record 28 years of uninterrupted economic growth.
One in five Australian jobs is linked to trade.
But less than 52,000 of Australia’s 2.5 million companies are exporters.
Government and business need to work together to change this.
LABOR’S PLAN:
A Shorten Labor Government will help more businesses to export by:Prioritising the finalisation of trade agreements with the European Union and the United Kingdom and the regional trade agreement known as Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Getting businesses more involved in the development of new trade agreements.
We will establish an Accredited Advisers system where businesses, unions and other organisations will be shown the draft text of trade agreements as they are being negotiated and asked to provide real time feedback.
Setting up a joint team made up of officers from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Austrade, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Industry to help businesses resolve non-tariff barriers.
Labor will also help businesses make the most of the rise of Asia, including in trade, through our Future Asia plan.
A Shorten Labor Government will ensure that trade agreements work better for people by:Requiring agreements to undergo Independent National Interest Assessments before they are signed and at the 10 year mark so Australians can independently assess their benefits.
Expanding the role of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) so it is involved in the development of trade agreements from start to finish, not just examining them at the end.
Providing public updates on each round of negotiations and releasing draft texts during negotiations where this is feasible.
Prohibiting the signing of trade agreements that: waive labour market testing, include Investor State Dispute Settlement provisions,
require the privatisation of public services,
undermine the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, undermine Australia’s anti-dumping laws,
limit the ability of the Australian Government to regulate in the interests of public welfare or in relation to safe products
and undermine mandatory skills testing requirements.
Labor's Banking Fairness Fund
A Shorten Labor Government will establish a Banking Fairness Fund which requires the big banks to contribute to ongoing, stable funding for community services and support for bank victims.
The Banking Royal Commission highlighted the important role that financial counsellors and lawyers play in assisting victims of banking misconduct but funding for these organisations is currently too low and too insecure to enable them to meet the influx of demand.
LABOR’S PLAN:
A Shorten Labor Government will create a $160 million per year Banking Fairness Fund which will provide important community services that support victims of bank misconduct.
Labor will require the nine biggest banks in Australia, those listed on the ASX 100, to contribute proportionally by market capitalisation to a pool of funding of $160 million per year to support community services, including organisations which provide important assistance to victims of banking misconduct.
This investment by Labor will assist these important community services with a $640 million investment over four years.
Labor will double the number of financial counsellors across Australia, allowing financial counsellors to assist an additional 125,000 Australians every year.
Financial counsellors provide invaluable assistance, free of charge, to Australians who find themselves in disputes with their banks and other financial service providers.
Labor will also boost the number of community lawyers across Australia providing specialist financial rights advice from 40 to 240, allowing an additional 150,000 Australians to access free legal advice every year.
The 200 extra financial rights lawyers will assist victims of bank and financial service provider misconduct by providing legal advice and running complex cases in court and through the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).
We will deliver 20,000 flexible support packages - of up to $10,000 - to survivors of family violence fleeing violent relationships.
Financial insecurity is one of the biggest barriers to a woman leaving a violent relationship - something that can persist for years as they rebuild their lives.
Each package will be individually designed to address the barriers women and their children face in getting safe and keeping safe.
The Liberals cut emergency relief grants for Australia’s most vulnerable people in severe financial hardship.
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $10 million a year reversing these cruel cuts and providing a much needed boost to these local services.
Labor will hold the big banks to account and make sure they contribute to supporting victims of bank misconduct.
In stark contrast, the Liberals have spent years trying to give the big banks a $17 billion tax cut.
Labor has a comprehensive plan to restore fairness to financial services.
In true Liberal form, it only took them 36 days to backflip on a recommendation from the Royal Commission recommendation which they had previously committed to implement.
The Liberals have cosied up to the Big Banks.
It’s simple: the Liberals cannot be trusted to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission.
Labor’s Banking Fairness Fund will make the banks pay their fair share to support the victims of banking misconduct.
Trusts Reform
Australia has a two-class tax system where some people have the financial means to access generous deductions and subsidies to lower their tax, and others do not.
Trusts can be legitimately used by individuals and businesses for several reasons, including asset protection.
However, discretionary trusts also have attractive tax advantages and are used by high-wealth individuals to minimise their tax obligations.
The practice of “income splitting” through discretionary trusts is used frequently by wealthy Australians to minimise their tax.
Income splitting was partly addressed back in the late 1970s and early 1980s by then-Treasurer John Howard who addressed inequities in the tax system by making it harder to distribute Trust income to minors (i.e. those aged below 18).
But Labor will go further.
A Shorten Labor Government will introduce a new 30 per cent standard minimum rate of tax for discretionary trust distributions to mature beneficiaries (aged over 18).
Labor’s policy is well-targeted to address tax minimisation through income splitting.
These reforms will not affect 98 per cent of all individual taxpayers in Australia.
Labor is for better schools and hospitals, not better tax loopholes for those people who are already well-off.
Labor’s policy will only apply to discretionary trusts.
It will not apply to non-discretionary trusts, including:Special disability trusts.
Testamentary trusts (Deceased estates).
Fixed trusts.
Cash management unit trusts.
Fixed unit trusts.
Public unit trusts (listed and unlisted).
Labor’s policy will also not apply to:Farm trusts.
Charitable and philanthropic trusts.
The policy will come into effect on 1 July 2019.
This policy will save around $7.7 billion over the forward estimates.
Labor's Plan For Solar Schools
A Shorten Labor Government will help Australian schools cut their energy bills and access cleaner energy by establishing a Solar Schools program to help schools access solar panels and battery storage.
The Solar Schools program will not only help schools cut their energy costs, but also deliver energy back to the grid through Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) - driving down electricity bills for households and businesses.
Schools are an excellent location for solar investment and the creation of VPPs, because they often don’t use energy at times of peak demand and through a large portion of summer.
Schools are largely vacant for more than 150 days per year.
Often demand for energy is highest when kids are not at school.
This makes schools perfect locations for solar and battery powered VPPs, to support grid reliability and lower power prices for Australian families and businesses.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor's Solar Schools program will allocate up to $1 billion from our expanded Clean Energy Finance Corporation capital to establish the program - supporting the creation of VPPs through virtually linked solar and battery systems installed at schools, to deliver electricity and other services to the electricity system.
Financing will be provided through concessional loans, available for the purchase of both solar panels and battery systems, either by schools or VPP project developers.
Schools with existing solar panels and batteries will be able to use the program to upgrade to a newer or larger system that would be better for self-consumption and participation in a VPP.
In addition to financial benefits,
participation will also provide teaching opportunities for schools about renewable energy and storage technology, and modern energy systems.
Labor will allow industry and schools to develop different VPP models, fostering competition and innovation in VPP design and delivery.
This provides choice for school systems and encourages a competitive market to provide the best portfolio of VPP offers to customers.
The program will first be rolled out in trial form, with two to three VPPs across different regions.
The full rollout will see school VPPs established in every jurisdiction, ultimately benefitting up to 4,000 schools, supporting up to 364MW of VPP capacity, and cutting over 390,000 tonnes of pollution a year.
Like all Labor solar and battery programs, we’ll have strict requirements about product, installer and maintenance standards that will need to be met.
All installations will be undertaken by certified installers, in compliance with the National Construction Code and the Clean Energy Council installation guide.
All batteries installed will have to meet both the strict Australian Standard and the Clean Energy Council’s best practice guide, which requires certification against a range of international product standards.
Benefits to schools
Schools will be able to save money on electricity bills by accessing cheap solar power and, depending on the specific VPP model they have participated in, will also be able to earn a revenue stream from selling power and other services to the grid.
Estimated electricity bill savings for schools, based on Clean Energy Council analysis, are presented in the table below.
These estimates do not include potential additional revenue from the sale of power and other services to the grid.
$/p.a.Reduction in energy bills for Large SchoolsReduction in energy bills for Small SchoolsVictoria$94,000$7,000New South Wales$89,000$15,000Queensland$120,000$9,000South Australia$90,000$15,000
Benefits for the energy grid
By providing additional energy as well as system security and reliability services into the grid, Labor’s Solar Schools VPPs will have significant reliability and stability benefits for the grid as a whole, especially over December and January when system reliability is under pressure due to demand spikes and unscheduled unit outages at ageing plants.
Additional services supplied to the grid by school VPPs to support system functionality include frequency control services; voltage regulation and power factor control services; and back-up functionality in case of grid outages.
In assessing the benefits of VPPs for the electricity system, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency has said: “As we transition to a more decentralised energy system, VPPs have an important role to play in harnessing the collective potential of consumer owned energy assets like rooftop solar, batteries, smart appliances and electric vehicle charging.
VPPs could see vast improvements in the reliability of the network
and an increase in market competition which will ultimately benefit all customers,”
The program will contribute to Labor’s commitment to modernise Australia’s electricity system; deliver 50 per cent of generation from renewable energy sources by 2030;
and help achieve Labor’s emissions reduction targets.
There will also be significant employment benefits from the program, ranging from installation and system management, to providing a boost to local battery manufacturing.
Labor has a vision and a plan for a clean, affordable and reliable renewable energy future for Australia, and our Solar Schools program is just one part of that plan.
The Liberals have a plan to further delay action on climate change,
stifle renewable energy investment,
and spend taxpayer money on new coal plants.
Protecting Local Workers - Restoring Fairness To Australia's Skilled Visa System
A Shorten Labor Government will protect Australian wages from being undercut
and ensure employers are not using overseas workers as a cheap replacement for local workers.
Labor’s Protecting Local Workers package will increase the lowest wage that a worker can be paid under a 457-style visa,
crackdown on exploitation of overseas workers to combat the undermining of local wages and conditions,
and make sure businesses look to local workers first.
Labor believes there is no excuse for a skills shortage to last one day longer that it takes to train an Australian to do that job,
and we’ll train local workers through our plans to invest in TAFE and higher education.
There are more than 1 million underemployed Australians wanting more work, and youth unemployment is at 11.7 per cent – more than double the national average.
At the same time, there are almost 1.6 million temporary visa holders with work rights in Australia,
with the top end of town turning to temporary work visas to undercut local jobs, wages and conditions.
Despite this, the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government has done nothing but make superficial changes to 457-style visas without addressing the significant loopholes that exist in Australia’s visa system.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor will protect Australian wages including by:Lifting the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), which has been frozen under the Liberals since 2013, to $65,000 with annual indexing.
This will ensure it is not cheaper to bring in an overseas worker than pay a local worker.
Closing loopholes that allow employers to artificially inflate salaries in order to meet the TSMIT – such as providing substandard accommodation and inflated or excessive overtime hours.
Labor will prevent worker exploitation including by:Targeting exploitative employers, and increasing funding for a joint agency taskforce.
Extending the Fair Work Ombudsman’s regulatory powers to the inspection of workplaces and investigation of employer breaches of work visa provisions.
Requiring employers to provide their workers with a copy of the relevant collective agreement, award or labour agreement.
Providing protections for migrant workers who are being exploited to come forward without fear of immediate deportation.
Labor will develop local solutions to skills shortages including by:Establishing an independent Australian Skills Authority to restrict temporary work visas to jobs where there is a genuine skills shortage.
Introducing the Australian Jobs Test to prevent labour agreements from being entered into unless they support or create jobs for Australian workers.
Labor will maintain Australian skills standards including by:Cracking down on unqualified and underqualified temporary workers by strengthening enforcement of skills assessment and occupational licencing requirements.
Strengthening the current skills assessment processes by ensuring offshore assessment and testing of overseas workers is by a Trades Recognition Australia approved Registered Training Organisation before being granted a visa.
These reforms improve fairness, equity, level the playing field for Australian workers and protect jobs and wages.
Only Labor has a plan to crackdown on 457-style visa rorts, ensure local workers are given the first shot at local jobs
and invest in skills and training.
City Partnership Program
City Partnership Program
A Shorten Labor Government will overhaul the Liberals’ City Deals and replace them with a transparent City Partnership program that will foster genuine collaboration between the three levels of government.
Labor will honour any City Deal that has been signed and budgeted for, however we will offer those councils the opportunity to deepen their agreement.
In contrast to the Liberals’, we will implement a proper governance framework, with clear, publicly available guidelines that will be developed in consultation with experts.
To achieve this, a Shorten Labor Government will:Re-establish the Major Cities Unit within the independent Infrastructure Australia and task it with recommending and assessing the progress of City Partnerships.
Establish an expert panel to update strategic planning guidelines for cities as well as to develop guidelines for City Partnerships, in consultation with the Minister, which will include benefits to the economy.
Refresh the National Urban Policy, which was released by the former Labor Government, to ensure City Partnerships align with their objectives, for example, in areas like sustainability and smart technology.
Labor will also work with councils and State and Territory governments
to unlock private sector investment
and use a range of financing options to deliver the long-term structural changes our cities need.
Under our City Partnerships program, councils will be better placed to deliver the outcomes their communities seek.
Getting this process right from the outset will enable us to develop a more thorough and strategic vision that addresses the most pressing challenges facing our cities including housing affordability,
climate change,
urban congestion,
social inclusion,
urban amenity,
technology integration,
access to health services,
employment
and education opportunities.
We are determined to deliver this in a timely and efficient manner so that councils and State and Territory governments can get on with the task of progressing their proposed City Partnerships.
Reforming Dividend Imputation
A Shorten Labor Government will reform dividend imputation so wealthy people who pay no income tax no longer get a cash refund simply for owning shares,
in order to fund better schools and hospitals.
Pensioners will be protected from these changes.
Dividend imputation exists to ensure that dividends to shareholders are not subject to double taxation.
Hawke and Keating introduced imputation credits in 1987 to avoid tax being paid twice on company profits and dividends.
These credits allowed shareholders to reduce their income tax when companies paid them dividends on their shares.
But the original system was changed by the Liberals to give cash refunds to people who don’t pay income tax.
Howard and Costello changed the rules to allow individuals and superannuation funds to claim cash refunds for any excess imputation credits.
Australia is the only country with a fully refundable dividend imputation system.
Refundable tax credits are an anomaly in the Australian tax system, as most tax concessions in Australia are non-refundable tax offsets.
Working Australians typically go to work and pay their PAYG taxes and if they own shares, they use imputation credits to offset their personal income tax liabilities.
That is, they use imputation credits to pay less tax, but don’t receive a cash refund.
Just four per cent of Australians benefit from this concession.
Recipients of cash refunds are typically wealthier retirees who aren’t paying income tax.
These are people who typically own their own home and have other tax-free superannuation assets.
For people of retirement age more than 80 per cent of the benefit is going to the wealthiest 20 per cent of retirees.
When cash refunds were first introduced, it cost just $550 million a year.
Now it’s $6 billion a year and growing.
This will soon cost the budget $8 billion a year – more than we currently spend on public schools.
Reforming dividend imputation will help Labor restore funding cut by the Liberals and Nationals, to ensure every community has quality public schools and hospitals.
We want better schools and hospitals not better tax loopholes for those people who are already well-off.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor will reform dividend imputation to end tax loopholes that benefit wealthy Australians, freeing up taxpayer funds to invest in our schools and hospitals.
Labor will maintain dividend imputation, but not allow cash refunds for people who have managed to reduce their tax rate to zero and pay no income tax.
Under Labor’s policy, no one will lose a cent of their share dividends, and they will not pay any more income tax.
And pensioners will be protected.
Our changes include a Pensioner Guarantee which exempts all pensioners and allowance recipients from changes to dividend imputation.
Under the Pensioner Guarantee:Every recipient of an Australian Government pension or allowance with individual shareholdings will still be able to benefit from cash refunds.
This includes individuals receiving the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, Carer Allowance, Parenting Payment, DVA pensions, Newstart and Sickness Allowance.
Self-managed Superannuation Funds with at least one recipient of an Australian Government pension or allowance as at 28 March 2018 will be exempt from the changes.
Labor’s policy will also exempt:ATO endorsed income tax-exempt charities.
Not-for-profit institutions (e.g. universities) with deductible gift recipient (DGR) status.
The policy will commence on 1 July 2019.
Labor will consult with the Australian Taxation Office, Treasury and tax experts on the implementation of this policy.
Labor has already announced it would provide substantial new resources to the ATO to ensure its policies are implemented effectively.
Labor’s policy will save around $14.3 billion over the forward estimates.
Labor's Plan to Improve the NBN
Labor's Plan to Improve the NBN
A Shorten Labor Government will end six years of the Liberals' chaos with a responsible plan to improve the National Broadband Network (NBN).
We recognise that world class broadband infrastructure is critical to boosting productivity right across the economy and that it is not just a consumer good – it is an essential service.
We also recognise the need to make sure customer experience for households across Australia is a top priority.
That’s why a Shorten Labor Government will implement a credible policy that will improve connectivity for households and businesses across the country.
LABOR’S PLAN:
If elected, a Shorten Labor Government will:1. Get more elderly and low-income households connected: Labor will launch a landmark Digital Inclusion Drive to get more elderly and low-income households connected to the NBN, making our country more modern and more inclusive.
The Digital Inclusion Drive will be led by NBNCo and conducted over stages.
The first stage will develop deep insights in collaboration with stakeholders, and the second stage will develop affordability measures and digital literacy initiatives to boost digital participation.
According to S&P Global, the top ten ranked countries have household broadband take-up rates ranging from nearly 100 per cent in Singapore and Switzerland, to 99 per cent in New Zealand, to 95 per cent in France and the United Kingdom.
Yet in Australia, household adoption of broadband is at 86 per cent.
This presents and important and positive opportunity to help get more Australians online, and maximise the public benefit of the NBN.
2. Improve speeds and reliability for Fibre to the Node households: Labor will direct NBNCo to fix in-home cabling problems that degrade service quality for households on the copper NBN, this will benefit up to 750,000 households – at no cost to those affected.
This problem arises from high frequency NBN signals which cause interference and reduce connection quality to the household modem.
This measure will reduce dropouts and improve speeds for broadband services in up to 750,000 Fibre to the Node households who are identified as having a cabling problem.
A trial by NBNCo found that installing a signal splitter in identified households delivered an average speed improvement of 11 megabits per second, and improved reliability.
It currently costs Fibre to the Node households $150 to have an in-home wiring problem fixed.
Under Labor, it will not cost anything.
Consumers are our priority and we will get on with the job of improving their experience.
NBNCo will work in partnership with retail providers to deliver the program and arrange for a licensed technician to fix the problem with the consumers consent.
The program will be funded by NBNCo through an increase in peak funding of up to $125 million.
3. Better protect small businesses and consumers against excessive NBN downtime: Labor will establish an NBN Service Guarantee to set service standards for fault repair and installations.
This policy will better safeguard small businesses and consumers against unreasonable and excessive periods of NBN downtime.
Remedies will apply when service standards are not met, with stronger penalties to apply for issues which impact on small businesses.
Downtime for small businesses isn’t just stressful – it costs money.
Less downtime and greater accountability – that is what we want to deliver.
4. A responsible approach for targeted co-investment in fibre over the medium term.
When it comes to delivering more fibre in the NBN there is no quick fix, and Labor will not make promises it can’t keep.
To position for the future, Labor will direct NBNCo to undertake trials of fibre upgrades to validate costs and assess co-investment mechanisms to deliver targeted upgrades over the medium term.
This initiative will be funded by NBNCo through an increase in its peak funding of up to $60 million.
5. Reviewing the economics of the NBN: The Liberals’ multi-technology mix has devastated the economics of the NBN.
To understand the scope of challenges, Labor will commence an immediate review of the economics of the NBN.
The review will examine the implications of the multi-technology mix on NBNCo’s long-term cash flow position, capital structure, pricing evolution, options to grow revenue and reduce costs, and the capacity of NBNCo to co-invest in future infrastructure upgrades under a range of market scenarios.
The Liberals' record speaks for itself: Australia is ranked 59th in the world for broadband speeds according to the Speedtest Global Index, and the Liberals' delivery of the NBN is $21.4 billion over budget and four years behind schedule.
Consumers and taxpayers have every right to be angry with the Liberals for delivering a second-rate network that costs more and does less.
Australian households and businesses deserve a National Broadband Network that is affordable, delivers great value for money and is reliable.
Labor's Plan For Science at the Centre of Government
Labor's Plan For Science at the Centre of Government
A Shorten Labor Government will end the war on science and research by resetting the relationship between the Australian Government and Australia’s science and research community
Scientific research and development is fundamental to a nation’s capacity for innovation
and underpins the creation of new jobs,
economic growth and productivity.
This is why Labor is committed to working with business, industry, universities and research institutes to boost Australia’s investment in research and development to 3 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per annum by 2030.
Part of mobilising this effort must be to enter a compact with the Australian science and research community to establish a basis for working together to improve Australia’s performance.
Under the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government, Australia’s research and development performance has declined, with research and development as a percentage of GDP falling from 2.12 per cent in 2011 to 1.88 per cent in 2015.
The latest figures on Commonwealth investment in science, research and innovation show that spending will be $358 million lower this financial year (in real terms), compared with Labor’s last year in government.
The Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government has broken the relationship between the Commonwealth and the Australian science and research community.
They have constantly interfered in and manipulated the allocation of science and research funding on political and ideological grounds.
Time and time again they have demonstrated their contempt for science and research.
Under Labor this will change.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will end the war on science and research by resetting the relationship between the Australian Government and Australia’s science and research community.
A Shorten Labor Government will:• Develop a charter with the Australian science and research community to establish the reciprocal roles and responsibilities of government and researchers.
• Establish a Prime Minister’s Science and Innovation Council, supported by a National Scientific Expert Panel.
• Review and strengthen the National Science and Research priorities, giving the priorities a central role in guiding government investments in innovation, science and research
The Charter with the Australian Science and Research Community will be a compact between the government and the research community, in which the expectations of scientists and their obligations to the Australian people are clearly established, and the commitment and reciprocal responsibilities of scientists and government will be established.
Labor will establish a top level Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Innovation.
The current Commonwealth Science Council has met infrequently, has been ineffective and ignored by the Liberal Government.
Under Labor, the Prime Minister’s Council will be responsible for providing advice to the Prime Minister and other ministers on the implications of science, research, engineering and technology issues in the Australian context.
It will advise a Shorten Labor Government on a strategic, whole-of-government approach to all aspects of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation.
Membership of the Council will be the Prime Minister (Chair), a Cabinet-level Minister with responsibility for Science (deputy Chair), the Minister for Education and Training, the Minister for Health, Australia's Chief Scientist (Executive Officer), five eminent and practicing scientists, social scientists or science educators (including at least one with a humanities or social sciences background), and four eminent business representatives.
The Prime Minister’s Council will be supported by a National Scientific Expert Panel that will provide policy advice on topics affecting the lives of Australians in the present and in the decade ahead.
Labor will work with the learned academies, led by the Australian Academy of Science, to shape the form and function of this council.
Labor will review, refresh and properly monitor the National Science and Research Priorities.
The priorities have an important role in guiding Australia’s investment in our future.
Under the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government, they have been largely ignored and have become a meaningless tick and flick exercise.
Labor will ensure they are reviewed every two years.
Australia in Space
Labor's Plan for Australia in Space
Labor will support and invest in the Australian Space Agency and the Australian space industry.
There is a new space race and Australia is lagging at the back of the field.
Countries and companies are competing for a share of the rapidly growing space economy.
In Australia we have companies – big and small – ready to make their mark, and we have the people and the science ready to move the nation forward.
Globally, commercial space activities are growing by almost 10 per cent annually and now represent 76 per cent of the $420 billion global space economy.
Australia’s share of it is only 0.8 per cent.
Our space sector is small, but the opportunities are limitless.
At the moment the sector earns revenues of $3-4 billion per year and employs between 9,500 and 11,500 people.
Australia is one of the most space-dependent nations on earth.
Without access to satellites and other space-based applications much of our economy and critical national infrastructure could grind to a halt.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Under Labor the Australian Space Agency will have a mandate over civil space activities to develop a strategic plan and help facilitate the growth of the Australian space sector and Australian space capabilities.
Labor’s Australian Space Industry Program will consist of:Four Australian Research Council (ARC) Space Industry Research Hubs to advance capabilities in emerging areas of industry-focused space research and technology.
Two ARC Space Industry Training Centres working with industry in offering 25 industrial PhDs.
An Australian Space Science and Industry Agency – announced in 2017 – to ensure that Australia does not miss out on the opportunities provided by the rapidly growing global space industry.
A Space Industry Innovation Council to serve as an advisory board for the agency, develop an industry-wide agenda, and build international confidence.
A Space Industry Supplier Advocate to open up opportunities for space industry companies, attracting investment and jobs.
A Shorten Labor Government will also give priority to the establishment of a Co-operative Research Centre in advanced manufacturing and space technology in future funding rounds.
Labor's Plan For A National Centre For AI Excellence
Labor's Plan For A National Centre For AI Excellence
Labor will invest $3m to help establish a National Centre of AI Excellence
Artificial Intelligence will have a profound impact on societies and their economies.
Other countries have wasted little time recognising this and are actively planning to seize on AI’s potential.
For example, in our own neighbourhood China is muscling up to become an AI leader by 2030, and it sees a $1 trillion industry emerging as a result of these plans.
We cannot stumble our way to success.
We need to plan and act together.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Through the National Centre of AI Excellence, we will gather the talents of those from different backgrounds – business, unions, education, civic and non-government organisations – and bring them together with common purpose, thinking and acting on common ground.
We do not only want to apply AI to build stronger Australian businesses.
We want to think about the impact of technology on jobs and prepare for the changes ahead.
This is the first announcement of its kind in Australia.
The Liberal government has failed to address this fast approaching and complex issue.
Within a nation that reportedly has as many AI researchers as France, we have the Australian brains that can make AI work for us.
In Government, Labor will engage with stakeholders to agree how our $3 million commitment can best be used to support research, advice and industry acceleration.
We look forward to engaging in that process.
Labor seeks to maximise the benefit of technology for the benefit of all Australians and is not afraid to lead the way.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share of tax and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Reforming Negative Gearing and Capital Gains Tax Arrangements
Reforming Negative Gearing and Capital Gains Tax Arrangements
A Shorten Labor Government will improve housing affordability and support housing construction by reforming negative gearing and capital gains tax arrangements.
All investments made prior to 1 January 2020 will be fully grandfathered.
Australia currently has the most generous property tax concessions in the world.
Generous property tax concessions mean that first home buyers are being locked out of the housing market, having to compete with investors looking for their fifth, sixth and seventh homes.
Under the Liberals, the cohort of investors with five investment properties is growing at six times the rate of those with one property.
Current arrangements for negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions predominantly benefit high-income earners.
70 per cent of the benefits of the CGT discount and 50 per cent of the benefits of negative gearing go to the top 10 per cent of income earners
The Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government spends well over $11 billion a year on negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions: money that could be better spent on Australia’s schools and hospitals.
Independent economists like Saul Eslake, and international economic agencies like the International Monetary Fund have called for reforms to Australia’s overly generous property tax concessions because they encourage excessive leverage in real estate.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor has a comprehensive plan to improve housing affordability and support housing construction.
A Shorten Labor Government will:Limit negative gearing to new housing from 1 January 2020.
All investments made prior to this date will not be affected by the changes and will be fully grandfathered.
Halve the capital gains tax discount for all assets purchased after 1 January 2020.
This will reduce the capital gains tax discount from assets held longer than 12 months from 50 per cent to 25 per cent.
All investments made prior to the 1 January 2020 will be fully grandfathered.
Put negative gearing to work by limiting it to new investment properties to help boost housing supply
and jobs.
The grandfathering element of our policy applies to property and assets purchased prior to the start date of our policy.
This means, for example, that if you own a property prior to 1 January 2020, you are able to negatively gear it after that date.
The changes to the CGT discount will not apply to superannuation funds
or to the 50 per cent active asset reduction concession that applies to small businesses.
This policy will help support housing construction, complementing our 10‐year plan to support the construction of 250,000 new affordable homes.
We’ll also encourage more Build to Rent housing construction so more renters can access stable long-term tenancies
and more housing in desired locations close to public transport and close to employment opportunities.
Labor first announced our plans to reform negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount in 2016.
Our reforms are good for the budget and good for home ownership as they will help put first home buyers back on a level playing field with investors.
Labor’s policy will save around $2.8 billion over the forward estimates.
Labor's Plan For Secure Jobs
Labor has a plan for an economy with decent secure jobs not just labour hire and casual work.
There are 2.3 million casual workers in Australia.
There are a record 1.79 million people wanting to work more hours.
And there is a record-breaking one million second or third jobs being worked.
For some workers, labour hire and casual work is a pathway into a permanent job, but for too many workers, it is now a way of life.
People are waiting for text messages late at night to tell them if and where they’re working the next day.
For these workers it’s tough to pay the rent and the bills, let alone get a car loan or a mortgage.
It’s tough to arrange child-care or make any plans.
For over five years this government has denied there is a problem with casualisation and precarious work.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor’s has a plan for decent secure jobs – Labour hire: If you’re doing the same job, you should get the same pay.
Labor will legislate to ensure that workers employed through a labour hire company will receive the same pay and conditions as people employed directly.
Casuals: We want to make sure people aren’t stuck in the purgatory of permanent casualisation, with all the obligations and commitments expected of the permanent employee, but with no guarantee of job security, no leave entitlements and no protections.
Labor will end the use of so-called ‘permanent casuals’ by introducing an objective definition of casual.
We will also allow workers to request permanent part-time or full-time employment after 12 months of regular hours with the same employer, and provide workers with the right to challenge an employer who unreasonably refuses such a request.
Gig economy: Labor will make sure workers in the gig economy are paid properly and not used to undermine Australian wages, including by changing the legal test for sham contracting.
Labor doesn’t support a business model if it can only succeed by undermining workers’ rights and avoiding workers’ entitlements.
Better Regulate Power Prices
Labor's Plan to Better Regulate Power Prices
A Shorten Labor Government will help households and businesses get a better deal on their power prices – overhauling electricity offers available to consumers and scrapping outdated deals so Australians pay less for their power.
Electricity prices have skyrocketed under the Liberals, increasing by 15 per cent since the Liberals were elected.
Currently, electricity retailers offer a range of products in different markets – including “standing” and “market” offers.
Over time, energy retailers have abused standing offers, treating them as a high-price benchmark and implementing confusing discounting schemes that make it hard for consumers to find the best deal.
Labor will introduce a new regulated capped offer to the market – protecting families and small business from price gouging – and will force energy retailers to introduce simple, honest and transparent pricing so consumers can find the best deal.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will work with the states to:
Abolish outdated standing offers (which are not the same between retailers), and replace them with a new ‘default’ offer consistent across all retailers.
Require retailers to reference any discounts to the new ‘default’ offer pricing, making it easier for consumers to genuinely compare offers and save money by finding the best deal for them.
The default price will be set independently in each jurisdiction, and the Australian Energy Regulator will be tasked with working with the states, the ACCC, agencies, industry and unions to deliver these reforms which will apply in non-price regulated National Electricity Market (NEM) jurisdictions – Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and South East Queensland.
Labor’s plan will directly benefit 1.2 million households – with household customers currently on the standing offers estimated to save up to $165 off their annual electricity bill – with the average small business customer on a standing offer to save up to $1,500 per year, according to the ACCC.
Ending the Liberals’ Medicare Freeze
A Shorten Labor Government will end Scott Morrison’s Medicare freeze in our first 50 days of government.
LABOR’S PLAN
A Shorten Labor Government will end the Liberals’ freeze on Medicare rebate indexation on 1 July 2019.
It will be one of the first acts of a Shorten Labor Government.
Labor will invest an extra $200 million in Medicare to end the Liberals’ six-year rebate freeze a year early and make health care more affordable for all Australians.
Ending the Medicare Freeze means that Medicare rebates for more than 100 GP items – including family counselling, urgent after-hours care, mental health care and Aboriginal and Torres Straight Island health checks – will start going up again.
Labor believes access to health care should depend on your Medicare card, not your credit card.
Labor created Medicare and we will always protect and strengthen it.
It will be one of the first acts of a Shorten Labor Government.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Standing Up For Pensioners
A Shorten Labor Government will protect the pension.
The Liberals have spent the last six years trying to cut the pension.
This includes:For five years running, the Liberals tried to raise the pension age to 70.
In 2014 the Liberals tried to cut pension indexation – a cut that would have forced pensioners live on $80 a week less within ten years.
The Liberals slashed $1 billion from pensioner concessions – support designed to help pensioners with the cost of living.
In 2015, the Liberals did a deal with the Greens to cut the pension to 370,000 pensioners by changing the pension assets test.
For two years, the Liberals planned to scrap the Energy Supplement, cutting payments for 1.5 million pensioners.
The Liberals have also cut and outsourced over 2,500 jobs from Centrelink, meaning people are waiting longer when they need help.
Labor fought every one of these pension cuts tooth and nail.
Cutting the pension is in the Liberals’ DNA.
Scott Morrison’s latest budget also locks in more cuts to the pension,
including:Cutting the pension supplement to around 80,000 pensioners a year as part of a plan to try and limit overseas travel for pensioners to six weeks.
If the Liberals get their way, it will be harder for many pensioners to visit family and loved ones overseas.
Increasing the pension residency requirement from 10 to 15 years, hurting hard-working migrant pensioners.
In every single Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison budget, the Liberals have tried to cut the pension.
Labor is opposed to these cuts.
And Labor’s Pensioner Guarantee means Australian government pensioners and allowance recipients will be protected from the abolition of cash refunds for excess dividend imputation credits.
Pensioners will be better off with Labor
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $2.4 billion in a Pensioner Dental Plan - giving up to three million older Australians access to free dental care and taking the next step towards Labor's vision for universal access to dental care in Australia.
This election is a choice between Labor’s plan to protect the pension versus bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
After six years of Liberal cuts and chaos, our united Labor team is ready.
A Shorten Labor Government will protect the pension.
Labor's Plan For Strong Borders
A Shorten Labor Government will strengthen Australia’s border security with new measures to disrupt and deter people smugglers from preying on vulnerable people throughout the region.
Labor will keep the people smugglers out of business and maintain Australia’s strong borders, ensuring they are never able to exploit the lives of vulnerable people again.
Labor is committed to strong borders,
turnbacks when safe to do so,
offshore processing
and regional resettlement because we know it saves lives at sea.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor will triple to 12 the number of Australian Federal Police officers overseas dedicated to working cooperatively with partner nations to deter and disrupt people smuggling operations at their source.
These officers are critical in the fight against people smugglers, by preventing risky boat ventures before they start and stopping people drowning at sea.
Former Operation Sovereign Borders Commander, Air Vice-Marshal Stephen Osborne said last year:  ‘The first aim is to deter and disrupt the ventures from taking to the water in the first instance. That's a lot more effective; it has a lot less risk, particularly for the people who want to use the people smugglers, so that's always our preference.’
The Liberals’ cuts and chaos mean they have slashed the number of officers to just four dedicated officers covering the entire region.
This has put our border protection framework at risk.
Peter Dutton and Scott Morrison have further risked Australia’s border security by ordering the Australian Border Force (ABF) Fleet to stop patrols to save money on fuel, cutting frontline ABF staff at Australian airports, and failing to resource the ABF border patrol capability forcing the ADF to pick up the slack at the expense of other operational priorities.
Unlike the Liberals, Labor will not make cuts to border protection.
Under a Shorten Labor Government, Operation Sovereign Borders will be fully resourced, we will maintain Australia’s strong border protection measures and strengthen them even further with these new measures to stop people smugglers in their tracks.
The policy has a budget cost of $8.5 million over the forward estimates.
We will pay for these critical border protection measures by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan For Apprentices
A Shorten Labor Government will boost the number of apprentices in Australia and ensure more Australians have an opportunity to learn a trade.
Since they were elected, the Liberals have cut more than $3 billion from TAFE, skills and apprenticeships.
Government-funded enrolments in TAFE have dropped by 25 per cent and apprenticeships have plummeted by almost 150,000.
Only Labor has the policies to increase the capacity of the vocational education system and the skills of the Australian workforce.
LABOR’S PLAN
A Shorten Labor Government will:Provide 150,000 additional Apprentice Incentives to employers and apprentices to reverse the apprenticeship decline.
Require at least one in 10 jobs on all major Commonwealth and defence projects to be filled by an apprentice or trainee.
Help 10,000 young job seekers choose the best apprenticeship for them by providing nationally recognised, industry endorsed, 20 week pre-apprenticeship training.
Fast-track quality trade apprenticeships for up to 20,000 adults who need to retrain because of changes in the economy.
Establish an Apprenticeship Advocate. The Advocate and their office will advise government on how to stop the exploitation of apprentices and trainees, improve their safety and close the apprentice gender gap.
We will pay for these commitments by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Private Health Insurance
13 million Australians will receive relief from soaring private health insurance premiums with a Shorten Labor Government to cap the price increases of private health insurers at 2% for two years.
Private health insurance premiums have increased on average by more than 30% under the Liberals, leaving Australian families paying an average of more than $1,000 every year for private health than they were when the Liberals came to power in 2013.
Australians are being ripped off – it’s time to shift the balance back in the interests of families, rather than the big health insurance companies.
Prices are up, profits are up – but quality and value are way down.
That’s why we are making this unprecedented decision to shift the balance back to consumers – helping families access the health care they need while taking pressure off the weekly budget.
Labor is choosing to put Australian families first, instead of the interests of the multi-billion dollar private health industry.
Labor will also task the Productivity Commission with the most significant review of the private health system in 20 years to make sure that private health insurance is good value into the future.
National Pre-School And Kindy Program
A Shorten Labor Government will introduce a new National Preschool and Kindy Program, guaranteeing around 700,000 Australian children a year will be able to access subsidised preschool in the two years before formal school.
Research shows that 90 per cent of a child’s brain development occurs in the first five years of life.
An investment in early education is one of the smartest investments our country can make.
Our global competitors have recognised the value of a two year early childhood education program, and it’s time Australia gets on board, before we fall further behind.
The United Kingdom, New Zealand, France, Ireland and China have all expanded their early childhood education programs to include three year olds.
LABOR’S PLAN
Under a Shorten Labor Government:For the first time ever, every three year old in Australia will be able to access 15 hours of subsidised early childhood education, so they can get the best start to learning.
Labor will also guarantee the current arrangement for four year olds accessing preschool – creating a quality, two-year program to support the most important years of a child’s development, an investment of an additional $1.7 billion into early education.
Labor’s plan is good for children, good for parents, and good for the economy:
Children – Studies have shown that children who access quality early education achieve better results in tests throughout their schooling.
Early education is particularly vital in closing the disadvantage gap before a child starts school.
Parents – One of the biggest barriers to accessing early education is finance.
Expanding access will help with the cost of living, help parents balance work and family and help reduce the child care bill for families with children already in early education.
Economy – Evidence shows that the return on investment in early childhood education is significant.
A recent study from the European Union showed that for every dollar spent on early childhood education for three year olds, $4 was returned to the economy.
Labor will work in partnership with the States and Territories to deliver this important reform, including in setting enrolment and attendance targets, particularly for Indigenous and vulnerable children.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan for Neighbourhood Renewables
Labor's Plan for Neighbourhood Renewables
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $100 million in a Neighbourhood Renewables Program so that renters and social housing residents can also benefit from cheaper and cleaner renewable energy.
Renewable energy is the cheapest form of new energy, and rooftop solar has slashed energy bills for households around the country.
Over the past decade, the installation of rooftop solar has grown dramatically in Australia, from 7,000 in 2007 to around 2 million today.
While many Australian families have invested in rooftop solar, access has largely been restricted to owner-occupied, detached or semi-detached homes.
There is currently no national policy aimed at helping communities, renters, social housing residents or other currently excluded groups access small-scale renewable energy and storage.
Additional support is required to ensure all Australians can benefit from cheaper, cleaner and more reliable power.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will commit $100 million to develop a Community Power Network that will draw from skills and expertise around the country to deal with the challenges of implementing renewable energy and storage solutions in social and community housing, rental properties and apartment-style living.
The Network will oversee the creation of up to 10 Community Power Hubs that will work in communities to support the development of local projects with start-up funding and legal and technical expertise.
The Network will also create an online community to ensure that ideas, models, and implementation strategies are freely available to all Community Power Hubs and other community energy groups.
Projects eligible for funding in communities across Australia could include:‘Solar gardens’ and energy storage solutions for renters.
Low income energy efficiency (including retrofits of existing social housing stock).
Solar programs using innovative finance like council rates programs.
Community wind farms.
Pilot community solar and storage projects with social housing providers.
Rates financing for low income pensioners.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan For Australia To Devote 3 Per Cent Of GDP To Research And Development
A Shorten Labor Government will set a national target that 3 per cent of GDP will be devoted to R&D by 2030.
Long-term sustainable growth, particularly in developed economies, rests ultimately on expanding the frontiers of knowledge.
R&D contributes to growth primarily through creating technological progress and by delivering a supply of highly-skilled workers to the labour force.
R&D investment generates strong positive economic impacts.
It is increasingly unlikely that any country will be able to build sustainable and long-term prosperity simply from cheap labour, proprietary capital or natural resources.
Australia has to compete on the basis of its research and innovation capacity, not least because its comparative advantage is disproportionately derived from R&D and innovation-intensive sectors.
Under the Liberals gross expenditure on R&D as a percentage of GDP in Australia fell from 2.12 per cent in 2011 to 1.88 per cent in 2015.
LABOR’S PLAN:
A Shorten Labor Government is committed to reversing the decline in Australia’s research and development performance that has taken place over the past five years.
Labor is the only party committed to lifting Australian spending on R&D from 1.8 per cent of GDP to 3 per cent by 2030.
We are committed to restoring Australia’s international competitiveness, and will work with business, industry, universities and research institutes to do so.
Labor's Plan For Solar And Batteries For Households
Labor's Plan For Solar And Batteries For Households
A Shorten Labor Government will slash power bills, improve grid security and support new jobs in local industries by setting a new national target of one million household battery installations by 2025.
Australian households want greater control over their energy and want to cut their power bills, which have skyrocketed under the Liberals.
That is why, despite the Liberals’ attacks on renewable energy, more and more Australians have turned to rooftop solar.
Household solar installations are at record levels and costs continue to fall rapidly.
With two million households using rooftop solar, Australia is in a prime position to benefit from the rollout of household battery systems.
Batteries cut household power bills for individual households, but they also reduce electricity prices for all Australians by reducing peak demand in the grid and have system-wide reliability benefits.
The Smart Energy Council estimates that new household solar and batteries would allow most homes to reduce their power bills by more than 60 per cent.
However, many households are unable or unwilling to access battery systems due to their high upfront cost.
Additional support is needed to cut power bills, boost energy security and drive growth in this emerging industry.
LABOR’S PLAN:
A Shorten Labor Government will set an ambitious national target of one million new residential battery systems by 2025, to be supported by rebates for new battery installations.
From 1 January 2020, Labor will provide a rebate for eligible battery systems, at a rate of $500 per kilowatt hour (KWh) of battery capacity, capped at $2,000 for households with a gross annual income of less than $180,000.
The rebate will support 100,000 new battery installations and deliver significant price and reliability benefits to all electricity users by cutting peak demand and average electricity prices.
The rebate will be complemented by low cost financing through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) // and will be made available on a demand-driven basis to support the purchase of both household battery and solar systems.
Eligible battery systems must be virtual power plant capable to maximise system-wide benefits.
The rebate is limited to one battery system per home and will not be available to households that have received subsidies from State schemes.
The program will be reviewed after two years, given projected falls in battery costs and to assess progress towards Labor’s target of one million new battery installations by 2025.
Eligible batteries must meet the Australian standard under the Clean Energy Council Battery Assurance or equivalent program, be installed by an accredited battery installer and purchased from an Approved Solar Retailer.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor’s battery installation rebate for 100,000 households has a budget cost of $201.3 million over the forward estimates.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Securing A Just Transition For Energy Workers
Labor is committed to a Just Transition for the workers and communities who are affected by these closures.
Australia must deal with the inevitable closure of ageing coal fired power stations, with 75 per cent of coal-fired power stations in Australia currently operating beyond their original design life.
These closures will create major structural adjustment challenges concentrated in specific regions and communities, including the Hunter, Latrobe Valley, central Queensland and Collie River Valley.
Labor is committed to a Just Transition for the workers and communities who are affected by these closures.
The Liberals have consistently failed to provide support for workers and communities that are impacted by structural economic transition.
They argued against the inclusion of a Just Transition clause in the Paris Agreement and failed to provide support to Hazelwood and Northern power station workers after plant closures.
A Shorten Labor Government will implement a comprehensive plan for a Just Transition and will ensure no affected worker is left behind.
Labor will:Establish an independent Just Transition Authority (JTA) to plan and coordinate the structural adjustment response to future station closures.
The JTA will be a statutory authority within the Climate Change and Energy portfolio, and will work with energy stakeholders (companies, workers and unions), local communities, state governments and other Commonwealth departments to:Develop and implement transition plans for affected regions, including economic diversification.
Develop and oversee pooled redundancy schemes.
Develop and administer labour adjustment packages.
The JTA will operate on a tripartite basis ensuring that representatives from the energy industry, unions and local communities have direct input into its operations.
Require all large generators to provide at least three years notice of pending closure, as recommended by the Finkel Review and enshrined in an Australian Energy Market Commission rule.
Sufficient notice of an impending closure is critical to plan for the economic diversification of a region, replace generation capacity and to maintain energy security.
Legislate a regional framework for pooled redundancies.
Labor will ensure every displaced worker gets an offer of employment at a nearby power station or coal mine, subject to there being sufficient jobs created by voluntary redundancies at these nearby stations and mines.
To ensure no-one is left behind, Labor will make it mandatory for power stations and coal mines to participate in pooled redundancy schemes when there is a nearby closure.
Take a proactive approach to economic diversification for impacted regions and communities, guided by the work of the JTA.
The size and detail of the policies will be developed in government and tailored to each individual regions’ characteristics,
but could include; analysis of regional business competitive advantages, prioritisation of regional infrastructure projects, concessional loans for businesses (including from funds such as the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation and the Australian Manufacturing Future Fund), and dedicated business advice/improvement programs.
Labor will consult with experts and stakeholders, including communities, industry, unions, and local and state governments, on the implementation of these policies.
Labor's Plan To Future Proof Our Energy Network
Labor's Plan To Future Proof Our Energy Network
A Shorten Labor Government will modernise Australia’s ageing energy transmission infrastructure to unlock new sources of clean, affordable and reliable energy.
Australia’s energy system is undergoing a major transition – the current infrastructure is not fit for purpose.
As ageing coal-fired power stations approach the end of their technical life, there is a critical need for new sources of affordable, reliable, and clean energy.
This will require more renewable energy, storage and gas.
For this transition to be successful, Australia needs to upgrade our energy infrastructure and networks.
This is necessary as generation, particularly of renewable energy, is becoming more localised and less geographically concentrated.
As the Australian Energy Market Operator highlighted in its Integrated System Plan (ISP) the investment required to facilitate this transition is “significant and unavoidable”.
Labor knows this massive transition cannot be left to the big energy companies alone – there is a clear role for public investment to rectify the years of privatisation.
Taking a strategic, national approach to energy moderation is critical to putting downward pressure on power bills
and delivering clean, affordable energy.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will establish an independent $5 billion Energy Security and Modernisation Fund that will support:Unlocking renewable energy through transmission links to Renewable Energy Zones
New interconnectors to lower electricity prices and boost system stability
New gas infrastructure, including pipelines and pipeline upgrades/extensions
Technology solutions that facilitate the smooth integration of renewable energy into energy systems and promote energy security.
This will drive investments in clean energy, put downward pressure on power bills and create jobs.
Labor's Plan For Hydrogen
Labor's Plan For Hydrogen
A Shorten Labor Government will deliver a $1 billion National Hydrogen Plan to create new jobs,
support new businesses
and supercharge Australia’s renewable energy industry.
Hydrogen is an emerging industry that has huge potential to deliver significant economic,
employment,
energy
and environmental benefits for Australia.
Hydrogen gas is an energy source that can be produced through the process of electrolysis using renewable energy, meaning it can leverage Australia’s world-class renewable energy to make much cleaner hydrogen competitively.
Developing a hydrogen industry will deliver new opportunities for manufacturing, transport and electricity generation.
As the global demand for hydrogen surges to an expected $215 billion market by 2022, Australia is uniquely placed to benefit from the development of this new, job-generating industry.
Analysis by ACIL Allen projects that hydrogen exports alone could be worth $10 billion in 20 years, and create 16,000 jobs – mainly in regional areas.
Most of the benefits of hydrogen development will be in regional Australia.
For example, the deep sea water ports of Gladstone and Newcastle are well placed to support a hydrogen export industry.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will implement a six-point National Hydrogen Plan that will:1. Allocate $1 billion of funding from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) to support clean hydrogen development.
2. Invest up to $90 million of unallocated funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to support research, demonstration and pre-commercial deployment of hydrogen technologies.
3. Establish a $10 million ARENA funding round for hydrogen refuelling infrastructure around the nation, from within ARENA’s unallocated funding.
4. Invest $40 million of unallocated funding from the CEFC Clean Energy Innovation Fund to target hydrogen technologies and businesses that have passed the research and development stage.
5. Implement regulatory reforms that will help the industry develop and prosper, including reforms to support the use of existing gas pipelines for hydrogen, reforms to support the shipping of hydrogen, reforms to better support the storage of CO2 from blue and brown hydrogen production, as well as other reforms to support hydrogen use and production.
6. Establish the National Hydrogen Innovation Hub in Gladstone with an initial investment of $3 million.
This will kick-start early commercialisation of hydrogen technologies, provide a hub for investment and research agencies, and provide opportunities to leverage LNG infrastructure to support hydrogen exports.
Hydrogen means more investment in Australia, more exports from Australia, and more blue-collar jobs for Australia.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Reduce Homelessness
A Shorten Labor Government will develop and implement a national plan to reduce homelessness through the Council of Australian Governments.
Australia is in the midst of a homelessness crisis.
The 2016 Census and data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare have revealed more Australians than ever before are at-risk of or experiencing homelessness.
On Census night in 2016 more than 116,000 Australians were experiencing homelessness – a staggering increase of more than 13 per cent in the period since the 2011 Census.
Troublingly, for groups such as older women
and young people, the rates of increase were even higher.
The Coalition Government has failed to respond to the homelessness crisis – instead cutting $44 million a year in capital funding for transitional housing in its 2014/15 Budget and failing to tackle the affordability crisis across the housing spectrum placing vulnerable Australians at risk of homelessness.
LABOR’S PLAN:
A Shorten Labor Government will immediately commence work with the states and territories on a national plan to address the issue of rising homelessness and directly invest in the supply of new affordable rental housing and transitional housing for vulnerable groups.
Labor will:Develop and implement a national plan to reduce homelessness through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).
Build 250,000 new affordable rental homes over ten years – helping priority groups at-risk of experiencing homelessness to secure long-term, affordable, and stable accommodation.
Invest $88 million over two years for a new Safe Housing Fund to increase transitional housing options for women and children escaping domestic and family violence, young people exiting out-of-home care and older women on low incomes who are at risk of homelessness.
Reinstate a Minister for Housing and Homelessness, and re-establish the National Housing Supply Council.
Reform negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions, along with other reforms to improve housing supply and affordability.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Drug and Alcohol Treatments
A Shorten Labor Government will protect patients and families by regulating for-profit drug and alcohol treatment providers for the first time.
With public drug and alcohol treatment providers often forced to turn away people due to a lack of availability, many families opt to pay for private providers to get their loved ones the help they need.
But with these providers currently unregulated with no treatment standards, they can take advantage of people who are struggling with drug and alcohol issues, as well as their families.
In 2015, the Liberals’ own Ice Taskforce called for the establishment of a national quality framework that sets the standards for drug and alcohol services.
Years later, the Liberals have failed to act and there remain no minimum standards in the private sector.
Unlike the Liberals, Labor will help ensure that Australians who need and seek help for addiction get that help – instead of being seen as a business model for unscrupulous providers.
Labor will:Task the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare (ACSQHC) with developing a national accreditation process for rehabilitation treatment services
Work cooperatively with the states and territories through the COAG Health Council
Address issues with workforce, quality and consistency
Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research
A Shorten Labor Government will boost research into advanced breast cancer and brain cancer, with a $20 million investment in the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute.
The Olivia Newton-John Centre works to deliver the very best treatments, and world-leading cancer research all under one roof.
Labor’s investment will allow the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute to continue their pioneering work targeting new treatments for advanced breast cancer and brain cancer.
Labor’s funding will go towards establishing a Breast Cancer Metastasis and Dormancy Research Initiative, researching a test that will identify the 10-15 % of breast cancer survivors at risk of relapse.
Labor’s investment will also support ongoing work on the biology of brain cancers and builds on the previous Labor Government’s $15 million investment to the establishment of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Investing in headspace Plus
A Shorten Labor Government will invest almost $200 million in headspace Plus – improving youth mental health services and ensuring young Australians don’t fall through the cracks in Australia’s mental health system
LABOR’S PLAN
A Shorten Labor Government will ensure young Australians aren’t falling through the cracks of Australia’s mental health system, by investing almost $200 million in headspace Plus – improving services for young people with moderate to complex needs.
More needs to be done to help young people who need more mental health support than they would get at the GP or their local headspace centre, but who aren’t at the stage where they need hospitalisation.
These services are often referred to as the ‘missing middle’ in our mental health system.
The headspace Plus proposal is designed to fill this gap – as a central hub of community -based mental health care for young people aged between 12 and 25 with moderate to complex mental ill health.
Young people will be able to access up to 20 additional Medicare funded Better Access sessions and have access to staff including GPs, mental health nurses, psychiatrists and addiction specialists.
Labor will:Invest $144 million over four years to trial three metropolitan headspace Plus sites – in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
Invest $36 million over four years to trial a regional headspace Plus site in Tasmania.
Provide $14 million over four years for Orygen to provide central implementation support, technical guidance, research and evaluation and $3 million for an independent evaluation.
GPs and existing headspace services do excellent work but are not designed to cater for young people who have more complex needs but who are not unwell enough to go into hospital.
Labor will deliver headspace Plus through Primary Health Networks (PHNs) and in partnership with relevant states and territories, recognising the role they play in the provision of community-based services.
A Shorten Labor Government will work with all tiers of government to reduce fragmentation and gaps in mental health services.
There has been much progress in recent years reducing stigma and ensuring young people with mental health issues get the support they need, but there is still much more to do.
The latest Mission Australia Annual Youth Survey once again showed that mental health is the top concern of young people – doubling in importance in the past three years.
This investment builds on Labor’s commitment to expand the reach of the existing headspace model across Australia.
Labor will invest an extra $35 million to deliver more early intervention mental health services for young people aged 12 to 25 and ensure that when young people ask for help, services are available and accessible.
Labor will also invest $29.6 million to reduce Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth suicide and poor mental health, to be provided through Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in highly vulnerable communities.
There is a real choice at the upcoming election between Labor’s plan for properly funded hospitals and the best health care system in the world, or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
A Voice For First Nations People
A Shorten Labor Government will establish a Voice for First Nations people,
and seek the support of the Australian people for that Voice to be enshrined in the Constitution.
We support the Voice.
We support enshrining it in the Constitution.
It is our first priority for Constitutional change.
When 250 First Nations Leaders convened at Uluru in 2017 and called for a Voice to Parliament, Labor heard that call.
In government, we will work with First Nations people at the national and regional level to make it a reality.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor has made clear that we will work with the Liberals on a Voice for First Nations people, but we will not wait for them.
We will move quickly following the election to agree on a process with First Nations people – including a clear pathway to a referendum.
We will also work with them to establishing a Makarrata Commission for agreement-making and truth-telling.
This will be a genuine process of government and First Nations people working together to achieve meaningful change.
We will examine options for ensuring local, regional and national representation so that First Nations communities have a genuine say.
It is disappointing that the Liberals continue to peddle lies about what the role of a Voice would be.
A Voice would not be a third chamber of Parliament. It would be a mechanism for First Nations people to have a greater say in the policy issues that impact their lives.
We have nothing to fear from working with First Nations people to address the many complex issues that affect the first Australians.
The Liberals have consistently failed to properly engage with First Nations people on important policy issues, leading to a litany of policy failures in Indigenous Affairs.
Whether it is the disastrous Indigenous Advancement Strategy, Community Development Program or the Close the Gap Refresh, only by working with First Nations people can we fix the legacy of failed policies left by this government and achieve a more equal, more reconciled Australia.
Stolen Generations Compensation Scheme
A Shorten Labor Government will establish a compensation scheme for survivors of the Stolen Generations in Commonwealth jurisdictions.
The traumatic effects of forced removal and separation from families, communities and culture have been severe and long-lasting for the Stolen Generations and their descendants.
Labor will recognise and respond to the legacy of pain and trauma that the Stolen Generations and their families continue to experience today.
LABOR’S PLAN:
The compensation scheme will provide ex-gratia payments of $75,000 to Stolen Generations survivors who were removed from their families.
Labor will also establish a Funeral Assistance Fund to provide one-off payments of $7,000 to Stolen Generations members to assist with the cost of their funerals.
The compensation scheme will be accessible to about 150 surviving members of the Stolen Generations in the Northern Territory and any Stolen Generations survivors in the ACT and Jervis Bay.
Labor’s Stolen Generations compensation scheme deals with the unfinished business of the National Apology and responds to the third recommendation of the Bringing Them Home report in 1997.
A Shorten Labor Government will also establish a $10 million National Healing Fund to support healing for the Stolen Generations and their families – in recognition of the inter-generational effects of forced removal.
The fund will be administered by the Healing Foundation – an Indigenous-run organisation that supports the ongoing needs of the Stolen Generations with services such as counselling, family reunion, return to country, and support for elderly survivors.
We will pay for these commitments by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Corporate Crime Taskforce
A Shorten Labor Government will commit $25 million to establish a Corporate Crime Taskforce, to equip the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions to respond to any referrals for criminal prosecution which stem from the Financial Services Royal Commission.
LABOR’S PLAN
The Liberals’ track record on corporate crime is woeful.
The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions suffered significant budget cuts under this Liberal Government, resulting in a 23 per cent reduction in staff levels over the six years to 2016-17.
We need to make sure our CDPP has the resources it needs to take on the deep pockets of the banks, who have already spent millions in legal fees to defend themselves in front of the Royal Commission.
We must ensure that corporate criminals are brought to justice.
Anything less would make a joke of the Royal Commission process.
If big corporates or their employees break the law, they need to know that they will be prosecuted by the best of the best.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
National Integrity Commission
A Shorten Labor Government will establish a National Integrity Commission to prevent, investigate and eliminate corruption inside the federal government and the public sector.
All Australians deserve to have confidence in the integrity of their government, their Parliament, the public service and public institutions.
While there is not substantial evidence of widespread corruption at a federal level, that is not a reason to do nothing.
LABOR’S PLAN
Legislation to establish the National Integrity Commission will be introduced into Parliament within the first 12 months of a Shorten Labor Government.
We went to strengthen and simplify our anti-corruption framework – to weed out serious and systemic corruption, promote integrity, and restore the trust of the Australian people in their representatives and institutions.
The National Integrity Commission will adhere to the following seven design principles:The Commission will operate as an independent statutory body, with sufficient resources to ensure it is able to carry out its functions regardless of the government of the day.
The Commission would be constituted by one Commissioner and two Deputy Commissioners, each of whom would serve for a single, fixed, five-year term.
The Commission will have sufficiently broad jurisdiction and freedom of action to operate as a standing Royal Commission into serious and systemic corruption by Commonwealth parliamentarians or their staff, public servants, statutory office holders, the Commonwealth judiciary and the Governor-General.
The Commission will be granted the investigative powers of a Royal Commission, including search and surveillance powers, the power to compel witnesses and subpoena documents and carry out its own investigations, with warrant oversight by the Federal Court.
While the presumption will be that hearings will be held in private, the Commission will have discretion to hold hearings in public where it determines it is in the public interest to do so.
Labor will continue to consult on the appropriate threshold for such hearings.
The Commission will only be empowered to make findings of fact.
Any findings that could constitute criminal conduct would be referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) or the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
A Joint Standing Committee of the Parliament will be established to oversee the Commission and will be empowered to require the Commission to provide information about its work.
That Committee will be responsible for appointing the Commissioners.
The Commission will also report to Parliament on its performance annually.
In government, Labor will continue to consult with experts on the design details of the Commission.
National Rural Health Strategy
Labor supports the development of a national rural health strategy so there is clear and targeted action towards closing the gap in health outcomes between Australians living in rural areas and their metropolitan peers.
Regional, rural and remote Australians have much higher levels of serious illness, chronic disease and lower life expectancy than city dwellers. //The differences can often be directly attributed to poorer access to health services including early detection of illness through widely used screening tests.
Labor’s plan for a National Rural Health Strategy recognises the challenges that rural and regional Australians face which require more targeted support.
It will help achieve this goal of all levels of Government working more closely together, to reduce fragmentation and duplication.
First Nations Children
A Shorten Labor Government will convene a national summit on First Nations Children in our first 100 days.
In recent years, the number of First Nations children removed from their families has risen rapidly.
In 2017, more than 17,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were living in out-of-home care, compared with about 9,000 a decade ago.
Labor knows that closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage depends on acknowledging the continuing trauma of the Stolen Generations, supporting the survivors and their families, and ensuring that there is not another generation of First Nations children growing up away from community and culture.
LABOR’S PLAN:
To respond to these unacceptably high rates of out-of-home care, a Shorten Labor Government will convene a national summit on First Nations Children in our first 100 days.
The summit will bring governments, experts and First Nations community leaders together to determine the different factors that lead to child removal.
The summit will work with communities on solutions to reduce the rates of out-of-home care, and build a better future for First Nations children.
Australian Women - Labor's Plan for Equality
A Shorten Labor Government will put achieving gender equality for Australian women at the centre of our priorities with a National Strategy for Gender Equality.
Labor has a concrete plan for action, and we’re committed to real change: supporting women’s march through the institutions of power; closing the gender gap in pay and superannuation; and ending harassment and violence against women.
And we’re on track to achieve our target of 50 per cent of Labor Parliamentarians being women.
Women’s representation and equality just isn’t a priority for the Liberals.
After six years in power, the Liberals have taken no serious action on gender equity and they never will.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will invest in policies that directly support women’s economic security, leadership, health and wellbeing, and to end violence against women.
Delivering a fair go for Australian women is core Labor business.
A Shorten Labor Government will:Deliver a National Strategy for Gender Equality.
We will set targets for change; take measurable action to tackle inequality; and report on Australia’s progress through an annual update to Parliament.
Lead a national push to help close the gender pay gap by making large employers publicly report their pay gap and by banning pay secrecy clauses.
Deliver a fair go for Australian women by strengthening the ability of the Fair Work Commission to order pay increases for workers in female dominated industries such as early childhood education, aged care, and disability services.
Restore cuts to penalty rates, which disproportionately impact women on low incomes.
Invest more than $655 million in measures that will boost women’s superannuation, including paying superannuation on Commonwealth Paid Parental Leave for the first time.
Immediately begin work on a new National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children,
set a target to reduce rates of family violence and make prevention of family violence a national priority by working with state and territories.
Deliver a record Commonwealth investment of more than $660 million in the Fourth Action Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children – more than doubling the Liberals’ investment.
Legislate for 10 days paid domestic violence leave in the National Employment Standards.
Invest $88 million in a Safe Housing Fund to deliver emergency and transitional housing for women and children escaping violence, older women at risk of homelessness and young people exiting out-of-home care.
Set up a Safe Campus Taskforce to help tackle sexual assault and harassment on university campuses and at residential colleges.
Tackle forced marriage by introducing forced marriage protection orders and establishing a Commonwealth Forced Marriage Unit to assist victims.
Deliver Australia’s first ever National Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy to make sure all Australian women can access legal, safe and affordable reproductive health services, including terminations, in public hospitals.
Deliver $95 million towards investments in women’s sport, including $20 million to Netball Australia to help fund grass roots participation and more than $75 million to community sporting clubs to provide change rooms and facilities for women and girls.
Support women in trades and training by reserving half of Labor’s 100,000 fee-free TAFE places for women.
Labor will create Australia’s first National Evaluation Framework for Girls and Women in STEM Initiatives; fund the SAGE program to drive gender equality in science and research; and establish a National Women in Science Day.
Invest an extra $19.5 million in programs to provide intensive in-school mentoring for thousands of First Nations girls and young women.
Meet our 50:50 target for representation of women on government boards within the first term of government and set targets to boost women’s representation in senior public service roles.
Reform the Australian Honours System to better recognise women’s contributions to our community.
Appoint a female Governor General of Australia.
Restore the Time Use Survey so we can better value women’s unpaid work; acknowledge its economic importance and drive better policy making.
Establish a new framework for gender responsive policy development and decision making, including restoring the annual Women’s Budget Statement.
Labor will pay for these commitments by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Whistleblower Protections
A Shorten Labor Government will protect and reward the brave Australians who blow the whistle on crime and corruption, including in the banking and financial sector.
LABOR’S PLAN
Set up a Whistleblower Rewards Scheme;
Establish a Whistleblower Protection Authority;
Overhaul our whistleblowing laws with a single Whistleblowing Act; and
Fund a special prosecutor to bring corporate criminals to justice.
A Shorten Labor Government will create a single Australian Whistleblowing Act, consolidating all mainstream whistleblowing legislation into one Act so that whistleblowers can readily understand how they are protected.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Restoring Integrity To Judicial Appointments
A Shorten Labor government will restore the rigorous, transparent and accountable judicial appointments process Labor adopted when last in government, and apply a similar process to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) for the first time.
LABOR’S PLAN
Under the policy, first introduced by former Attorney-General Robert McClelland, vacancies will be advertised publicly, and an independent panel will form a shortlist of potential appointees for consideration by the Attorney-General.
While judicial appointments ultimately remain the prerogative of the Attorney-General and Cabinet,
should an appointment be made outside of the shortlist, Parliament must be notified with a short explanation why.
Labor will commit to a similar process for appointments to the AAT, which has been used by the Liberals to gift jobs that pay nearly $400,000 a year to former Liberal candidates, donors, staffers, and former MPs.
Corporate Bribery
A Shorten Labor Government will overhaul Australia’s response to corporate bribery.
The World Bank estimates that $1.5 trillion in bribes are paid each year by businesses and individuals.
This represents about two percent of global GDP – and 10 times the value of overseas development assistance.
Australia’s anti-corporate bribery regime is ineffective, unworkable and contradictory.
Despite regular media reports of criminal conduct, just two foreign bribery prosecutions have resulted in convictions under Australian law.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor believes that companies doing the wrong thing must be caught and brought to justice.
A Shorten Labor Government will:Remove the facilitation payment defence, which currently allows companies to make small, tax-deductible bribes;
Introduce a debarment regime to ban companies engaged in bribery from Federal Government contracts;
Demand any Deferred Prosecution Agreement regime is tough on companies breaking the law; and
Establish a national anti-bribery regime to ensure our federal law outlaws public and private bribery.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Victorian Pride Centre and Joy FM
The world-class Victorian Pride Centre project in St Kilda will be delivered in full thanks to a $10 million investment from Federal Labor.
LABOR’S PLAN
Eight major LGBTIQ community organisations will call the Centre home including radio station JOY 94.9, Thorne Harbour Health, the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives, and counselling service Switchboard.
In addition to Federal Labor’s $10 million investment, JOY 94.9 will also benefit from an extra $600,000 to build new studios in the Victorian Pride Centre and upgrade to digital broadcasting.
JOY 94.9 is the only LGBTIQ radio station in Australia, and an important voice for the community.
Our investment will help JOY 94.9’s excellent work reach an even bigger audience.
Supporting the LGBTIQ community will be a priority for a Shorten Labor Government.
We stood with LGBTIQ Australians to fight for marriage equality,
and we will change the law to protect gay students and teachers from discrimination – once and for all.
Federal Labor’s $10 million investment means the Victorian Pride Centre project is now fully funded.
It comes on top of significant commitments from the Andrews Labor Government in Victoria, the City of Port Phillip, and the Victorian AIDS Council (now Thorne Harbour Health).
This is a true team effort.
The Victorian Pride Centre will also serve as the headquarters for Midsumma Festival, the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, the youth group Minus 18, the Australian LGBTIQ Multicultural Council, and Team Melbourne, a peak organisation representing over 20 LGBTIQ sporting clubs.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan For Advanced Manufacturing Jobs
Labor's Plan For Advanced Manufacturing Jobs
A Shorten Labor Government will establish a $1 billion Advanced Manufacturing Future Fund (AMFF) to help innovative Australian manufacturers expand their businesses
and create new jobs.
The Advanced Manufacturing Future Fund will support firms that find it difficult to obtain private sources of finance.
Lack of access to finance is a key impediment to the ability of Australian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to grow and adopt new technologies.
Recent ABS data states that 52 per cent of manufacturers faced barriers to the introduction of new goods, services, processes or methods, and that of these 25 per cent reported a “lack of access to additional funds” as a barrier.
The Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Liberals gutted Australia’s industry and innovation programs when they came to office, abolishing Industry Innovation Precincts, Commercialisation Australia and Enterprise Connect.
The Liberals goaded Holden and Toyota into leaving Australia, effectively ending the historic Australian automotive production industry and dozens of supporting industries that were part of its supply chain.
The Liberals refused to implement adequate transition policies for the workers in both the production plants and supply chain firms.
LABOR’S PLAN:
The Advanced Manufacturing Future Fund will be modelled on Labor’s highly successful Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).
It will facilitate investment in advanced manufacturing, engineering and design by partnering with private finance to reduce the perceived risk in innovative projects.
Reducing that risk will make these projects more attractive to lenders of private capital.
Building on what we know works from the CEFC, the Fund will continue Labor’s work in developing an innovative industry policy for the future.
The Fund will apply commercial rigour when making investments, and will offer financing including, but not limited to, equity, concessional loans and loan guarantees.
A Labor Government would, via the Fund’s board, request that priority be given to transformative investments in the automotive manufacturing and food manufacturing sectors.
We will pay for the Fund by making multinationals pay their fair share of tax and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
The policy has a budget cost of $68 million over the forward estimates.
Royal Commission Into Violence And Abuse Against People With Disability
The Royal Commission into violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability is a critically important step for Australia and is fully supported by Labor.
Labor committed to a Royal Commission two years ago.
In contrast the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government voted against a Royal Commission twice.
A Royal Commission is important because it will have the power to compel witnesses, evidence and testimony.
The mistreatment of Australians with disability is a national shame and this Royal Commission must be a turning point for our country.
It must lead to deep and lasting changes, not just in the way governments and services work – but in the way people with disability are regarded and included by society.
Labor is very disappointed that the terms of reference for the Royal Commission do not make any reference to the investigation of redress.
This must be investigated as part of a process of justice and healing.
A Shorten Labor Government will amend the Terms of Reference for the Inquiry to include the investigation of redress.
People with disability, their families and advocates have long been campaigning for a Royal Commission. It is overdue.
A future Labor Government will make sure people have the support they need to fully participate in the inquiry.
In addition to voting against a Royal Commission into violence and abuse against people with disability twice, the Liberals resorted to desperate tactics – including the longest Question Time in history – to avoid establishing one.
Australians with disability deserve full and equal citizenship.
That means equal opportunities in all parts of life, including education, employment, health, justice and civil society.
Labor's Plan For Stronger Gas Export Controls
Labor's Plan For Stronger Gas Export Controls
A Shorten Labor Government will ensure Australia’s energy needs are put first, introducing measures to boost local gas supply,
put downward pressure on gas prices
and protect Australian jobs.
Australia produces two times more gas than we consume.
We are the second largest gas exporter in the world, and projected to become the largest.
Yet gas prices have skyrocketed in the face of supply shortages,
putting manufacturing jobs at risk
and impacting our electricity security.
The Liberals have refused to take real action to address the impact that soaring gas exports are having on Australian gas users, especially manufacturers.
The Liberals have preferred to blame others while they enter handshake agreements with the big gas exporters.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will:Introduce a permanent export control trigger put downward pressure on gas prices
and protect Australian jobs.
This can be pulled when gas prices are too high, not just when a gas shortfall is forecast.
If prices are too high – based on a benchmark set by the ACCC – then the trigger can be pulled to enact export controls.
Boost supply for domestic use by introducing a National Interest Test that applies to all new LNG export facilities or significant expansions of existing facilities.
This would mean that domestic use will be a consideration in the approval of these projects.
Give the ACCC new powers to monitor prices and crack down on anti-competitive behaviour in the gas market that causes inflated prices, and to make the market more transparent and competitive.
Establish an expert panel, the Domestic Gas Review Board, to oversee the application of the National Interest Test and the permanent gas export control trigger.
We will work with manufacturers and industry on the implementation of Labor’s plan to build a sustainable gas industry, including an export industry, that operates in our national interest and puts Australian jobs and gas users first.
Labor's Plan For Energy Efficiency
Labor's Plan For Energy Efficiency
A Shorten Labor Government will implement a comprehensive plan to improve energy productivity in industry,
to cut power bills for households and businesses
and reduce pollution.
Australian industry and households can substantially reduce energy bills by improving energy efficiency and decreasing energy waste, getting more out of each unit of energy.
This will improve industry competitiveness,
cut energy bills,
cut pollution
and importantly, protect and create jobs.
Australia’s level of energy efficiency is very low by international standards.
The latest American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy’s International Energy Efficiency Scorecard ranks Australia 18th in the total measure of energy efficiency, and 22nd in terms of industrial energy efficiency, just behind Russia.
Australia’s energy efficiency performance has also been falling over time.
Australia’s latest 18th overall energy efficiency ranking was preceded in 2016 by a ranking of 14th, and in 2014 by a ranking of 10th.
The International Energy Agency also ranked Australia last out of developed countries in energy efficiency policy and performance.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will end the Liberals’ negligence when it comes to energy efficiency.
We will implement a comprehensive set of measures to get Australia on track to a more productive and lower energy cost economy,
cut power bills for households and businesses
and reduce pollution.
We will:Allow ARENA to support energy efficiency projects.
Re-focus the efforts of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to increase its support for energy efficiency projects.
Introduce a Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Accelerator program with a thousand grants of $20,000 for Australian manufacturers to engage experts to provide manufacturers with energy efficiency advice and support.
Develop an accreditation system for energy auditors and training programs for manufacturers.
Revitalise energy efficiency reforms at COAG to enhance COAG’s National Energy Productivity Plan, reform energy efficiency governance, support the harmonisation of state-based Energy Efficiency Obligation schemes, and revitalise COAG’s efforts to introduce a National Home Comfort Rating System.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan For Building Safety
Labor's Plan For Building Safety
A Shorten Labor Government will re-regulate the building industry to reduce risks to public safety and prevent non-compliance.
Thirty years of deregulation in the building industry have failed to protect public safety.
Australians continue to see the importation of asbestos, the installation of non-compliant fire sprinkler systems, and buildings constructed with non-compliant flammable cladding.
Fires in high-rise buildings in Melbourne’s Docklands, London’s Grenfell Tower fire, and more recently Neo200 tower on Spencer Street, Melbourne, are stark reminders of the dangers of using non-compliant materials in construction.
And, the cracks in Sydney’s Opal building show that it is not only in disastrous fires that privatisation and deregulation have failed consumers.
The Liberals only have one strategy to deal with building fire safety and regulation – hope.
All the Liberals have done is to blame the states and issue media releases saying “trust us”, while dismissing a ban on flammable cladding as “impractical and impossible”.
The Liberals have completely abdicated responsibility for public safety.
LABOR’S PLAN:
A Shorten Labor Government will better protect Australians in their homes and workplaces by:Establishing a national licencing scheme for all building practitioners, with requirements for continued professional development.
Introducing a new penalties regime for practitioners who breach the National Construction Code.
Banning the importation, future sale and use of flammable cladding with a polyethylene (PE) core.
Re-establishment of the Minister for Industry – not the Assistant Minister – as Chair of the Building Ministers’ Forum.
The regulatory and enforcement regime is broken, and national action is required to restore compliance with the National Construction Code and toughen up penalties.
A Shorten Labor Government will work with state and territory governments to design a national licencing scheme for building practitioners.
This would include installers, fire protection practitioners, certifiers and surveyors – many of whom are not currently subject to formal licencing or inspection.
By establishing a national licencing regime, separate to the Federal Safety Commissioner’s existing role, we will restore integrity to a fragmented system that is spread over a mishmash of eight jurisdictions and 19 regulators, all of which have different requirements and standards for building practitioners.
As part of the national licencing scheme negotiations, Labor will also develop and implement a more efficient and consistent penalties process, with stronger sanctions for breaches of the National Construction Code.
Compliance with building regulations must be enforced in order to restore accountability to the industry.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share of tax and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan For Rail Manufacturing Jobs
Labor's Plan For Rail Manufacturing Jobs
A Shorten Labor Government will ensure that more trains are built in Australia by local workers.
We will establish a National Rail Plan to ensure that every dollar of Federal funding spent on rail projects goes towards creating local jobs and protecting our rail industry.
Australia will spend more on rail in the next decade than on submarines.
Labor believes that investment in rail should create local jobs
and boost our domestic manufacturing capability – rather than just flowing to overseas industry competitors.
Australia’s state-based rail manufacturing sector is fragmented, inefficient and disconnected.
At present, states and territories are not required to coordinate or benchmark their procurement of rail infrastructure and rolling stock.
Due to this lack of coordination, rail manufacturing has operated on a ‘boom and bust’ business cycle, with very high volume years sometimes followed with years in which no orders are placed at all.
Labor is serious about investing in rail.
We have committed $3.7 billion to new urban rail infrastructure around the country.
Governments and private companies will spend more than $100 billion on rail-based public transport projects throughout Australia in the next two decades, and a national plan is crucial to ensure we harness the massive opportunities that will arise from this investment.
A national plan will deliver more jobs
and a more productive rail manufacturing industry.
Liberal governments across Australia have tried to justify overseas procurement as providing “better value for taxpayers”.
But introduction of these off-the-shelf purchases has revealed the holes in that argument, with rolling stock turning out to be not fit for purpose and requiring onshore modification.
NSW’s Korean-built intercity trains are wider bodied than existing trains and required extensive platform modifications, and Queensland Rail’s Next Generation Rolling Stock had to undergo extensive modification at Downer Rail’s workshop in Maryborough.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will work with the states and territories through the Council of Australian Governments to develop a National Rail Procurement and Manufacturing Strategy.
As part of this strategy, future Commonwealth grant funding for rail infrastructure projects will be linked to objectives such as work being undertaken in Australia and jurisdictions cooperating on procurement.
Labor will also: · Establish an Office of National Rail Industry Coordination to undertake a national audit of the adequacy, capacity and condition of passenger trains nationally and to develop train priority plans, including a proposed delivery schedule, for the next 10 years.
· Reinstate the important role of the Rail Supplier Advocate – cut by the Liberals in 2013 – to help small and medium-sized enterprises identify export opportunities and get a foot in the door with government purchasing bodies.
· Establish a Rail Industry Innovation Council to prevent the loss of more jobs
and address the need for more local research & development, skills and capabilities.
The policy has a budget cost of $7.9 million over the forward estimates.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share of tax and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Commitment to Multicultural Australia
Labor's Commitment to Multicultural Australia
Australia is a nation of 25 million stories from all corners of the globe and our diversity makes us one of the most multicultural countries on earth.
Labor is committed to greater inclusion and ensuring that all Australians know they are valued for their contribution.
We have a plan to deliver a Fair Go for Multicultural Australia.
MULTICULTURAL AGED CARE EXPANSION
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $100 million to expand access to culturally appropriate aged care facilities throughout Australia.
This new funding will support new facilities, as well as upgrades and improvements to existing facilities that service our diverse ethnic communities.
Labor will ensure ageing Australians are in an environment where the language, food, and surroundings are familiar.
We know how important it is for people in aged care to be comfortable and secure so they can age with dignity.
There remains a need for cultural sensitivity across all areas of aged care, including wellbeing and rehabilitation, not just palliative or end-of-life care.
LONG STAY PARENT VISA
A Shorten Labor Government will deliver a fairer Long Stay Parent visa so that Australian families from migrant and multicultural backgrounds can reunite with their loved ones and so grandparents can have quality time with their grandchildren.
Labor’s visa will be uncapped – available for both sets of parents – and is one quarter of the cost of the Liberals’ visa.
Labor knows that modern Australia and multicultural Australia are the same thing – which is why we value families being able to spend time together and help each other.
PROTECTING 18C
Labor is proud of Australia’s multicultural society, and believes every Australian deserves the right to live free from racial and ethnic vilification.
Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act has served Australia well for more than two decades and we have resisted attempts by the conservatives to abolish it.
The only outcome from repealing section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act would be more hate speech.
Labor will continue to fight for important protections against racial hate speech in Australia, including 18C.
CITIZENSHIP
A Shorten Labor Government strongly opposes unfair changes to the Australian citizenship law.
Scott Morrison and the Liberals are saying to migrants that unless you can speak university-level English, you will not be allowed to become an Australian citizen.
Labor rejects these unfair changes.
Labor believes everyone who lives in Australia should have the opportunity to attain conversational-level English and we will provide the resources to help them.
That is the appropriate standard applied in the current test for Australian Citizenship and we will stick with it.
COMMUNITY LANGUAGE PROGRAM
A Shorten Labor Government will invest an extra $8 million in community language schools so that more Australian children get the chance to learn other languages.
Grants of up to $25,000 per school will go towards the cost of setting up a new school, extending classes to pre-schoolers, better teacher training or more classroom resources.
Community language schools have been operating in Australia for more than 150 years.
There are now about 700 community language schools across the country, teaching around 100,000 students in over 80 languages.
Community language schools contribute to Australia’s standing as a successful multicultural nation.
They help preserve and celebrate cultures and traditions and promote diversity, inclusion, and respect.
We will pay for this commitment by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan For A National Inquiry Into Research
Labor's Plan For A National Inquiry Into Research
Labor will institute a once in a generation inquiry into the Commonwealth Government’s research system, to be led by Professor Ian Chubb, former Chief Scientist of Australia and former Vice Chancellor of the Australian National University.
Australia’s overall research framework and its coherence have not had serious review for years.
In the meantime, marginal changes have been made to policy, funding cuts have been imposed and political interference has left behind a system that could benefit from a root-and-branch examination.
This is not novel or unique to Australia.
Most notably both the United Kingdom and Canada have recently undertaken and implemented reviews to ensure that maximum value is obtained from the public investment in research.
In 2015 Sir Paul Nurse conducted a review of research funding – Ensuring a successful UK research endeavour.
The review recommended the establishment of a new body, UK Research and Innovation, to provide better co-ordination and coherence to the UK’s various funding councils and research funders.
In Canada the Fundamental Science Review, colloquially known as the Naylor Review, inquired into federally funded research.
Its final report, Investing in Canada’s future: Strengthening the Foundations of Canadian Research, led to the creation of the Canadian Research Coordinating Committee, the establishment of a Tri-Agency Fund to streamline research funding and the Innovation Superclusters Initiative on key areas of dense government and business activity.
We must ensure that Australia maintains its international competitive advantage, and that we do not lose our capacity to attract and retain the world’s best researchers.
The Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government has broken the relationship between the Commonwealth and the Australian research community.
They have constantly interfered and manipulated on political and ideological grounds.
Time and time again they have demonstrated their contempt for Australia’s research enterprise.
Under Labor this will change.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will establish a review into Research in Australia.
The review will focus on international best practice in organising our research system and the need to maintain our capacity for basic and translational research.
The review will be expected to provide the government with a comprehensive explanation of Australia’s research effort – its coherence and its quality, its gaps and its needs.
The assessment of the overall research framework will be conducted by Professor Ian Chubb AC FAA FTSE FACE FRSN.
He will be supported by an Advisory Group that will include members whose background gives them a broad perspective on the research sector.
The Group will include: Professor Christobel Saunders AO FRCS FRACS FAAHMS, University of Western Australia;Professor Emma Johnston AO FRSN, University of New South Wales; Professor Karen Hussey University of Queensland;Mr Phil Clark AM, JP Morgan Advisory Council;Professor Glyn Davis AC FASSA FIIPA
Additional members will be announced in due course.
NDIS - More Jobs Better Services
NDIS - More Jobs Better Services
A Shorten Labor Government will get the NDIS back on track by investing $40 million in local NDIS workforce trials and urgently developing a national NDIS workforce strategy.
LABOR’S PLAN
A Shorten Labor Government will establish two-year local NDIS workforce trials in 2020 and 2021 to sustainably grow and maintain a skilled NDIS workforce.
The trials will be flexible and place-based.
They will be a partnership between people with disability, providers, TAFE, government and workers.
This plan will help locals get the skills they need to fill the 90,000 NDIS jobs that will be created in the next five years.
The NDIS workforce trials will have three components: 1. Ensuring NDIS workers have the foundation skills they need, with up to 3,000 training support payments of $2,000 for induction training.
2. Supporting NDIS workers to achieve Certificate III qualifications, with up to 2,000 training support payments of $4,000.
3. Providing a portable professional development entitlement for NDIS workers, with up to 5,000 training support payments of $750 per year, so people can take time off work to specialise and upgrade their skills.
The trials will establish the best flexible local solutions to skills shortages; gaps in the training curriculum and course availability; and barriers to getting the right people working in the NDIS.
Labor knows that making ends meet while training is one of the main barriers to people taking up NDIS job opportunities.
This is true for people looking to start working in the sector for the first time; and for existing workers looking to upgrade their qualifications and specialise, often by studying and working part-time.
Students in the trials will not have out-of-pocket training costs because Labor will scrap up-front TAFE fees for 100,000 students, including 20,000 students studying to get skills for the NDIS and aged care.
The initial trial sites will be:Canberra – where the NDIS is creating between 1,000 and 1,200 new jobs.
Townsville region – where the NDIS is creating between 800 and 950 new jobs.
Joondalup – where the NDIS roll-out is just beginning and hundreds of new workers will be needed.
A Shorten Labor Government will work with state and territory governments to expand the workforce trial to other locations.
A Shorten Labor Government will also develop a comprehensive national NDIS workforce strategy.
This will be done in partnership with people with disability, families and advocates; service providers; state and territory governments; TAFE; and workers.
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $40 million in building the NDIS workforce over the forward estimates.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Why is this needed?
Scott Morrison and the Liberals have short-changed the NDIS and the Australians who rely on it by delaying the rollout and capping staff in a bid to deliver a surplus.
The Liberals’ budget includes a $1.6 billion NDIS underspend next year alone.
This is a direct result of their failure to deliver the NDIS as promised.
77,000 people are missing out on the NDIS and people are using just 50 per cent of their first NDIS plan, largely because local services and a trained workforce simply aren’t available.
The NDIS is creating one in five new jobs.
Up to 90,000 extra NDIS workers will be needed over the next five years, with support workers making up over 70 per cent of these new jobs.
Over the last six years, the Liberals have failed to plan for the growing NDIS workforce.
As a result, people with disability often cannot access the services they need, and locals are missing out on new job opportunities.
Labor’s plan will help:People with disability, their families and carers.
NDIS workers and those wanting a rewarding job in disability care.
National Principals Academy
National Principals Academy
A Shorten Labor Government will establish a new National Principals’ Academy to give thousands of Australian principals advanced leadership training and support.
We know that school leaders can have a dramatic impact on the performance of students.
That’s why we want to help principals be the best they can be.
Training offered by the Academy will focus on advanced leadership, teaching and learning.
The training will be available to current and aspiring school principals, as well as other school leaders.
Labor wants Australia to have the best school system in the world.
To achieve that, we need the best possible school leadership.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Research Integrity
Labor's Plan for Research Integrity
A Shorten Labor Government will restore integrity to the Australian Research Council and end the political manipulation of world-class, peer-reviewed assessment of competitive grants.
Australia has two major research funding councils, The Australian Research Council (ARC) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
The job of these councils is to ensure our nation has strong, effective processes to make sure only the best research gets funded.
The Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government’s secret political interventions into the ARC grant process has been exposed, as has the Liberals’ obsession with playing culture war games and suppressing expert advice they don’t like.
They have also abandoned measures that ensured a Minister’s refusal to sign off on ARC recommendations for funding would be fully transparent.
For a century, Australia’s research system has been guided by the principle that politicians should not be allowed to pick and choose what research gets conducted or funded at universities.
In the UK this is called the Haldane principle.
These basic protections are not enshrined in law.
They should not need to be, but the actions of Liberal ministers have made it necessary.
The Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government has broken the relationship between the Commonwealth and the Australian research community.
They have constantly interfered and manipulated, on political and ideological grounds, in the allocation of science and research funding.
Time and time again they have demonstrated their contempt for Australia’s research enterprise.
Only Labor will end the war on research.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will legislate to restore the integrity of the Australian Research Council.
Our legislation will place an explicit reference to an Australian interpretation of the Haldane principle – that politicians should not pick and choose individual research projects based on political whim – into the objects of the Australian Research Council Act.
We will also legislate a requirement that ministers must table an explanation in Parliament within 15 sitting days of rejecting a recommendation of funding by the Chief Executive Officer of the ARC.
Further changes, if required, will be informed by Professor Chubb’s Research in Australia review.
Students with Disability
Support for Students with Disability
A Shorten Labor Government will invest an extra $300 million to ensure students with disability get the support they need at school.
Under the Liberals, many students with disability are missing out on the help they need.
Labor’s investment is a significant contribution towards making sure that students with disability can reach their full potential in every school and school system.
Our commitment is in addition to the disability loading included as part of needs-based school funding.
It will be allocated on a per student basis consistent with the current disability loading.
The extra funding will deliver individualised learning for students with disability by paying for more teachers, teacher aides, teacher training, updated technology, or upgrades to school facilities to improve access.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Swim Smart
Swim Smart
A Shorten Labor Government will make sure Australian children have access to swimming and water safety lessons in primary school.
In 2017-18, nearly 250 people drowned in Australian waterways.
One in five drownings were people under the age of 25.
We want to make sure Australian children are strong swimmers and safe in the water.
Currently, access to school-based swimming lessons is inconsistent, with access depending on the location, type of school and whether their parents can afford private lessons.
Currently, about one in five children leave primary school unable to swim 50 metres.
This is unfair and unsafe.
We don’t want children to miss out.
LABOR’S PLAN
From the 2020 school year, we will fund additional swimming lessons for schools that need it, catch-up lessons for children needing extra support, and more support for the cost of transport and pool entry fees.
Labor will work with States and Territories, Catholic and Independent schools to deliver the program to schools who require extra support.
We will also work with local government, swim schools and lifesaving clubs to help ensure students have access.
The program will also provide additional support to children with disability, to ensure they can participate in water safety and learn to swim programs just like their classmates.
This policy will have a budget cost of $64 million over the forward estimates and will be in addition to existing State and Territory programs.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Bursaries for Top Achievers
Bursaries for Top Achievers
A Shorten Labor Government will give our nation’s top achievers bursaries of up to $40,000 to encourage the best and brightest Australians into teaching.
Year 12 students with exceptional marks and people with outstanding achievement at university or in the workforce will compete for up to 1,000 cash bonuses each year.
The tax-free bursaries of $10,000 per annum will be paid to recipients for the duration of a teaching degree, up to a maximum of four years.
After graduating, recipients will be expected to work in public schools for between one and four years, depending on how long they received the bursary.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Community Language Schools
Community Language Schools
A Shorten Labor Government will invest an extra $8 million in community language schools so more Australian children get the chance to learn other languages, including pre-schoolers.
Currently, community language schools teach mostly school age children, but the younger someone starts learning another language, the easier it is to pick up.
LABOR’S PLAN
Grants of up to $25,000 per school will allow language programs to be expanded to preschool children.
The grants could also go towards the costs of setting up a new school, better teacher training, or classroom resources.
Community language schools have been operating in Australia for more than 150 years.
There are now about 700 community language schools across the country, teaching around 100,000 students in over 80 languages.
The more Australians we have learning languages other than English, the better for our economy and our society.
Community language schools contribute to Australia’s standing as a successful multicultural nation.
They help preserve and celebrate cultures and traditions as well as promote diversity, inclusion, and respect.
This policy has a cost of $8 million over the forward estimates.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Evidence Institute for Schools
Labor will establish a $275 million research institute – the Evidence Institute for Schools - that will help improve schools and early childhood education centres by ensuring teachers and parents have high quality research at their fingertips.
This is about making sure that we have the right research to inform teachers and early educators, and to help them refine and improve what they do together in schools.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor’s Evidence Institute for Schools will be independent of government.
The Institute will:1. Commission new research.
The Institute will involve thousands of schools in ground-breaking research and include teachers as researchers.
The research priorities will be determined by the key concerns of principals, teachers, and parents.
2. Help teachers and early educators stay up-to-date.
The Institute will ensure free toolkits, implementation resources, and practice guides are available which summarises evidence, making it easily applicable to the classroom setting.
3. Save money and lift standards.
The Institute will undertake independent program reviews that assess the many programs being promoted and sold into schools.
Thousands of products are being promoted that claim to improve educational outcomes.
Schools shouldn’t waste money on ones that don’t work.
4. Help schools doing excellent work to share their success with other schools.
We want to make best practice common practice.
Schools will be identified and supported in collaboration with States and Territories and the non-government sector.
The Institute will help make sure Labor’s extra investment in schools’ funding achieves better results for our children, so we can quickly scale up programs that work, and dump those that don’t.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Asian Languages and Literacy
Asian Languages and Literacy
A Shorten Labor Government will get more Australians studying Asian languages to ensure the next generation is prepared for the jobs and economic opportunities of the Asian century.
Asia is home to the fastest-growing middle class on earth, and Australia is right on its doorstep.
Almost nine in 10 of the next billion middle class consumers will be Asian.
For Australian business to realise the most economic benefit, we must urgently improve on Asian languages and literacy.
In recent years, the proportion of school students choosing to study Asian languages in Year 12 has stagnated, and in some cases, gone backwards.
LABOR’S PLAN
Our plan will: 1. Boost the supply of Asian language teachers.
Up to 100 scholarships a year for Australians who are Asian language native speakers and for top performers in priority Asian languages in Year 12, to go on to study a teaching qualification.
2. Establish a new nationwide FutureAsia – Asia Capable Schools program.
Intensive training for 5,000 principals and senior teachers to drive sustained whole-of-school change by supporting them to make the necessary updates to their curriculum and teacher capability.
The training will cover the skills students will need for the Australian jobs created in the Asian Century, as well as Asian languages, histories, geographies, arts, literature, and how these translate to the school curriculum.
Labor would also seek matching funding from the States so this program can be rolled out for all 10,000 Australian principals over a five year period.
3. Improve Asian languages curriculum materials from pre-school to Year 12.
This would build on the existing Early Language Literacy App and Language Learning Space.
Hindi will be added as a first priority - Indonesian, Mandarin, and Japanese are already covered by the App.
4. Set ambitious targets and goals for Asian languages.
Working with the States and Territories through COAG, and with non-government schools.
5. Collect better data about the take-up of Asian languages in Australia so we can more easily track the progress and take-up of Asian languages.
Since 2011, no detailed, Australia-wide data on Asian language study in schools has been collected.
6. Establish an Advisory Council on Asia Capabilities.
Headed up by experts from academia, the education sector, business, and not-for-profits to drive research and generate new ideas to boost teaching and learning about Asia across all levels of Australia’s education system.
7. Undertake a whole-of-government audit of Federal and State government policies and programs on Asian literacy and languages education.
To stop costly duplication and to ensure government money is well targeted at achieving improved Asia capability.
8. Convene regular meetings of Indo-Pacific Education Ministers.
To further strengthen educational links between Australia and our Asian neighbours.
The meetings will discuss collaborative education initiatives, scholarships, and strengthening ties across school and post-secondary education systems.
We will pay for these committments by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
NAPLAN Review
NAPLAN Review
Labor supports taking a serious look at how to improve the insights we get from tests like NAPLAN, and how we can better focus on the progress of students and schools over time.
After 10 years of testing, Labor believes it’s time to make sure NAPLAN is serving students, parents, and teachers as best it can.
We think we can have a sensible conversation about how we test, what we test, and how results are reported fairly and accurately.
But it’s very important we continue to have a way of making certain our children are learning and progressing at school.
Labor wants our children to know how to read, write and do maths - to successfully get the basics under their belts.
Diagnostic tests, such as NAPLAN, help give us a picture of how children, schools, and systems are doing.
But there’s no doubt that some of this testing has become very high stakes.
It’s up to all of us, parents and teachers, to reassure children that these kinds of tests are just a way of finding out where we can help them more.
We don't want young students stressing about these tests.
The tests are supposed to tell us where we need to redouble our efforts.
They're supposed to give us valuable information about how we do better in the classroom.
They're not supposed to be making children sleepless or sick with nerves.
More University Places
A Shorten Labor Government will uncap university places – ensuring around 200,000 more Australians will get access to a university education over the next decade.
The Liberals put an effective cap on the number of student places when they cut $2.2 billion from universities in December 2017.
The limit on places means thousands of Australians will miss out on university.
Labor doesn’t think that’s fair, so we will abolish the cap.
Nine in ten jobs created in the coming years will need a university or TAFE qualification.
Labor wants Australia to be a country with a strong economy,
and secure, decently paid jobs.
That’s why, unlike the Liberals, we will make investment in education a top priority.
Labor uncapped student places back in 2008, which by 2016 had seen an extra 220,000 students get the opportunity of a university education.
Many of these students were the first in their family to attend university.
We will pay for this by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Building TAFE For The Future
A Shorten Labor Government will restore public TAFE to the centre of vocational education system.
A skilled and educated workforce is a national economic priority, and TAFE is the lifeblood of our vocational education and training system.
In too many towns and regional centres across Australia, TAFE campuses have closed, courses have been scaled back and fees have increased.
Under the Liberals the government-funded hours of training delivered through TAFE collapsed by more than 30 per cent between 2013 and 2017.
Under the Liberals’ watch, unscrupulous private for-profit providers gouged Commonwealth loans schemes, leaving students and staff stranded with unfair debts.
LABOR’S PLAN
A Shorten Labor Government will invest in better vocational education and enduring careers for Australians.
Labor will:Invest $200 million to reverse the decline in TAFE facilities, and revitalise TAFE campuses across Australia.
Guarantee TAFE at least two thirds of public vocational education funding.
Prioritise education and training that set people up for good working lives.
Keep quality regional campuses open to support industry and the community.
We will pay for this by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Better Medicare & Centrelink Services
A Shorten Labor Government will improve Medicare and Centrelink services and cut waiting times for pensioners, carers, students and social security recipients across Australia.
LABOR’S PLAN
A Shorten Labor Government will invest in 1,200 new permanent, full-time Medicare and Centrelink staff around the country.
These new staff will be properly trained.
They will help improve Medicare and Centrelink services and reduce payment processing and waiting times
and will boost local economies.
The Liberals have cut thousands of permanent Medicare and Centrelink jobs – and outsourced staff.
As a result, services have suffered.
Call wait times have blown out, and pensioners are spending hours waiting at Centrelink, instead of enjoying their retirement.
Labor’s plan is good for:Medicare cardholders.
Pensioners, carers, students and social security recipients.
Families that access the Child Care Subsidy, Family Tax Benefit or Paid Parental Leave.
Farm Productivity and Sustainable Profitability Program
After six years of policy failure, the Morrison Government rushed the Future Drought Fund legislation through the Parliament in one Parliamentary sitting week, despite the fact the fund will not fund any projects until 2020/21.
On October 26 2018 the Government held a Drought Summit.
Scepticism about the value of a summit was vindicated when Scott Morrison announced the Future Drought Fund on the morning of the summit and before the talk-fest began.
This typifies this Government’s approach to drought policy: on-the-run and politically driven.
Labor is concerned that the Future Drought Fund will become another National Party slush fund.
It’s a plan to spend money on something, but the Government appears not to know what that something is.
Only vague information has been provided as to how the Government intends to spend the $100 million each year.
It has talked about technology adoption and natural resource management, but these are topics the Government has shown no interest in for more than five years.
LABOR'S PLAN
A Labor Government will implement the Farm Productivity and Sustainable Profitability Program delivering the same level of funding the Morrison Government has committed to in the Drought Future Fund ($400 million over four years) without abolishing the Building Australia Infrastructure Fund.
The climate is growing more challenging for our farmers and drought can no longer be viewed as an exceptional event.
Rather, a hotter and drier environment should be considered the new normal.
Labor believes there is a role for government in helping farmers adapt to changing weather patterns.
This means that in addition to in-drought policy responses, government must lead a resilience and productivity agenda.
Policy development must be evidence-based, be guided by the known science, and should focus on a whole-of-industry productivity and resilience-building agenda.
In other words, the policy strives to help not only those who can no longer achieve profitability in times of drought but rather, lift productivity and sustainable profitability across all farm businesses.
Policies with too great a focus on those farm businesses which are least viable in the hottest and driest of periods risk being most defined by resource misallocation and policy failure.
Labor will not wait until 20/21 to take decisions on spending measures and we will design policy initiatives for the whole sector based on expert advice.
Labor will establish a Panel of Guardians for the Program, to advise government on policy design and implementation strategies.
A Shorten Labor Government will establish the Panel within the first 60 days of office and put it immediately to work.
The Panel of Guardians will include:A representative of a national farm leadership group.
A leading soils and environmental science expert.
A water projects and water efficiency expert.
A leading economist.
The Soils Advocate.
The Chair or CEO of the Council of RDCs.
The Secretary of the relevant CoAG Committee.
The Panel will report to the Minister for Agriculture and will be asked to provide a detailed plan within 12 months.
Labor's Plan To Protect The ABC
A Shorten Labor Government will ensure the ABC remains in public hands and is funded to fulfil its Charter for all Australians.
Labor is united in its belief that the ABC is one of Australia’s most important institutions.
Now, more than ever, Australians need an independent ABC – your trusted, valued and efficient national public broadcaster.
Meanwhile the Liberals have waged the biggest attack on ABC independence in a generation.
The recent Senate Inquiry into allegations of political interference in the ABC demonstrates the Liberals have used every lever at their disposal to undermine the ABC, from budget cuts and hand-picked board appointments, to damaging inquiries and bills to meddle with the ABC Charter.
Through it all, the ABC has continued to deliver the quality programs and services that inform and entertain us, contribute to our national identity and reflect who we are.
But the ABC warns that Scott Morrison’s latest cut of $90 million “will make it very difficult for the ABC to meet its charter requirements and audience expectations” and “cannot be met by efficiency measures alone”.
LABOR’S PLAN:
A Shorten Labor Government will:Reverse Scott Morrison’s unfair cut of $83.7 million to the ABC.
Guarantee funding stability over the ABC’s three-year budget cycle.
Provide an additional $40 million to the ABC for Australian content
Provide an additional $17 million to the ABC to:Bolster regional news and emergency broadcasting.
Help restore shortwave radio in the Northern Territory.
Support a news literacy program to fight disinformation and fake news.
Support the upgrade of systems for the provision of audio description to blind and low vision Australians.
Labor will also halt any further spending of the $17.1 million of taxpayer funds Scott Morrison announced for the provision of commercial TV content to the Pacific, with the intention of redirecting it to public broadcasting in a manner consistent with the outcomes of two departmental reviews into soft power and international broadcasting.
Labor awaits the recommendations of these reviews before finalising an integrated policy response.
This builds on the ALP National Platform which records Labor’s commitment to maintaining the ABC as an independent and comprehensive national broadcaster, never to be privatised.
We will pay for these commitments by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
University Pathway Fund
A Shorten Labor Government will invest an extra $193 million to help ensure all Australians get the chance to study at university.
Labor’s $193 million commitment will go towards mentoring, support and other specialised programs designed to boost opportunities for university study in communities where graduation rates are low.
Labor believes it should be your ability, not your bank balance that determines whether you get the chance to study at university.
Currently, a young person from Moreton Bay in Queensland is about five times less likely to get a university degree than someone on Sydney’s North Shore.
Labor wants to change that.
We want to support students who are the first generation in their family to go to university.
We want our universities to attract more students from our outer suburbs and the country,
more Indigenous students,
and more students with disability.
Universities must be actively recruiting and supporting these students.
Our funding will also encourage universities to collaborate with TAFEs and not-for-profit and community organisations, in areas including mentoring and outreach.
We will pay for the fund by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Support Our Dairy Industry
It is no exaggeration to say that we are facing a crisis in the dairy sector.
If we don’t act, we face the very real prospect our drinking milk will come from imported milk powder.
Caught in a cost-price squeeze compounded by drought, our dairy farmers face an uncertain future and are desperately in need of some meaningful government action.
LABOR'S PLAN
A Shorten Labor Government will:• Establish a Mandatory Code of Conduct to address market power imbalance between dairy farmers and processors.
Labor will make the Mandatory Code a priority.
• Pursue the implementation of Minimum Farm Gate Milk Price for farmers.
A Shorten Labor Government will task the ACCC to test, assess and shape our minimum farm gate milk price proposal.
Most Australians are protected by a minimum wage and our dairy farmers should be too.
A minimum farm gate price will provide that protection.
The Minimum Farm Gate Milk Price will be different in every dairy region because every region is different.
Once the independent and expert body assesses the average cost of producing milk in a given region, it will declare the minimum price farmers can be paid.
Farmers will continue to bargain for the highest price they can secure.
But they can budget ahead knowing that their revenue will be at least the floor price.
That guaranteed income should in turn deliver the certainty and confidence needed to plan and to invest in productivity-lifting innovation and infrastructure.
• Bring energy costs down.
Energy consumption is a big cost for dairy farmers.
Labor’s energy policy will restore investment certainty and put downward pressure on electricity prices.
• Bolster extension Services.
Labor’s Farm Productivity and Sustainable Profitability Plan will include a focus on farm extension to ensure our farmers have access to the latest productivity enhancing innovation to put more farmers on the path to sustainable profitability.
Labor’s Farm Productivity and Sustainable Profitability Plan will be developed by an expert panel including scientists, economists, research bodies and farm industry leaders.
The expert panel will be in place within 60 days following an election and will report to government within 12 months.
Its advice will be made public.
CoAG Process For Drought Reform
Restore the CoAG process for drought reform and dispatch Australia’s agriculture-based Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) to help farmers build defences against the impacts of an increasingly variable climate such as protracted drought, severe storms, frost, pests and diseases.
Barnaby Joyce abolished the COAG process for drought reform with now more than 5 years of policy development being wasted.
The then Abbott Government abolished the Standing Committee on Primary Industries in December 2013.
The then Agriculture Minister, Barnaby Joyce said he would meet with his fellow ministers on an ad hoc basis, which has been once a year.
Joyce said the decision to streamline the councils was a cost-saving measure but couldn't say exactly how much the government saved by scrapping SCoPI.
Prior to the Council being abolished it sought to pursue and monitor priority issues of national significance affecting Australia’s primary production sectors which required a sustained and collaborative effort across jurisdictions.
LABOR'S PLAN
A Shorten Labor Government will restore the CoAG process for drought reform and dispatch Australia’s agriculture-based Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) to help farmers build defences against the impacts of an increasingly variable climate such as protracted drought, severe storms, frost, pests and diseases.
Labor will ask the Council of RDCs to lead the development of an Agricultural Climate Response Plan (ACRP) to dramatically increase the uptake of drought mitigation, best practice and sustainable farming methods.
Many farmers are already building resilience and adopting best land management practices which help them defend against drought and we need to help others do the same.
National Leadership On Animal Welfare
Labor’s six-point plan to re-establish national leadership on animal welfare
One of the first acts of the Abbott Government on coming to office was the abolition of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy and the Animal Welfare Unit with the Department of Agriculture.
Under the Liberal Nationals Government animal welfare policy has deteriorated.
LABOR'S PLAN
A Shorten Labor Government will: 1. Establish an independent Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal ExportsWe will provide $1 million a year to establish the Inspector-General of Animal Welfare as an independent statutory position operating from within the Department of Agriculture.
The Inspector-General will be responsible for advising on the protection of animals in all Commonwealth-regulated activities and will report directly to the Minister of the day on issues concerning live exports, animal welfare standards and guidelines.
The Inspector-General will also work with the states and territories to establish an independent Office of Animal Welfare to oversee animal protection and welfare activities nationally.
2. Re-establish state and territory cooperation on animal welfare matters Under the former Labor Government, the Commonwealth, states and territories cooperated on animal welfare and primary industry issues through a range of official forums which have since been abolished by the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government.
Labor will re-establish state and territory cooperation to ensure animal welfare matters receive the consistent national approach they deserve.
3. Renew the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy Labor will work with state and territory governments, industry and animal welfare groups to update and renew the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy for the coming decade.
We will draw on the best available research and evidence to develop a strategy that confirms Australia as a leader in our region for the care and protection of animals.
4. Review the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System The Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System plays a critical role in reassuring Australian agricultural producers, their customers and the broader community that animal welfare is being protected at every stage from the farm gate to the plate.
A Shorten Labor Government will conduct a top-to-bottom review of the system to ensure it is working as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Provide more transparency and accountabilityUnder Labor, the Minister for Agriculture will provide quarterly reports to the Parliament on:• New and emerging markets.
• The number of head exported.
• Any allegations of breaches of animal welfare standards and investigations undertaken.
• Any sanctions or other action taken for breaches of Australia’s animal welfare standards.
6. Labor will immediately ban the northern summer live sheep trade and propose a plan which would phase out the live sheep trade within five years.
The only way to ensure scientific animal welfare standards are met, community expectations on animal welfare are met and for certainty to be provided for our farmers is to ban the northern summer live sheep export trade and to implement an orderly phase out over a five year period.
We will pay for these commitments by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan To Drive A Better Deal For Auto Dealers
Labor will deliver clear and fair rules between car dealerships and car manufacturers to better support small business and consumers.
The current power imbalance means manufacturers can impose unfair contract terms and set dealership expectations which are to their own advantage, making it difficult for local dealers to properly look after their customers.
As part of its New Car Retailing Industry report, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission investigated concerns raised by new car dealers about the commercial arrangements between car manufacturers and dealers.
The power imbalance arises because the terms of dealer agreements are set by the manufacturer and dealers risk huge costs if the manufacturer decides not to renew the agreement.
Manufacturer policies often do not include claim-handling processes that specifically address or comply with consumer responsibilities under the Australian Consumer Law.
This hurts dealers, and can adversely affect how cars are serviced and repaired, as well as how owners' warranty claims are handled.
LABOR’S PLAN:
A Shorten Labor Government will drive a better deal for auto dealers by levelling the playing field between overseas car manufacturers and the small businesses that operate car dealerships.
Labor will implement an industry-specific code through regulations under the Competition and Consumer Act to deliver clear rules for manufacturers and dealerships.
The independent code will create a set of rules that both the manufacturers and dealers must observe when establishing expectations around dealer conduct.
Food And Fibre Education Support
A Shorten Labor Government will secure the future of Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA).
PIEFA was originally funded by the former Labor Government in 2009 and is the lead body for food and fibre education in Australian schools.
It plays an essential role in coordinating; facilitating and managing resources and teacher professional learning to support Australian schools to deliver high-quality outcomes.
PIEFA is a membership backed organisation with engagement from 11 Rural Research and Development Corporations and provides support to all initiatives designed to teach school students about the source of their food and fibre production and the various career pathways.
PIEFA has had continuous membership by the Federal Government since its inception in 2009.
The Morrison has not renewed its membership for 2018/19.
Visit piefa.edu.au for more information
Stats
In 2012 PIEFA commissioned the Australian Council of Educational Research to undertake a study into students’ perceptions of the agriculture sector.
The results were shocking and have been well-documented since.
These included:74 per cent of students believed cotton was an animal
25 per cent of students thought yoghurt was a plant
45 per cent of students did not identify bread, cheese or bananas as farmed
40 per cent of students believed farming damaged the
50 per cent of students did not think there was science in primary
55 per cent of students did not think there was innovation or IT in primary
LABOR'S PLAN
A Shorten Labor Government will secure the future of Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA).
Funding to be provided through the Federal Department of Agriculture and Water
The funding to PIEFA will be for continued membership at $100,000 pa over a four-year period ($400,000 ex GST in total).
For 10 Years PIEFA has been working with our schools to ensure our kids know where their food and fibre comes from, how it is produced and how important the sector is to our economy.
The Foundation also alerts young Australians to the many career opportunities in the agriculture sector and it’s vision is for “An Australian Community that understands and values its primary industries sector.”
Labor will continue to support the work of PIEFA to ensure that the approximately 3,600,000 students enrolled in Australian schools have access to food and fibre specific curriculum content.
Labor understands and values Australia’s primary industries sector and seeks to decrease the disconnect Australian school students have as to knowing where and how food and fibre is produced.
Rural and Regional Higher Education
A Shorten Labor Government will commit $3.2 million for programs to support students in country areas to go to University or TAFE, including mentoring and tutorials, delivered through 22 new community-owned Regional Study Hubs.
We will appoint a dedicated Regional and Remote Commissioner to develop strategies and policies to support country students and regional Higher-Ed institutions.
The policy is funded through Labor’s University Pathway Fund.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Groundbreaking Bank Victim Compensation Package
A Shorten Labor Government will overhaul compensation for victims of banking misconduct, ensuring they get a fair chance to pursue compensation.
Labor will boost compensation caps at the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), establish an independent retrospective compensation scheme to give past victims of financial services misconduct a chance to pursue justice, and establish a compensation scheme of last resort in financial services.
The stories of bank victims highlight the horrific effect that bank misconduct has had on their lives and they deserve fair compensation.
The current AFCA compensation caps are inadequate.
Too many consumers miss out on fair compensation.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Fairer compensation caps
A Shorten Labor Government will quadruple the compensation caps at AFCA for consumers from $500,000 to $2 million, double the compensation cap for small businesses to $2 million,
and double the cap for farmers to $4 million.
For the first time, Labor will ensure that victims can get fair compensation for the effect of misconduct on their lives by removing the $5,000 AFCA sub-cap on non-financial loss.
When Australians have their lives turned upside down by bank misconduct, they should be able to pursue fair compensation through AFCA.
A retrospective compensation scheme
Labor will establish a retrospective compensation scheme so that past victims of bank misconduct can have one last chance to pursue justice.
This scheme will be independent of AFCA and victims of misconduct dating back to 1 January 2008 will be able to apply to have their case heard.
Under Labor, victims will also be able to access compensation with higher AFCA compensation caps through the retrospective compensation scheme.
A prospective compensation scheme of last resort
Labor will establish a prospective compensation scheme of last resort within AFCA.
This scheme will be funded by industry and will be used to pay compensation awarded by AFCA where a financial service provider goes bust.
Currently, if a victim wins at AFCA but the financial service provider doesn’t pay, they are left with nowhere to go.
This is not fair.
Labor’s compensation scheme of last resort will ensure that these victims get the compensation they deserve.
Labor will ensure that banks and financial service providers are held to account and pay fair compensation to victims of their misconduct.
Labor's Plan For Fairer Tax Administration
A Shorten Labor Government will establish an independent appeals area within the Australian Taxation Office and make our tax system fairer by funding 10 free tax clinics across the country.
Labor is committed to giving all taxpayers – particularly small and family businesses – a fair appeals process when dealing with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Genuine concerns have been raised about the ATO’s engagement with small businesses on tax disputes, including a lack of perceived and real structural separation within the ATO of officials who make tax assessments from those who handle disputes and appeals.
While multinationals and millionaires can afford the experts to navigate the tax system, low and middle income Australians are often intimidated by the tax system and unsure where to turn to get help.
LABOR’S PLAN:
New Second Commissioner - Appeals
A Shorten Labor Government will legislate to establish a new position of Second Commissioner – Appeals within the Australian Taxation Office, reporting to the Commissioner of Taxation, to head up a new appeals area within the Australian Taxation Office.
A separate appeals area in the ATO will mean small business disputes are given the care and attention they deserve.
This area will have responsibility for managing tax disputes for all taxpayers, through pre-assessment reviews, objections, litigation including identifying test cases and providing oversight on settlements, and facilitating the use of alternative dispute resolution throughout the compliance and dispute resolution process.
Free Tax Clinics
A Shorten Labor Government will make our tax system fairer by funding 10 free tax clinics in universities across the country to provide free tax assistance for vulnerable communities, individuals and small businesses.
Each tax clinic will have volunteers, students and pro bono tax practitioners on hand to help low income taxpayers and microbusinesses with administrative tax matters, including completing tax returns and responding to queries raised by the ATO.
As part of the 10 free tax clinics, Labor will secure the ongoing tax clinic trial at Curtin University in Perth.
We will also change the law to allow clinics to register as tax agents in their own right, as well as providing deductible gift recipient status to facilitate partnerships with experienced tax professionals and institutions.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Reviewing Newstart
A Shorten Labor Government will review the adequacy of Newstart.
Labor recognises that the rate of Newstart is too low and is now acting as a barrier to people finding work;
with people struggling to afford transport, clothes and essentials.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor will conduct a root and branch review of Newstart – as well as related payments and supports.
The review will focus on ensuring that our safety net is alleviating poverty and helping people into the workforce.
It will identify what parts of the system need to change, and how those changes should be made.
The review will examine the complex interactions between Newstart and other parts of the payments system, our tax system and employment services.
A Shorten Labor Government will work to ensure social security system continues to protect the most vulnerable Australians.
Crackdown On Child Care Inducements
A Shorten Labor Government will ban child care and early education providers from offering inducements to boost their enrolment numbers, protecting parents from being lured into child care arrangements which may not suit their needs.
The Federal Government is projected to spend $7.7 billion on the Child Care Subsidy this year.
This funding is to support families meet the costs of child care and early education – not for providers to give away in a mad scramble to increase enrolments.
Recent reports have highlighted the alarming lengths which some child care and early learning centres are willing to go to in order to secure enrolments in their centres.
Some examples of the inducements being offered include holiday packages in resorts, cash refunds, and free iPads.
Labor does not believe this in an appropriate use of taxpayer funds.
LABOR’S PLAN
If elected, Labor will ban providers from offering any goods, services or activity that is unrelated to the delivery of early childhood services to incentivise parents and carers to enrol their child in a centre.
Under Labor’s policy, families and educators will be able to confidentially notify the Department of Education and Training of any incentives or behaviour which they suspect is an inappropriate inducement.
Any provider found to be offering such inducements will have their licence to receive the Child Care Subsidy revoked.
Labor’s Plan To End Bamboozling Pricing For Overseas Money Transfers
A Shorten Labor Government will make it cheaper for Australians to send money overseas to loved ones by helping drive down international remittance and transfer fees.
Labor will stop hidden fees by requiring banks and remittance providers to disclose the full cost of international remittances prior to remittance.
Right now, many banks and money transfer companies are confusing customers with a mix of fees and exchange rate mark-ups.
The result is that it is almost impossible to compare the true cost of transferring money overseas.
One study found that a person who tries to send $1,000 from Australia to another country will see $77 eaten up by transaction fees and exchange rate spreads.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor wants to ensure that Australians who send money overseas get a competitive deal.
That’s why a Shorten Labor Government will require remittance providers to disclose the full cost of international remittances prior to remittance, bringing it into line with comparison rates Australians already enjoy when shopping for car loans, mortgages and credit cards.
A Shorten Labor Government will task the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to determine if misleading ‘no fees or charges’ advertising by remittance providers can be controlled using the Australian Competition Law, or if further enforcement mechanisms are necessary.
Tougher Anti-Dumping Regime
A Shorten Labor Government will protect Australian jobs by making it easier for local manufacturing firms to take effective action against the dumping of below-cost foreign goods into Australia.
Dumping is cheating, and it is a particular problem for Australia’s steel industry.
The announcement by the United States of a 25 per cent tariff on imported steel from a number of other countries increases the threat of more steel being dumped in Australia, putting further pressure on an industry already feeling the impact of a glut of foreign steel production.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will support local businesses by:Tripling penalties for circumventing trade remedies.
Better resourcing the Anti-Dumping Commission by increasing funding by $3.5 million a year, which will increase staff numbers at the Commission by about 30.
Transferring responsibilities for safeguard measures from the Productivity Commission to the Anti-Dumping Commission.
By putting all of our trade remedies under one roof, Australian industry will be afforded the same support as our global trade competitors.
Introducing a mechanism that will allow businesses in anti-dumping investigations to nominate the form of duty that should be applied.
This will form part of the recommendation to the minister by the Anti-Dumping Commissioner.
Restrict the time available for cited dumpers to request a review of Anti-Dumping Commission decisions to prevent them gaming the system to their own advantage.
Amend the Census and Statistics Act to improve access to trade and import data held by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, making it easier to prove when dumping has occurred.
Australian manufacturing jobs depend upon strong anti-dumping laws.
The decision by the United States to increase tariffs has seen other steel-producing countries try to use Australia as a dumping ground for steel.
This is putting Australian jobs at risk.
Labor will not let Australia become a dumping ground for below-cost foreign goods that put Australian manufacturing jobs at risk.
Unlike the Liberals and Nationals, who are sitting on their hands when it comes to anti-dumping laws, Labor will take action to make sure Australian businesses and workers get a fair go.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share of tax and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town,
and also by penalties imposed on and duty recovered from dumpers of products.
Labor's Plan To Save Workers' Super From Dodgy Bosses
A Shorten Labor Government will help workers get their unpaid superannuation from unscrupulous employers – and we’ll make sure dodgy bosses are appropriately punished.
Australia has a significant issue with underpayment or non-payment of superannuation.
According to Industry Super Australia:2.98 million Australians experienced superannuation non-payment or underpayment totalling $5.9 billion, based on Australian Taxation Office (ATO) statistics from 2015-16.
75 per cent of workers affected by unpaid or underpaid superannuation are under 35 years of age, earn under $30,000, and/or are in blue collar jobs.
Scott Morrison and the Liberals have tried to give dodgy bosses who don’t pay super an amnesty on penalties – letting them get away with it scot-free.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will change the law to include a right to superannuation within the National Employment Standards, which will give workers the power to pursue their unpaid superannuation.
Currently, unpaid or underpaid employer superannuation contributions are a debt owed to the ATO, rather than the worker.
Unless there is a clause in their award or agreement, workers can’t chase this money as the money is not technically owed to them.
By placing superannuation within the National Employment Standards in the Fair Work Act, a Shorten Labor Government will empower workers to recoup unpaid super from employers through the Fair Work Commission or the Federal Court.
Labor will also strengthen the ATO compliance regime and increase penalties for employers for underpayment or non-payment of superannuation.
Employers who underpay superannuation to their staff because of a false or misleading statement will face fines equal to 100 per cent of the unpaid super.
Employers who fail to tell the ATO about unpaid superannuation when asked will face fines equal to 300 per cent of the unpaid super.
Playgroups and Toy Libraries
A Shorten Labor Government will expand community-based playgroups and toy libraries with a $6.1 million grassroots program.
Playgroups and toy libraries help bolster social connections for both parents and children during their early years of development - that’s why Labor is investing to expand their reach.
Across Australia more than 250,000 children and families use 7,500 playgroups and 380 toy libraries, encouraging play-based learning and social development in babies and young children, and facilitating friendships and peer support for their parents and carers.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor’s $6.1 million investment in playgroups and toy libraries will provide grants to eligible groups with one off grants of:$15,000 to establish new or expand existing Toy Libraries or Playgroups or undertake minor capital works.
The grant will cover the costs involved in setting up or expanding, such as buying toys or refurbishing a space.
$5,000 for existing organisations to purchase new toys, books, paints, craft materials or other consumables.
$50,000 each to Playgroups Australia and Toy Libraries Australia as the peak bodies to support the expansion of toy libraries and playgroups, by developing resources, advice, information materials and provide insurance.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Preventing Family Violence
A Shorten Labor Government will make preventing and responding to family violence a national priority.
LABOR'S PLAN
One woman a week is murdered by a current or former partner.
Family violence hurts children and ripples through generations.
This must change.
A Shorten Labor Government will more than double investment in the Fourth Action Plan to prevent and respond to family violence, delivering record Commonwealth funding of over $660 million.
Early intervention and education, frontline services, emergency accommodation and legal services will all receive a significant boost under Labor.
More support for frontline services
Double Fourth Action Plan funding for refuges and emergency accommodation.
Investing an additional $60 million, meaning more refuges in areas of need, modern core-and-cluster facilities that accommodate older children and pets, accessibility upgrades, and better facilities for younger children.
$20 million of this investment will be set aside for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander refuges and safe houses.
More transitional and affordable housing.
Establishing an $88 million Safe Housing Fund to deliver transitional and emergency housing for women and children escaping violence, older women at risk of homelessness and young people exiting out of home care.
We will also construct 250,000 affordable homes, helping women and children escaping family violence to quickly find stability and re-build their lives.
More legal assistance: Establishing a $90 million Preventing Family Violence Legal Services Fund, including:
$42.5 million extra for Community Legal Centres.
This will mean 115,000 more women able to access professional legal assistance when they need it most.
$21.5 million extra for Family Violence Prevention Legal Centres.
This will make dedicated legal support available to First Nations women in more areas and provide a much-needed boost in areas where women are currently being turned away because of inadequate funding.
$21 million to double the number of Specialist Domestic Violence Units and Health Justice partnerships.
This will mean an additional 18 Specialist Domestic Violence units and five extra Health Justice Partnerships – providing specialist support to women in hospitals, health services and in the community.
$5 million to support the expansion of Family and Domestic Violence courts by establishing national standards and providing training for judicial and court officers.
Investing in prevention
Community led responses.
Providing $62 million in Local Community Prevention and Frontline Service Grants, including dedicated streams for First Nations women, women with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse women and LGBTIQ people.
Labor will work with local sporting organisations on prevention programs,
invest in support for children affected by family violence
and resource evidence-based men’s behaviour change programs.
A Shorten Labor Government will also ensure dedicated LGBTIQ family violence services are established in all states and territories.
Supporting respectful relationships education in schools: Providing $35 million to state and territory and non-government school systems to deliver best-practice, evidence-based, age-appropriate respectful relationships education in schools.
Better risk management: Trialling the Integrated Safety Response model in up to five locations, at a cost of $2 million.
This strategy pulls existing services together to reach at-risk families earlier and proactively deliver men’s behaviour change programs.
More practical support for women
Flexible Support Packages: Investing $60 million in 20,000 Flexible Support Packages of up to $10,000 to support people escaping family violence in the ways that help them the most - such as rent, furniture, transport, medication, home security and transport costs.
Paid domestic violence leave: Legislating 10 days paid domestic violence leave as part of the National Employment Standard.
Because people experiencing family violence should not have to choose between leaving a violent relationship and keeping their job.
Better Centrelink Services: Supporting women and their children, including through: //25 Family Violence Specialists to provide trauma informed and rapid support for people experiencing family violence – including through co-location with specialist family violence services.
Priority processing and a dedicated Family Violence phone line, to make sure people get payments quickly and can get straight through to a specialist who can support them.
Extending the Crisis Payment claim window to four weeks in cases of family violence, as people are often unable to claim without the current one-week window.
Waiving social security debt incurred through family violence coercion and pursuing perpetrators for the debt when safe to do so.
Reviewing Centrelink processes and services to make sure staff have up-to-date family violence training.
And making it easier for people to identify that they are experiencing family violence and get help; on the phone, at terminals, through forms and at Centrelink offices.
Supporting Women on temporary visas: Reviewing immigration and social security arrangements and invest $5 million in services and interpreters.
The Australian Law Reform Commission and the Victorian Royal Commission have recommended changes, as visa status is often used control women and temporary residents can struggle to access the services they need.
Recognising economic abuse: Changing the law to ensure that economic abuse is a recognised form of family violence, and that dowry abuse can be one of many kinds of financial abuse.
Tackling forced marriage: Introducing forced marriage protection orders and establishing a Commonwealth Forced Marriage Unit to assist victims, at a cost of $13.6 million.
Making family violence a national priority
National leadership: Making the prevention of violence against women and their children a COAG priority.
Because all governments need to work together towards lasting change.
New national plan: Immediately starting work on a new 10-Year plan to prevent violence against women and their children.
For the first time this will include dedicated national strategies for:First Nations women.
Women with disability.
Culturally and linguistically diverse women.
LGBTIQ people.
Labor will also establish a national advisory group to guide the development of the plan – replacing the advisory panel axed by the Liberals.
Labor is committed to the $328 million investment in the Fourth Action Plan, including its focus on prevention.
Labor will also work with the sector to implement recommendations from the Senate committee inquiry into 1800RESPECT that will strengthen service delivery going forward.
A Shorten Labor Government will show the national leadership required to put the prevention of family violence back at the top of the national agenda.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan For ADF Troops Equipment
A Shorten Labor Government will enable ADF troops to have greater choice when it comes to selecting their issued boots for service.
Currently ADF members are issued with boots at Defence’s expense.
If the member wishes to have a different boot they must purchase it, at their own expense, from an established list.
Under a Shorten Labor Government, ADF members will be able to select a boot from a panel of pre-approved providers which Defence will then supply and pay for.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor’s plan to expand access to approved boots will help better support our serving personnel.
A Shorten Labor Government will ensure the rollout of this program also creates local jobs.
There are a number of Australian companies that will be able to meet the detailed specifications of the ADF and provide the boots.
The success of the ADF depends, in part, on the quality and appropriateness of the clothing and equipment our ADF personnel wear.
We know that one size does not fit all, with some members requiring alternative options.
We would review this program after 24 months to ensure the effectiveness of the program and the satisfaction with requirements of both the ADF and our military personnel.
The policy has a budget cost of $800,000 over the forward estimates.
We will pay for this program by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan For Implementing The Banking Royal Commission Recommendations
Labor will act quickly, fairly and strongly to implement the recommendations of the Banking Royal Commission.
Labor has released a comprehensive plan to implement the recommendations of the Hayne Royal Commission.
After voting 26 times against a Banking Royal Commission, the Liberals cannot be trusted to implement its recommendations.
In fact, 36 days after releasing their lacklustre response, the Liberals backflipped and reneged on their commitment to introduce a key recommendation: the ending of trailing commissions to mortgage brokers.
Labor called for a Royal Commission, Labor fought for a Royal Commission, and Labor will work day and night to ensure Australians are protected from banking misconduct.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will fully implement 75 of the 76 recommendations, and will implement the final recommendation, Recommendation 1.3 – Mortgage Broker Remuneration, in a manner that achieves the objectives but without harming competition in the retail mortgage market.
Labor knows strong action needs to be taken on these reforms and to better protect Australians from banking misconduct.
A Shorten Labor Government will establish a ground-breaking compensation package to enable victims to get fair compensation and create a Banking Fairness Fund to support community services that assist victims of bank misconduct.
Labor's Plan For An Infrastructure Investment Bank For The Pacific
A Shorten Labor Government will establish an Infrastructure Investment Bank for the Pacific to actively facilitate concessional loans and financing for investment for vital, nation-building projects required by our Pacific neighbours.
The Liberals have neglected our Pacific partners through savage cuts to the aid program,
an erosion of our footprint in the region,
and a failure to address core issues of concern in the region such as climate change.
LABOR’S PLAN
Development assistance is critical to our Pacific island partners, and a Shorten Labor Government will grow our aid commitment to the region.
We will encourage others, including the private sector, to invest in projects that drive development in the region from roads and ports to water supply, communications technology and energy infrastructure.
Establishment of the Infrastructure Development Bank will elevate Australia’s status as a ‘partner-of-choice’ for Pacific development and enhance security and enhance security
A Shorten Labor Government will rebuild the prominence and trust in our Pacific relationships that have been squandered under the Liberals.
Labor's Plan For A Military Covenant
A Shorten Labor Government will establish a Military Covenant, to be signed between the Prime Minister and the Chief of the Defence Force.
When a person commits their life to serve in the Australian Defence Force, to defend our nation and protect our national interests and values, we in turn undertake a commitment to supporting them and their loved ones both during and after their service.
LABOR’S PLAN
The Covenant would be a set of principles endorsed by both the Federal Government and the Australian Defence Force that recognises the unique service provided to the country by military personnel, and the corresponding obligation that the country looks after those who have served.
Unlike the Military Covenant proposed by the Liberals, Labor’s Covenant will cover serving Defence personnel as well as veterans.
The Liberals’ decision to exclude current serving members is a significant shortfall that overlooks a large component of the military community.
In conjunction with signing the Covenant, Labor will also enact legislation that provides for an annual report to the Parliament highlighting the ways in which our obligation to our current and ex-serving defence personnel and their families is being met.
The Liberal’s proposal for a Covenant has no reporting requirement and is seriously deficient as a result.
Labor's Plan For Strengthening Australia's Diplomatic Engagement In The Indo-Pacific
A Shorten Labor Government will strengthen Australia’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region by establishing four new diplomatic posts and establishing a new category of geo-economic counsellor across our diplomatic network.
Under the Liberals, Australia’s diplomatic effort has been under-resourced for a country of our economic weight and status.
It is in Australia’s national interest to enhance our diplomatic efforts, particularly in our region.
Given the growing importance of Australia’s relationship with Indonesia, a new post there will be a priority.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor will establish a new category of geo-economic counsellors across our diplomatic network.
Bangkok, Beijing, Hanoi, Jakarta, New Delhi, Tokyo and Washington will be important initial locations.
These positions will identify improved ways of connecting and leveraging Australian private sector and civil society activities in the interests of broader foreign policy objectives.
The geo-economic counsellors will also help to ensure our development, trade and diplomatic policies are integrated and that our development assistance programs across the region are visible to, and coordinated with, the various Australian enterprises operating there.
Labor will also provide an additional $4 million to expand the existing Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants program.
This additional funding will focus on Australia’s cultural activities in Asia and the Pacific – helping to present to the region an accurate image of who we are.
It will support more exchanges and partnerships with arts organisations here in Australia to promote greater collaboration in both performance and production.
While Scott Morrison is seeking to use foreign policy as a political tool, Labor is doing the work to put in place the foundations for a more prosperous relationship with our region.
These policies have a budget cost over the forward estimates at $20.6 million for the four new Posts, $3.6 million for the new geo-economic counsellors, and $4 million for the cultural diplomacy grants program.
We will pay for these initiatives by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Honouring Veterans
A Shorten Labor Government will appropriately celebrate the role of all Australian veterans, investing $118 million to honour their service and support their families.
Labor’s plan will address inequity in the treatment of our veterans in payment for funeral expenses;
provide greater support for veteran carers;
expand therapy support for veterans;
and boost research into veterans’ mental health.
To recognise further the sacrifices of our veterans, Labor will establish a grants program to ensure memorials in Australia are upgraded to mark the service of all Australians who have fought in war
and develop a Joint Master Plan to preserve the significance of the Kokoda Trail.
Importantly, a Shorten Labor Government will preserve the Department of Veterans’ Affairs as a single department dedicated to support the unique needs of our veterans – we call on Scott Morrison to commit to do the same.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor will build on the extensive commitments already made to support our veterans, including our announced Veterans Employment Package, through:Removing the inequity in the treatment of our veterans when paying funeral expenses, due to different legislative provisions.
This will assist more than 84,000 veterans and their families by increasing the amount they receive for funeral expenses.
Providing funding for carer retreats to assist those who struggle with social isolation and provide greater emotional support to those who are looking after our veterans.
Expanding veterans’ access to mental health treatment through the development of an art therapy program.
Boosting research into veterans’ mental health, to provide greater understanding of the mental, physical and social health of current and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force.
Establishing Their Enduring Legacy grants program to ensure memorials throughout Australia are upgraded to reflect all Australians who have fought in wars.
Developing a Kokoda Trail Joint Master Plan to recognise the environmental,
cultural
and wartime significance of the Kokoda Trail.
Preserving the Department of Veterans’ Affairs as a single dedicated department for our veterans.
Abolition of the department was a recommendation of the draft Productivity Report commissioned by the Liberals.
These program initiatives represent an investment of $118 million, which we will pay for by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan For International Development Assistance
A Shorten Labor Government will increase Official Development Assistance as a percentage of Gross National Income (GNI) every year that we are in office, starting with our first Budget.
The Liberals have slashed our aid budget every year they have been in office, with cuts of more than $11 billion seeing the aid budget fall to just 0.22 per cent of GNI – the lowest level on record.
On the current trajectory, it is forecast to drop further to as low as just 0.16 per cent.
These cuts have undermined our ability to achieve objectives that support our national and security interests.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor believes Australia should do its fair share internationally, and work with the international community to achieve the longstanding funding targets set out in the Sustainable Development Goals.
When Labor was last in power, Australia’s development assistance budget rose every year – reaching around 0.35 per cent of GNI.
Rebuilding Australia’s international development assistance program is a core element of Labor’s foreign policy.
A strong civil society is vital to democracy, inclusion, transparency and openness, accountability, and the protection of minorities and marginalised groups.
A Shorten Labor Government will engage with civil society, not just as partners in the delivery of projects, but to support and strengthen the work they do and the role they play in their own countries.
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $32 million in a Pacific Avoidable Blindness and Vision Loss Fund.
Loss of sight condemns people in developing countries to a life of poverty and decreased life expectancy.
It is estimated that in the developing world 80 per cent of all blindness and vision impairment is avoidable or treatable.
Australia is well placed to help eliminate avoidable blindness and vision impairment in our region, however, the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government has reduced annual aid expenditure on eye health by approximately 41 per cent over the last four years.
A Shorten Labor Government will partner with organisations such as The Fred Hollows Foundation, Vision 2020 Australia and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists to clear a backlog of cataract treatments and aid those with moderate to severe visual impairments in the Pacific.
It will also train up to 600 health workers across the region and support program implementation in-country, including delivering screening and examination for eye health conditions.
Labor will also increase the annual base grant funding for fully accredited non-government organisations in the Australian NGO Cooperation Program at a cost of $32 million over the forward estimates.
This increase reflects Labor’s commitment to working with NGOs to strengthen Australia’s aid delivery.
We will fund these commitments by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan For Addressing The Global Humanitarian Crisis
A Shorten Labor Government will ensure Australia can do our part to resettle genuine refugees facing persecution.
While the global humanitarian crisis has continued to grow, with over 25 million refugees worldwide, the Liberals have failed to improve Australia’s humanitarian response on the international stage.
LABOR’S PLAN
In response to this humanitarian crisis, a Shorten Labor Government will provide $500 million to the work of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees to deliver stronger asylum seeker assessment and resettlement processes across the region.
Labor will also reform the community support program to develop a Community Sponsored Refugee Program to, over time, allow up to 5,000 refugees to resettle in Australia annually.
Groups such as state and local governments, community organisations, businesses, unions, and faith-based organisations will be able to sponsor humanitarian entrants into Australia.
This program does not have a budget impact.
Appoint a Special Envoy for Refugee and Asylum Seeker Issues to advance Australia’s interests and leadership on refugee issues within the region, secure third country resettlement agreements, develop an Australian Refugee Commission, and provide policy advice for Australia’s Humanitarian Program.
This comprehensive suite of measures is underpinned by a commitment to maintain Australia’s strong borders – to ensure people smugglers are never able to exploit vulnerable people ever again.
Labor is getting the balance right – we will maintain strong borders,
keep the people smugglers out of business,
and do our part to address the global humanitarian crisis.
We will pay for these initiatives by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan For The AFP In Hobart
A Shorten Labor Government will reinstate 16 Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers at Hobart Airport, restoring a permanent AFP presence that was cut by the Liberals.
This will strengthen our national security, enhance safety at the airport, improve detection of federal crimes and enable Tasmania Police to re-divert resources back to community safety across Tasmania.
In 2014, the Liberals removed Hobart Airport’s permanent AFP detail – a decision condemned by the Australian Federal Police Association, the Police Association of Tasmania, the Tasmanian Government, and state and federal Liberals.
LABOR’S PLAN
Hobart Airport is the only airport in an Australian capital city without an AFP presence.
The AFP presence in Tasmania overall has fallen from 30 personnel to five – an extraordinary 84 per cent reduction under the Liberals.
These cuts have forced Tasmania Police to divert resources away from community policing and emergency management services across Tasmania to protect Hobart Airport.
The AFP are experts in ensuring our national security, fighting serious crimes such as drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, human trafficking, fraud and organised crime.
The Liberals relentless cuts are likely to be impacting on the AFP operations in Tasmania.
Tasmanians have exactly the same right as any other Australian to the protection of the AFP.
Labor’s plan will boost the number of AFP in Tasmania from five personnel to 21 to ensure more effective cooperation with state police and federal authorities to keep Tasmanians safe.
This policy has a budget cost $41 million over the budget forward estimates.
We will pay for this policy by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan For Urgent Humanitarian Relief
A Shorten Labor Government will commit $30 million in new urgent humanitarian relief funding to help address some of the world’s most pressing humanitarian crises.
LABOR’S PLAN
A Shorten Labor Government will increase Australia’s funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees by $20 million.
Labor will also provide an additional commitment of $10 million to address the urgent humanitarian crisis affecting the Rohingya people.
Since coming to power the Liberals have cut well over $11 billion from the development budget, driving Australia’s aid spending down to its lowest level on record.
These cuts to development assistance are a source of international embarrassment for Australia, and are at odds with the generous spirit of the Australian people.
We will pay for these initiatives by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan For A Veterans' Employment Package
A Shorten Labor Government will deliver a comprehensive Veterans Employment Package to provide greater support to our defence personnel as they transition to civilian life.
Labor’s plan will better support our veterans who are moving into the civilian workforce by doing more to boost recognition of their significant skills and experiences.
It is estimated that the unemployment rate for veterans is sitting at 30 per cent.
For those who did not medically discharge, there is an estimated 11.2 per cent unemployment rate – which is more than double the national rate.
This is unacceptable.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor’s comprehensive package will provide greater support to our defence personnel as they transition to civilian life and will focus on the following;Helping businesses to train veterans.
A new veterans employment service.
Expanding access to additional education and civilian training.
Translating the experience of veterans.
The policy has a budget cost of $121.1 million over the forward estimates.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan For A Veterans' Recovery Centre (Ipswich)
A Shorten Labor Government will invest in the welfare of veterans and ex-service personnel in the wider Ipswich area by providing funding for a Veterans Recovery Centre (VRC).
Throughout the wider Ipswich region there are more than 16,000 veterans and their families who access support through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and ex-service organisations.
A VRC will provide a location to access a number of key support services for our veterans, ex-Service personnel and their families.
Despite promises from the LNP at the last Federal Election to fund this project there has been no action taken.
As such, Labor has stepped up by committing the $1 million the Liberals have failed to deliver for the establishment of this VRC.
LABOR’S PLAN
The VRC will be a family friendly space which will provide greater support services to all ex-service personnel including our younger veterans and their families, ensuring they can access a number of services under the one roof.
VRC services and support will include access to advocate and pension officers; access to JP services; a library; conference room; communal areas; kitchen and barbeque amenities.
Importantly, this centre will also provide a space to engage in peer-to-peer support.
This centre will also work as a conduit and support service for our service men and women and their families as they transition from the ADF to civilian life.
We will pay for the VRC by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan For An Anti-Slavery Commissioner
A Shorten Labor Government will strengthen the Modern Slavery Act by creating an independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and introducing penalties for offences.
There are an estimated 48.5 million people in slavery worldwide, many of whom are victims of exploitation in private sector activities, such as manufacturing, construction and agriculture.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor believes Australia has an important role to play in fighting modern slavery.
Two-thirds of people trapped in slavery worldwide are reported to be in the Asia-Pacific region, and it is estimated that an unbelievable 4,300 people are currently trapped in slavery right here in Australia in exploitative criminal syndicates involved in forced labour, sex trafficking and debt bondage.
After Labor committed to introducing a Modern Slavery Act in 2017 – with penalties for non-compliance and an Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner.
The Government finally brought legislation through the Parliament last year, which passed with Labor’s support, but the Government refused to commit to penalties for non-compliance or an Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner.
Labor believes we should not be leaving it to big business to police themselves on slavery.
And we urgently need more support for victims of this awful practice.
That’s why, if elected, Labor will introduce penalties for big businesses who breach the Modern Slavery Act,
and establish an independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner to help the people trapped in slavery right here in Australia.
Labor's Plan For A Western Front Fellowship
A Shorten Labor Government will establish a fellowship program based within the Sir John Monash Centre at the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux, France.
With the conclusion of the Centenary of Anzac, it is important we consider how best we can continue to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of the brave men who served on the Western Front, ensuring the legacy which is ingrained in our history remains relevant.
This program will serve as a tangible and fitting memorial to the contribution of our diggers on the Western Front.
LABOR’S PLAN
Villers-Bretonneux is a site of significance for Australians, following the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux in 1918.
This Battle, described as a crucial turning point in the War, saw approximately 3,900 men participate in the ferocious night attack which took back the town from German troops.
Participants in Labor’s fellowship program will be based at the Sir John Monash Centre and provide tours to both Australian and International tourists, offering an Australian perspective on the conflict and its ongoing significance.
Applications will be open to full time post-secondary students undertaking study who have a passion for history.
Participants will explain the significance of the site and answer questions from the public on Australian military history, including sites, local attractions and points of interest in the region.
Supported by a stipend, successful applicants will be based in Villers-Bretonneux for a period of four months.
We will pay for the fellowship by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan For Food And Fibre Manufacturing
A Shorten Labor Government will back Australians working in the manufacturing industry with a new $25 million food and fibre industry plan to drive local jobs
and innovation,
as well as attract investment in manufacturing, particularly in rural and regional areas.
There are huge opportunities to grow our food and fibre industries: timber, wood products, furniture, paper products manufacturing, as well as developing newer materials like carbon fibre, light-weight materials, bio-products and advanced polymers.
These industries are creating new opportunities for local jobs
and investment, both along the food and fibre value chain and throughout other manufacturing sectors.
Both food and fibre manufacturing industries are concentrated in regional areas and both these industries and workers face the same challenges from the increased use of technology and moving to Industry 4.0.
Only Labor understands there is a continuing need for innovation, enterprise capability and commercialisation support in these strategic industries.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor’s plan will support Australian made food and fibre manufacturing.
Labor has also announced that a Shorten Labor Government would prioritise Australian made and locally made products through procurement policies, including in the food and fibre industries.
Labor’s $25 million food and fibre industry strategy will:Provide a 21st century industry national innovation and industry framework for the food and fibre industries.
Establish a national tripartite innovation council for food and fibre manufacturing, bringing together industry, researchers and unions that would articulate a vision for the future of the sector.
The council would:Prepare an innovation roadmap.
Stimulate new research and investment in new products and systems.
Prepare the industry for future growth.
Provide funding for strategic innovation and co-investment initiatives in the food and fibre industries that demonstrate the way ahead.
Appoint a Supplier Advocate to coordinate delivery of the plan.
Strengthen the sector’s engagement with the science and research sector and support Labor’s goal of a national investment of 3 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in Research and Development each year.
Ensure there is a joined-up national effort to support the industry and provide a strong basis for collaboration with the states and regional bodies.
Link the sector more effectively to our science and research workforce and infrastructure, to skill development and opportunities for new products and markets.
Complement Labor’s specific industry plans in meat and forestry.
Labor will also make an additional $10 million investment to expand the Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant so it can develop new fermentation, separation and product purification technologies, and develop new product types, including green chemicals and biotechnology products.
This is all part of Labor’s plan for a 21st century manufacturing economy.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan For A Veterans' Support Hub In The Northern Territory
A Shorten Labor Government will invest in the health and wellbeing of our veterans in the Top End by establishing the Scott Palmer Service and Veterans’ Support Hub.
The Scott Palmer Service and Veterans’ Support Hub will be a dedicated centre to provide support to our current and ex-serving Defence personnel, first responders and their families.
The Hub is named after Private Scott Travis Palmer who tragically lost his life on operational service in Afghanistan in 2010.
LABOR’S PLAN
With this $4.9 million investment from Federal Labor, NT will finally have a centre for current and ex-serving ADF members, first responders and their families that will provide services and support in health and wellbeing, access to counsellors and a place to go for assistance in accessing community, state, federal and cross-sector services.
The Hub will also be a place where people can go to connect, meet and relax; with a children’s play area, recreational rooms and indoor and outdoor reflection spaces.
Federal Labor will partner with the Northern Territory Government which has committed to providing land for this Hub.
This partnership will continue to work with local stakeholders to support our veterans, Defence personnel, first responders and their families.
The hub will provide specialist support assisting former personnel deal with the impact of their deployment, separation and family integration, PTSD, stress-related issues and other health issues caused during their service.
It will also provide community outreach programs and initiatives to our veterans and their families.
We will pay for the Scott Palmer Service and Veterans’ Support Hub by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan For A Family Engagement And Support Strategy For Defence Personnel And Veterans
A Shorten Labor Government will develop a Family Engagement and Support Strategy for Defence Personnel and Veterans to provide greater support to our military families.
ADF families play a pivotal role in supporting our current serving ADF men, women and veterans, which is why it is important we ensure they have the support they need to address the unique challenges of military family life.
LABOR’S PLAN
This strategy will implement a key recommendation of the National Mental Health Commissions’ review into Services Available to Veterans and Current Serving Members of the Australian Defence Force in Relation to the Prevention of Self-harm and Suicide.
In responding to the review recommendations, the Liberals have failed to commit to developing a strategy to provide greater support and resources to military families.
There is no doubt that families play a critical role in providing support to our serving and ex-service personnel and developing a family strategy also acknowledges the important role of families in the rehabilitation of ADF members and veterans from both physical and mental injury and illness.
The development of this strategy has a budget cost of $2.0 million.
We will pay for the strategy by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
University Future Fund
A Shorten Labor Government will create a $300 million University Future Fund for higher education infrastructure and priorities.
Labor is making this investment in our universities so that they can continue to ensure they have the best facilities and infrastructure to deliver world-class teaching, research and engagement.
Funding will be made available to fast-track small to medium funding grants so that universities can update or renovate facilities;
or invest in new or updated research equipment, labs or other important facilities.
Since the Liberals decision to effectively abandon the highly successful Education Investment Fund (EIF), Australia’s universities have had no access to funds to support infrastructure and facilities investment.
Labor stood strong against the Liberals plans to abolish the EIF.
We know that we can’t ensure Australia’s universities continue to be world-leading if we don’t provide certainty of funding as well as access to infrastructure funding.
Unfortunately, the Liberals have left the EIF in a very uncertain state.
Labor’s new funding commitment will ensure that funding is available in the coming years for critical infrastructure.
We will pay for the fund by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Pensioner Dental Plan
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $2.4 billion in a Pensioner Dental Plan.
LABOR’S PLAN
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $2.4 billion in a Pensioner Dental Plan – giving up to three million Australians access to free dental care and taking the next step towards Labor’s vision for universal access to dental care in Australia.
Each year, over 185,000 older Australians skip getting the dental care they need due to the cost.
And yet, more than half of Australians aged 65 and over have moderate or severe gum disease1 and one in five have no natural teeth.
Poor oral health undermines the broader physical and mental health of older Australians, as well as their social and economic participation.
Poor oral health also imposes a substantial burden on Australia’s health system – in 2015-16 there were more than 67,000 potentially preventable hospitalisations for dental conditions.
Under Labor’s Pensioner Dental Plan, age pensioners and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders will be able to access $1,000 worth of dental services every two years.
Within this cap, Medicare will cover a wide range of dental services such as: examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fluoride treatment, fissure sealants, fillings, root canals, extractions, periodontal treatment and dentures.
Labor will work with dentists and to roll out the scheme and work with the states and territories to enable public dentists to access the scheme, providing a substantial boost to federal funding for public dental services.
Aboriginal Medical Services, which provide vital dental care for First Nations peoples, will also be able to access the scheme.
Labor will pay for our Pensioner Dental Plan by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan To Support Women's Reproductive Rights
A Shorten Labor Government will deliver Australia’s first ever National Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy to make sure all Australian women can access legal, safe, affordable reproductive health services.
Reproductive choice and access to basic health care are fundamental rights.
Labor’s plan will improve access to contraception and ensure women can access the health services they need, where and when they need them.
The Liberal Government has refused to support improved reproductive health services, saying that the debate about women’s access to basic health care needs isn’t “good for our country.”
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will develop and implement Australia’s first National Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy to deliver improved reproductive choice and better health outcomes for Australian women and their families.
Labor will:Take national leadership to progress the decriminalisation of abortion across Australia.
Support all women to access termination services in public hospitals.
Establish a new Tasmanian Reproductive Health Hub so women aren’t forced to travel interstate to have a termination.
Improve access to effective contraceptives to reduce rates of unplanned pregnancies by reviewing the Medicare rebate for long-acting reversible contraceptives.
Ask the Therapeutic Goods Administration to advise government on options to reduce barriers to improve access to the contraceptive pill.
Support medical practitioners who prescribe medical terminations through a new online community of practice so GPs can access peer support and advice, as well as connect with pharmacists and other service providers.
Review Medicare rebates associated with medical terminations to address access and affordability issues.
Fund a national telephone referral service linking women to safe, credentialed providers of termination services.
Restore funding to the Australian Women’s Health Network.
Labor’s ground-breaking strategy will focus on five key priority areas:Restoring national leadership to ensure that Australians can access safe, legal, quality sexual and reproductive health services and supports based on health care need – not geography, socioeconomic status or other characteristics.
Improving access to services to support reproductive rights so that women can access safe, legal, affordable termination services if they need them.
Supporting women to manage their ability to conceive a child to reduce unplanned pregnancies and boost women’s control over their fertility.
Preventing, diagnosing and treating sexually transmissible infections to reduce their impact on women’s sexual and reproductive health.
Addressing specific reproductive health issues such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, transvaginal mesh and female genital mutilation.
Labor's FutureAsia Plan
A Shorten Government will deliver a FutureAsia plan which continues and builds on Labor’s tradition of regional engagement.
Our approach will grow our Asia relevant capabilities, including through better trade, investment, education and cultural links.
Our economic future and our place amongst the G20 nations in decades to come will increasingly rely on our engagement with Asia.
There are few more important things for our economic future than significantly improving our trade, investment, diplomatic, education and cultural links with Asia, home to the fastest growing middle class on earth, and right on Australia’s doorstep.
For Australian business to realise the greatest economic benefit from growth in our region, we must urgently improve our Asian languages and literacy.
We need a step change in our thinking – a fundamental whole of government effort to deepen and broaden our engagement with Asia.
Engagement with Asia requires more than words.
It requires a commitment to working across government and with business, the education sector, industry and across the community to deepen our ties, to improve our Asia capability and to enable more opportunities for Australians.
We need to ensure Australians are prepared for the jobs and economic opportunities of the Asian century, which is why lifting Australia’s Asia relevant capabilities is an economic imperative.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will establish FutureAsia - a new whole of government plan to underpin our efforts to deepen and broaden our engagement through:A new Asia Capable Schools program that will train up to 5,000 principals and senior teachers to drive sustained whole of school change by supporting them to make the necessary updates to their curriculum and teacher capability.
Providing up to 100 scholarships a year for Australians who are Asian language native speakers and for top performers in priority Asian languages in Year 12, to go on to study a teaching qualification.
Improving Asian languages curriculum materials from preschool to year 12.
Establishing an Advisory Council on Asia Capabilities headed by experts from academia, business, and not-for-profits to drive research and generate new ideas to boost teaching and learning about Asia across all levels of Australia’s education system.
Establishing an Asian Diaspora program that better harnesses the people-to-people and business links of our existing Asian diaspora population.
Establishing the Australian-ASEAN Studies Centre.
Working with key trading partners to establish reciprocal internship programs to allow recent Australian graduates to help build the Asian business capability of young Australian professionals.
Improving economic and trade links through regular meetings of Asia-Pacific Finance Ministers in advance of the G20 Finance Ministers meeting, while also establishing a 2+2 of Australia’s and Indonesia’s Finance and Trade Ministers.
Implementing the recommendations of Peter Varghese’s ‘An Indian Economic Strategy to 2035,’ and commissioning a similar report to boost trade and investment with Indonesia.
Conducting annual trade missions to China, Indonesia and India.
Strengthening Australia’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, including by establishing four new diplomatic posts and establishing a new category of geo-economic counsellor across our diplomatic network.
Working with the Australian Institute of Company Directors to boost the Asian capability of Australian boards.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor Loves Live Music
A Shorten Labor Government will put forward the most comprehensive contemporary music policy ever introduced by an Australian government.
From encouraging more Australian children to learn and play music, to assisting young bands reach overseas markets, providing more support for live music and ensuring fans aren’t being ripped off when they buy tickets - Labor wants to see more Australians making music, listening to music, and seeing music live.
The music industry contributes nearly $6 billion to the Australian economy each year.
According to the Australian Recording Industry Association, the Australian music industry will be worth $100 billion globally within a decade.
Live music alone supports around 64,000 jobs in Australia.
More Australians attend live music than sport.
Labor wants to make sure the live music industry continues to grow and see more Australians with stable jobs in a thriving local industry.
Labor’s music policy all comes back to one single objective: we want to inspire the next generation of Australian artists and see more international success stories.
Labor wants to make sure Australian kids have the chance to learn music, regardless of where they live.
While many Australian kids are lucky enough to have parents who encourage them to learn an instrument at a young age, more and more kids now rely on their school to learn to play an instrument.
To help schools facilitate learning, a Shorten Labor Government will provide $7 million in extra support for music education and music teachers.
The funding will go towards expanding school programs such as SongMakers which brings musicians into schools, and The Song Room, dedicated to providing music and art lessons to disadvantaged kids.
One of the biggest barriers for younger musicians is having a space to practice together.
Labor will provide $5 million in grant funding to establish and grow music hubs around the country.
This funding will provide support to councils, schools, neighbourhood centres or community spaces to set up a music hub where students and musicians in the local area can come together to learn, collaborate and practice.
Funding could be used for soundproofing, equipment, instruments, acoustic assessments or refurbishments.
Labor will commit over $10 million to the new Sounds Australia to deliver the functions of the office of live music to help them work with local governments to remove barriers for live music venues around the country.
Labor will also double the funding to the New Recordings program to help a further ten new Australian artists record an EP.
The current program allows for ten albums to be recorded a year and has helped artists such as Courtney Barnett and Alex the Astronaut gain an audience.
Labor’s commitment to the new Sounds Australia will expand its reach and build on the 1,500 Australian groups that have been showcased at international events in over 23 countries.
Part of showcasing our music overseas will be small grants that are made available to help promote emerging Australian bands around the world, particularly in new markets such as Asia.
Sounds Australia and the Association of Artists Managers will work together and, when needed, provide modest grants to assist with practical measures to help bands get a foothold including costs of airfares, local management and connections and assistance with booking venues.
These grants could mean the difference between a new band making it in a new market or not.
Labor’s music policy will also include measures such as: Cracking down on ticket scalping websites such as
A cap on reselling tickets at 110% of their price, so scalpers can't rip off fans.
Increased funding for music and mental health programs.
We want Australian music to be heard, Australian artists to stay in the industry and the next generation to be inspired.
And we want to make it easier for music fans to buy tickets to the bands they love.
Labor will pay for these commitments by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
National Inquiry Into Post-Secondary Education
A Shorten Labor Government will establish a once in generation National Inquiry into Post-Secondary Education that will look at every aspect of the vocational and higher education systems.
Labor’s proposal will ensure every student can best respond to the needs of Australia’s economy and society.
This will be the first time a national inquiry has put TAFE and unis on an equal footing.
This is about making sure Australians have access to the best post-secondary opportunities in the world.
Labor believes we need to be thinking about children who are just starting school now – what will work and life look like for them in years to come, and what kind of post-secondary education will best prepare them?
If Australia is to continue to be a wealthy, highly-educated nation, we must boost participation in quality post-secondary education.
Countries in our region are investing heavily in education and skills.
Experts have warned, if we rest on our laurels, Australia risks being left behind.
We want this inquiry ready to go in the first 100 days of a Labor Government.
The inquiry will be conducted within existing departmental resources.
Labor's Plan For A Fair Deal For Australian Accommodation Providers And Consumers
Labor will ban unfair contract terms imposed by multinational online travel booking platforms on Australian accommodation providers and support the competition watchdog to further inquire into so-called “price parity” clauses across other platforms.
Two overseas multinational companies control up to 85 per cent of online accommodation bookings in Australia.
Most of the bookings are for the small businesses that provide accommodation such as hotels, serviced and holiday apartments, and guesthouses.
This power imbalance is reflected most forcefully by the use of “price parity clauses” - contractual terms between hotels and online travel booking platforms.
Price parity clauses prevent an accommodation provider from listing a better offer on their own website.
Meanwhile, commissions taken by platforms, which face small marginal costs, have increased in recent years, and can be 15-30 per cent of the total accommodation fee.
This outcome is not fair for Australian small and medium sized accommodation providers and bad for consumers looking for the best deal.
LABOR’S PLAN:
1. Amend the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to ban price parity clauses between online travel agencies and accommodation providers.
2. Support the competition regulator to use a market study to inquire into price parity clauses across other platforms and industries.
Labor's Plan To Make Superannuation Fairer
A Shorten Labor Government will ensure superannuation tax concessions go to those who most need assistance to save for a secure retirement.
Offering incentives through the tax system is an important way to encourage Australians to save for their retirement.
But our current settings are not fair, and they aren’t sustainable.
Superannuation tax concessions should be targeted to the cohort of people that need help to save more.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will lower the annual non-concessional contributions cap to $75,000
Only 0.7 per cent of Australian taxpayers made $100,000 or more in non-concessional contributions in 2012-13.
Over 86 per cent of taxpayers made no non-concessional contributions whatsoever in that same year.
Many Australians will make a single, large non-concessional contribution at some stage in their working life – for example with an inheritance or the sale proceeds from a property.
The superannuation system allows for this by letting Australians bring forward three years’ worth of contributions into a single year.
But Treasury figures indicate the average contribution for these one-off lump sums is $135,000 – well below the $300,000 allowed under the Liberals’ plan.
By lowering the annual non-concessional contributions cap to $75,000, Labor will ensure the carry-forward allowance remains generous enough to accommodate the kind of one-off contributions middle and low income taxpayers make.
But we will also cut back opportunities for higher income earners to gain tax concessions for large annual contributions – something the Liberals have failed to do.
Labor will further lower the High Income Superannuation Contribution threshold to $200,000
The Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government’s superannuation changes required people earning $250,000 or more to pay 30 per cent tax on their superannuation contributions, rather than 15 per cent.
A Shorten Labor Government will lower the income threshold further to $200,000.
Over 96 per cent of all Australian taxpayers will not be affected by this change.
Labor will reverse the introduction of catch-up concessional contributions and changes to tax deductibility for personal superannuation contributions
Each of these measures are more likely to be taken up by people on higher incomes who can afford to make additional superannuation contributions.
Meanwhile, the number of middle and low income earners who have the financial capacity to take advantage of these changes is limited.
Analysis from the Parliamentary Budget Office showed that only about 2.3 per cent of taxpayers made $25,000 or more worth of concessional contributions in 2012-13, with their average income being $182,000.
This is because most Australians on lower incomes simply cannot afford to make additional contributions from their take-home pay.
Industry Super Australia analysis also shows that beneficiaries of these two measures have on average an 80 per cent higher balance than the average superannuation balance.
Labor’s plan to make superannuation fairer will save around $5.4 billion over the forward estimates.
Labor's Plan To Boost Super Nest Eggs
A Shorten Labor Government will invest more than $655 million to boost the superannuation balances for women and low-income earners.
Universal compulsory super is one of Labor’s greatest achievements.
Super has already ensured a better retirement for millions of Australians.
But right now, women on average retire with over 40 per cent less super than men.
In 2015-16, the average balance at retirement was $270,710 for men and $157,050 for women.
Closing this gap is absolutely critical to ensuring that Australian women enjoy dignity and security in retirement.
LABOR’S PLAN:
A Shorten Labor Government will strengthen our superannuation system by taking steps to boost the superannuation balances for women and low-income earners.
A Shorten Labor Government will pay the Superannuation Guarantee on Paid Parental Leave and Dad and Partner Pay payments from 1 July 2020.
Labor’s policy is estimated to benefit 167,000 recipients of Paid Parental Leave payments and 80,000 recipients of Dad and Partner Pay payments in 2020-21.
Labor will also phase out the $450 per month minimum income threshold for eligibility for the Superannuation Guarantee from 1 July 2020.
About 60,000 people are estimated to become eligible for the Superannuation Guarantee from their employers in 2020-21 as a result of this policy, increasing to 400,000 people in 2024-25.
Labor will amend the Sex Discrimination Act to ensure that businesses are able to make higher superannuation payments for their female employees when they wish to do so.
We will ask the Australian Human Rights Commission to advise on the most appropriate legislative approach and to develop guidelines and advice for any organisation contemplating providing additional superannuation payments for women.
Labor will release an annual women’s budget statement which will provide greater transparency and consideration of gender across government as well as an opportunity to understand policy impacts across budgets.
Labor will ensure that Labor’s Council of Superannuation Custodians considers and reports on the impact on women of any future superannuation changes that it recommends to the Government.
The Council will make recommendations on legislative changes to superannuation tax policies every five years, in line with the release of the Intergenerational Report.
We will pay for these commitments by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor’s Plan to Fix the NDIS
A Shorten Labor Government will get the NDIS back on track.
It took a Labor Government to build the NDIS, and it will take a Shorten Labor Government to get it back on track.
Under the Liberals, the NDIS rollout has been too slow – with over 77,000 people missing out as a result.
The scheme has become too bureaucratic and the experiences of people with disability, families and carers has often been poor.
People are struggling to access services, and on average are being short-changed by over $13,000 per year.
This is not how the NDIS was supposed to be.
Labor created the NDIS to give people with disability choice and control over their lives.
But under the Liberals, too many people with disability, families and carers feel the scheme is not delivering on what was promised.
But worst of all, the Liberals will short-change the NDIS – and the people who rely on it – by $1.6 billion next year alone.
When money budgeted for the NDIS isn’t going to the NDIS, it’s a cut.
The Liberals are using the NDIS to prop up their tax handouts to the top end of town.
It’s no accident that people with disability are being short-changed.
It’s a direct result of the Liberals’ actions, including capping staff, delaying the rollout, failing to invest in the workforce and keeping prices for services too low.
After five ministers in five years, it’s time to get the NDIS back on track.
LABOR’S PLAN
A Shorten Labor Government will establish a National Disability Insurance Scheme Future Fund – guaranteeing that every dollar budgeted for the NDIS, goes to the NDIS.
The $1.6 billion the Liberals are taking from the NDIS 2019-20 will be put into the NDIS Future Fund, along with any future underspends.
It will be a ‘locked box’ to protect the NDIS from Liberal cuts.
A Shorten Labor Government will also put people with disability at the centre of the NDIS once again.
Labor will make the scheme more responsive, less complex and more people-focused.
Our plan includes:A new culture that puts people with disability first.
Establishing an NDIS Future Fund.
More, better-trained staff.
Better planning, more choice and easier reviews.
Ensuring equitable access to the NDIS.
Fixing the gaps between the NDIS and mainstream services.
Valuing a skilled disability workforce.
Keeping people with disability safe and boosting advocacy.
A strong disability services sector.
Improving research and evaluation.
Labor’s plan has been developed after extensive consultation with people with disability, families, carers, advocates, workers and providers across Australia.
A Shorten Labor Government will seek the support of the states and territories for this plan and issue a formal directive to the NDIA Board under section 125 of the NDIS Act, to quickly get the NDIS back on track.
Labor Will Help Developing Countries Fight Multinationals
A Shorten Labor Government will help developing countries claw back cash from tax avoiders, by supporting a tax compliance program that returns $100 in revenue for every $1 invested.
Tax havens hurt equality, especially in developing countries.
Globally, two out of every five dollars of multinational profits are estimated to be channelled through tax havens.
For regional neighbours such as the Philippines and the Solomon Islands, the amount shifted into tax havens is over 2 percent of GDP.
Tax avoidance takes away precious funds that could be used for vital services.
Labor will provide $5 million a year to Tax Inspectors Without Borders, with a portion of that funding assisting the Australian Tax Office to send tax experts to developing countries who request our help.
It is estimated that for every $1 spent by donor countries on the program, developing nations have recouped $100 in additional tax revenue.
With a 100:1 rate of return, Labor’s $5 million investment per year would recoup $500 million in revenue to help developing nations fund schools and hospitals.
This is part of Labor’s commitment to rebuilding our Overseas Development Assistance program, and the latest step forward on tackling multinational tax avoidance.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Labor's Plan To Take The Wheel For Aussie Car Owners And Mechanics
Labor will put more money back into the pockets of car owners, and give 23,000 independent repairers a boost by making multinational car manufacturers share their technical information so that vehicles can be serviced by any mechanic.
New cars are computers on wheels.
Real-time access to digital files and codes, which vary from car to car, is needed to complete many aspects of a repair or service.
Car manufacturers generally own and control this technical information and in many cases are the only sources.
Whatever car you own, everyone should be able to choose where they get their car serviced.
But the multinational car manufacturers guarding this information push up prices for car services,
and limit the ability of independent mechanics to grow their businesses
and generate more jobs.
The Liberals have only been interested in protecting their multinational mates, not driving a better deal for car owners and independent mechanics.
LABOR’S PLAN:
A Shorten Labor Government will require car manufacturers to share technical information with independent mechanics on commercially fair and reasonable terms, with safeguards that enable environmental, safety and security-related technical information to be shared with the independent sector.
Labor will stick up for small businesses, Aussie tradies and keeping the cost of living down for families.
This reform will not only deliver savings to drivers, who will have better choice and easier access to repairs, but also create a level playing field for independent mechanics who will be able to stay in business as a result.
Labour Hire
A Shorten Labor Government will implement a “same job, same pay” policy and introduce a National Labour Hire Licensing Scheme
Too many workers in Australia are subject to unfair labour hire practices, often treated like second class citizens with lower wages, worse conditions and no job security.
Labor’s “same job, same pay” policy will ensure that labour hire workers are paid and treated fairly, and their employment is not used to undermine the pay and conditions of direct employees.
Labor believes workers with the same training and experience, doing the same job side by side, should be paid the same amount.
Labor will legislate to ensure that workers employed through a labour hire company will receive the same pay and conditions as people employed directly by the host company.
Labor will establish a National Labour Hire Licensing Scheme to protect workers from exploitation.
We will require all labour hire companies to be licensed.
Companies that are based overseas and supply labour to Australian firms, either directly or through other companies, will also have to be licensed to do business here.
In contrast, the Liberal government has failed to act to stamp out dodgy labour hire practices and further, has rejected a comprehensive regulation scheme for the labour hire industry.
These reckless decisions have meant that many Australian workers are less secure in their jobs and potentially face a greater risk of exploitation.
Labor's Plan For Pay Transparency For Large Company CEOs
Labor will promote fairness and tackle inequality in the workplace by requiring large companies to report the ratio of their CEO pay to the pay of the median employee.
Wages for everyday Australians have been stagnant, and growth in profits has significantly outpaced growth in average wages.
Current evidence shows that the average total pay of ASX100 CEOs rose by 9 per cent recently – over four times the speed of average wage growth.
The median ASX100 CEO earned more than $4 million.
The best-paid of Australian CEOs made $37 million in 2016-17.
That’s $10 every eight seconds.
This is a local response to a global problem.
In 2015, CEOs of S&P500 companies in the US averaged a pay packet 335 times the size of the average American worker.
Labor will address public concern that CEO salaries are growing at an unfair rate and leaving workers behind.
LABOR’S PLAN:
A Shorten Labor Government will require listed firms with more than 250 employees to report the ratio of their CEO pay to the pay of the median employee.
Alongside their pay ratio, firms would be encouraged to provide a public explanation of the remuneration strategy.
By extending current market reporting requirements for public companies, it will help inform investors as they calculate risks and decide where to invest their money.
This is a pro-growth reform and complements other transparency initiatives announced by Labor, including the public release of gender pay gap information within firms, our Tax Haven Transparency package, and the annual release of tax data for more large private firms.
The requirement parallels measures introduced in the United States and Britain.
The measure would apply from the 2021 financial year, to allow the Australian Securities and Investments Commission time to issue appropriate guidance, and for firms to comply with the new requirements.
Labor's Plan For Inclusive Ownership & Inclusive Growth: Cooperatives And Mutual Enterprises
A Shorten Labor Government will support Australia’s Cooperative and Mutual Enterprises sector.
Today in Australia, we need initiatives that will build the strength of our communities and increase competition in markets dominated by a few large firms.
This holds true for many sectors including banking, agriculture, health care, and insurance.
That’s because social capital – the networks of trust and reciprocity that link multiple individuals together – is declining.
Cooperatives (Co-ops) and mutuals are a flexible structure with the potential to not only create economic value, but also to foster community.
There is also evidence that employees in worker-owned firms are more productive and more satisfied, and that such firms have less turnover and enjoy greater staff loyalty.
Co-ops and mutuals face a number of barriers, ranging from access to capital, equal access to grants, and equal treatment for the sector with other firm structures in all areas of the economy.
Labor’s reform proposals build on Labor’s 2016 election commitments which are based on the recommendations of the Senate Economics Committee Inquiry into member-owned firms.
LABOR’S PLAN: A Shorten Labor Government will support Australia’s Cooperative and Mutual Enterprises sector. Today in Australia, we need initiatives that will build the strength of our communities and increase competition in markets dominated by a few large firms. This holds true for many sectors including banking, agriculture, health care, and insurance. That’s because social capital – the networks of trust and reciprocity that link multiple individuals together – is declining. Cooperatives (Co-ops) and mutuals are a flexible structure with the potential to not only create economic value, but also to foster community. There is also evidence that employees in worker-owned firms are more productive and more satisfied, and that such firms have less turnover and enjoy greater staff loyalty.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will create a Competition and Growth Taskforce to sit within Treasury and include staff from diverse backgrounds including not-for-profits, superannuation and the cooperative and mutuals sector.
The Taskforce will work on issues tasked to it by government and undertake independent research and policy development.
The Taskforce would immediately be tasked with:Corporate governance reform, filling the gap left by the abolition of the Corporations and Markets Advisory Committee by the Liberals, who defunded it at the behest of their vested interest mates.
The Taskforce would be asked to immediately focus on completing the Annual General Meeting and Shareholder Engagement report that the CAMAC started.
Guiding the implementation of the remaining recommendations of the Senate Economics References Committee Inquiry into Co-ops and Mutuals, which primarily involve the coordination of government regulation and information to reflect business plurality.
Reviewing national harmonisation of cooperative laws, including exploring the referral of state powers (legislated under the Cooperatives National Law) to the federal government, and bringing cooperatives into the proposed Director Identification Number regime.
Making recommendations to government on small business transition policies – particularly in relation to small business owners who wish to sell their business to their employees upon retirement as a worker-owned cooperative.
Guiding policy on encouraging employee ownership, including employee share ownership schemes.
The Labor Party committed to ensuring fairer access to capital in 2016, with Parliament later adopting the policy.
We will ensure those reforms work as intended.
Labor will give the sector equal access to government grants.
Labor believes member-owned firms should be eligible for government grants on an equal footing with other organisations.
The clearest example is the Indigenous Advancement Strategy, which does not allow non-corporations to apply for grants above a certain threshold.
Cooperatives are a way for Indigenous collectives to further the goal of self-determination.
The Labor Party committed to ensuring fairer access to capital in 2016, with Parliament later adopting the policy. We will ensure those reforms work as intended. Labor will give the sector equal access to government grants.
Labor believes member-owned firms should be eligible for government grants on an equal footing with other organisations.
The clearest example is the Indigenous Advancement Strategy, which does not allow non-corporations to apply for grants above a certain threshold.
Cooperatives are a way for Indigenous collectives to further the goal of self-determination.
Fairer Markets For A Fairer Australia
Labor will stand up to the market power of multinationals and the top end of town, massively increase penalties for bad behaviour, fight inequality and clamp down on anti-consumer behaviour by big business by reforming competition laws.
Australia has a competition problem – there is not enough of it.
Our industries are concentrated.
Our markets show signs of weak competition and feature large power imbalances.
Recent analysis shows that more than half of Australia’s markets are concentrated – meaning that the four largest firms control a third of the market or more.
Increased concentration is often associated with reduced competition, resulting in higher prices and higher inequality, and lower productivity, innovation, investment, quality and consumer choice.
The Liberals don’t like competition.
They prefer to defend their mates in the top end of town.
Under the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government, it fell to Labor to legislate fair competition reforms, including Small Business Access to Justice, which helps small businesses take on market dominant competitors in court without the risk of being bankrupted by the legal fees of their opponent.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Raise the maximum dollar penalty for companies that break competition laws and rip off consumers from $10 million to $50 million per offence.
Double the ACCC’s litigation budget to $49 million.
Adopt the European Union’s penalty system for anti-competitive conduct, which is based on 30 per cent of the annual sales of the relevant product or service, multiplied by the number of years the infringement took place, capped at 10 per cent of annual turnover.
Empower consumer and small business advocacy groups to make ‘supercomplaints’ about rip-offs to the ACCC. Supercomplaints will require an investigation and public response from the watchdog with a limited response time.
Mergers that have occurred in concentrated markets, or have previously raised regulator concerns or enforceable undertakings, will require a review five and ten years after the merger to evaluate the competition and consumer outcomes of the merger, and the broader public interest (including whether mergers reduced wages, cut jobs, lowered product quality, limited access to services, stifled innovation, damaged suppliers, or hindered the ability of small businesses and entrepreneurs to compete).
Give a truly independent market studies function to the ACCC to explore public interest issues such as pricing discrepancies and increased market concentration.
Amend the Competition and Consumer Act to allow courts to apply higher penalties for conduct that targets or disproportionately impacts disadvantaged Australians.
Require the ACCC to prioritise investigations of conduct that targets or disproportionately impacts disadvantaged Australians.
Investigate the impact of increased market concentration on income inequality in Australia and produce policy recommendations on how the negative effects of market concentration can be mitigated.
Encourage states and territories to include competition principles in planning and zoning legislation, with a specific focus on shortfalls of appropriately zoned land for key services in disadvantaged communities.
Labor's Tradie Pay Guarantee And Plan To Fight Phoenixing
Labor will implement a Tradie Pay Guarantee, a Tradie Litigation Fund, and a series of reforms to detect, deter, and punish fraudulent phoenix operators hurting honest small businesses and employees.
Phoenix activity is a deliberate liquidation strategy to avoid debts, taxes and other liabilities, particularly worker entitlements and outstanding bills to small business suppliers.
It often involves a second company, newly incorporated and structured for this purpose, which arises from the ashes of its failed predecessor, yet the second company’s directors and business are essentially the same.
This type of fraud costs the economy more than $5 billion a year.
Phoenix activity affects all sectors of the economy, but the construction sector is the worst hit - directly impacting sub-contractors, tradies, and their families.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Tradie Pay Guarantee
A Shorten Labor Government will protect sub-contractors working on government projects from being left unpaid when dodgy businesses go bust through the implementation of the Tradie Pay Guarantee.
Labor will trial a new requirement for large Commonwealth construction projects that would see project bank accounts established that use cascading statutory trusts, ensuring that all businesses down the supply chain get paid on time, and set up an efficient process for handling disputes and establish a federal security of payments legislative regime based on the recommendations of the Murray Review.
Labor will then work with the States and Territories to harmonise schemes across the country where possible, including consulting on the referral of powers to the federal program.
This would apply to a broader range of construction activity.
Labor will commit $7 million for the development and implementation of the Tradie Pay Guarantee.
Tradie Litigation Fund
Labor will create aN $8 million Tradie Litigation Fund for sub-contractors to access justice and see regulators take dodgy bosses to court and win.
The new $8 million Tradie Litigation Fund will give the Australian Securities and Investments Commission the ability to run more difficult court cases without draining the corporate watchdog’s resources.
Not only will this give tradies their day in court, it will also act both as a punishment and a deterrent for dodgy directors.
People who deliberately burn their companies should be subject to the full consequences of failing directors’ duties, including being liable for compensation, fines of up to $200,000 or five years behind bars.
Detect, Deter, and Punish Phoenix Operators
A Shorten Labor Government will implement the following anti-phoenixing measures:1. Require all company directors to obtain a Director Identification Number (DIN) with a 100-point ID check.
This stops dodgy directors signing up under false details and allows regulators to track their operation.
2. Increase penalties associated with phoenix activity.
3. Allow the Commissioner of Taxation to name and shame individuals and entities as a penalty for the most serious tax offences.
4. Allow the Commissioner of Taxation to apply to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission for disqualification orders for directors who engaged in or oversaw serious non-compliance.
5. Introduce an objective test for transactions depriving employees of their entitlements.
6. Clarify the availability of compensation orders against accessories under the Fair Work Act 2009.
7. Undertake consultation on targeted integrity measures based on the recommendations of the Melbourne Law School / Monash Business School Phoenix Research Team recommendations.
8. Include all labour hire contracting firms in the Taxable Payment Reporting System, to increase tax compliance in a phoenix-risk sector
Labor's Plan to deliver Better Regional Communications
Labor understands just how critical connectivity is to improving quality of life,
boosting productivity
and supporting jobs in the regions.
Having access to fast, reliable and affordable communications is an enabler of social and economic opportunity, particularly in regional communities that face barriers of distance.
This is why Labor established a ubiquitous National Broadband Network (NBN), and invested $250 million in the Regional Backbone Blackspots Program.
We will continue to invest in better connectivity to help bridge the digital divide in regional communities.
LABOR’S PLAN:
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $245 million to address mobile black spots, improve digital inclusion and fund local projects to improve connectivity in regional communities.
This $245 million commitment shows Labor is the party most committed to regional communications,
and forms part of our broader commitment to support local productivity,
jobs
and enhanced connectivity in regional Australia – and to improve the NBN.
Labor’s Plan to deliver Better Regional Communications will:1. Fix more mobile black spots: Labor will allocate $160 million to deliver improved mobile coverage through two further rounds of the Mobile Black Spot Program, as well as strengthening co-location and infrastructure sharing opportunities for new mobile towers funded by the program.
2. Invest in local projects to address regional connectivity issues: Labor will allocate $60 million to local projects to address regional connectivity issues by working with state and local government and other stakeholders to develop Connected Community Plans.
This place-based approach will help identify priorities for investment in local connectivity projects and digital literacy initiatives, including in remote Indigenous communities.
3. Improve data collection to support better decision-making: Labor will work with industry and regulators to develop more accurate and comparable mobile coverage maps to support policy making.
We will also empower the ACCC to track capital investment in regional mobile networks, including 5G, to support policy analysis, program design and decision making to benefit regional consumers.
4. Work with the States and Territories to better co-ordinate investment: Labor will work with the States and Territories to maximise co-investment opportunities in mobile and other network infrastructure; ensure that Commonwealth investment in road and rail projects incorporates a communications coverage plan where feasible; and investigate co-building of mobile network infrastructure in areas of defined need such as transport routes, where public land can be leveraged in exchange for cooperation amongst mobile network operators.
5. Improve consistency of back-up power arrangements for new mobile towers located in bushfire prone areas: Labor will work with industry and consult experts on options to improve the consistency of battery back-up arrangements for new base stations built in bushfire prone areas.
6. Improve Remote Indigenous Communications: Labor will provide funding to improve remote Indigenous telecommunications and broadcasting to help address digital literacy, improve access to basic services and address the digital divide in remote communities.
If elected, we will also restore much needed rigour to ensure taxpayer’s money is delivering the benefits that regional Australians deserve.
The Liberals and nationals have been caught out for failings in administering regional funding. The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) found 89 of 499 base stations — nearly 1 in 5 towers funded under Round 1 of the Mobile Black Spot Program — delivered no new coverage at a cost of $28 million.
From their second-rate copper NBN, to bungling of mobile black spots delivery, the Liberals and Nationals cannot be trusted when it comes to regional communications.
As it stands, 31 black spot towers promised by the Liberals and Nationals after the 2013 election are yet to be delivered, and a further 71 of the 102 towers promised as 2016 election commitments in are also incomplete.
Regional Australians and taxpayers deserve better than this.
DELIVERING A BETTER NBN EXPERIENCE FOR REGIONAL AUSTRALIA
Labor’s Plan for Better Regional Communications will be supported by our commitment to deliver a better experience for regional NBN consumers by:Establishing an NBN Service Guarantee to improve service standards, and better protect consumers and small businesses against excessive NBN downtime.
Undertaking a review of the future funding and capacity requirements of the NBN fixed-wireless network.
Improving reliability and speed for up to 750,000 Fibre to the Node households, many of which are in the regions, where the NBN copper network is over-represented.
Undertaking fibre upgrade trials to validate costs and inform options for future co-investment to deliver more fibre.
The choice at the next election could not be clearer.
Regional Australians can have better schools, hospitals and connectivity under Labor, or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
After six years of dysfunction and chaos within the Liberals and Nationals, our united Labor team is ready.
Labor Will Make Unfair Contract Terms Illegal
A Shorten Labor Government will protect small businesses by making unfair contract terms illegal and punishable with significant fines.
Australia’s current laws aren’t tough enough.
While contract terms that unfairly exploit a power imbalance between a big business and a small business can be voided by a court, there’s no punishment for the entity exploiting its market power.
This means there is nothing discouraging the big end of town from pushing smaller, dependent firms to sign onto unfair arrangements.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission previously stated that making unfair contract terms illegal “… would act as a better deterrent. In the ACCC’s view, currently there is minimal incentive for businesses to comply with [current unfair contract term] laws.”
Common unfair contract terms include: allowing the contract provider to unilaterally vary all terms, broad and unreasonable powers to protect themselves against loss or damage at the expense of the small business, or an unreasonable ability to cancel or end an agreement.
LABOR’S PLAN:
A Shorten Labor Government will ensure that the top end of town can’t get away with putting dodgy clauses into their contracts by:Making unfair contract terms illegal.
Introducing penalties for contracts that contain unfair contract terms.
Expanding the definition of small businesses eligible for protection from such contract terms (expanding eligibility for protection from businesses with up to 20 employees to also include businesses with annual turnover of up to $10 million).
These measures will complement Labor’s successfully legislated Small Business Access to Justice reforms which help small businesses take court cases to address anti-competitive conduct, and our Fairer Markets for A Fairer Australia competition reforms.
Labor's Comprehensive Plan For Housing Affordability
Labor has a comprehensive plan to tackle the housing affordability crisis, including by reforming tax concessions like negative gearing and increasing housing supply through a more viable Build-to-Rent sector and working with the community sector to build 250,000 new homes.
Australia is in the midst of a housing affordability and homelessness crisis under the Morrison Government – our housing system simply isn’t delivering for working and middle-class Australians.
Rates of home ownership have plummeted to historic lows, record numbers of families are experiencing rental and mortgage stress, and many of the most vulnerable in our communities are at‐risk or experiencing homelessness.
Secure housing is essential to wellbeing, participation and inclusion.
All Australians have a right to safe, affordable and appropriate housing throughout their lives.
But the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government has failed to provide national leadership in housing policy or to invest in the supply of Australia’s affordable housing stock.
A Shorten Labor Government will:Reform negative gearing so that deductions can only be claimed on newly built homes, which will increase new housing supply
and support jobs.
We will reform the capital gains tax concession and allow existing investors to maintain their current CGT and negative gearing entitlements.
There will be no retrospective taxation or impost on existing investors.
Build 250,000 new affordable rental homes over the next decade in partnership with the community housing sector for Australians on low and moderate incomes.
We will also ensure that 1 in 10 employees engaged in building new housing stock under our scheme are apprentices.
Create a viable Build to Rent sector in Australia – giving institutional investors better tax concessions; encouraging more construction; and stimulating the housing market.
We will do this by cutting the managed investment trust withholding rate in half from 30 per cent to 15 per cent to encourage new housing supply.
Provide $88 million over two years for a new Safe Housing Fund to increase transitional housing options for women and children escaping domestic and family violence, young people exiting out-of-home care and older women on low incomes who are at risk of homelessness.
Limit direct borrowing by Self-Managed Superannuation Funds.
Limited recourse borrowing in SMSFs has exploded in recent years, increasing risk in the superannuation system and crowding out first home owners.
Facilitate COAG processes to introduce a uniform vacant property tax across all major cities.
Increase fees for overseas investors buying Australian real estate and increase penalties when they break the law.
Achieve better results from National Agreements, including better rights for renters, planning reform, inclusionary zoning, and accelerated land release.
Re-establish the National Housing Supply Council and appoint a dedicated Federal Housing and Homelessness Minister.
Establish a new and independent COAG Economic Reform Council that will be given the autonomy to examine, track and report to COAG on long-term reform priorities, including on housing affordability and supply.
A Shorten Labor Government will ensure that the issue of affordable housing for all Australians is front and centre of our national agenda for the next decade and beyond.
Labors Fairer Long Stay Parent Visa
A Shorten Labor Government will deliver a fairer Long Stay Parent visa so that Australian families from migrant and multicultural backgrounds can reunite with loved ones.
As Australia’s migrant and multicultural communities re-establish their lives in Australia, the ability for families to reunite with parents and grandparents still overseas with existing visas is limited, expensive and some have wait times of up to 50 years.
Many elderly parents want to reunite with their families, but under the existing visa system, they have to travel to Australia as tourists.
This can be costly, frustrating, disruptive and exhausting as elderly parents are made to ferry between countries.
The Liberals’ unfair Temporary Sponsored Parent visa is completely different from the commitment they took to the 2016 election – with unfair conditions and higher fees for families wanting to reunite.
Most cruelly, the Liberals are forcing families to choose which parents or in-laws they reunite with by limiting the visa to one set of parents per household.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor’s fairer Long Stay Parent visa will allow parents and in-laws to reunite with their families and let all grandparents spend quality time with their grandkids:
Labor’s Fairer Long Stay Parent VisaLiberals’ Unfair Temporary Sponsored Parent visaUncappedVisas capped to 15,000 placesFamilies can reunite with both sets of parentsLimited to one set of parents per householdCost:$2,500 for a 5-year visa$1,250 for a 3-year visaCost:$10,000 for a 5-year visa$5,000 for a 3-year visaCan be renewed in AustraliaCan’t be renewed in Australia
Labor’s fairer Long Stay Parent visa will be more affordable for families – unlike the Liberal’s expensive fees that see families paying up to $40,000 to access visas.
Only a Shorten Labor Government will deliver a fair go for Australia’s proud migrant and multicultural communities with our fairer Long Stay Parent visa.
National Bike Paths Strategy
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $260 million to upgrade the nation’s cycling paths to encourage more people to ride bicycles to work or school
and capitalise on the rapidly expanding cycling tourism market.
Labor’s National Bike Paths Strategy will provide the largest ever investment in bike paths from the Federal Government and underscores our commitment to active transport.
Labor will partner with state and territory governments or local councils to unlock even more investment and make a difference to the health, safety and overall amenity for people living in cities and towns across Australia.
According to research by the National Heart Foundation and the Cycling Promotion Fund, a key reason Australians cite for not cycling is concern for their safety when they ride on roads.
Further research by the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics has found that 80 per cent of cyclists would ride more frequently if there were more bike paths.
Labor’s record investment in bike paths will remove these obstacles to greater participation in cycling, with higher cycling rates not only improving health outcomes for cyclists
but also taking cars off our congested roads.
We will achieve this by delivering strategic projects that target missing links, requiring project proponents to use best practice as part of the design parameters.
Labor’s new cycling strategy will also target the growing tourism sector of cycling tourism, also known as trail tourism, which offers great opportunities for regional communities.
Cycling tourists spend $300 million a year in New Zealand, with more than a third of the visitors coming from overseas.
Australia can be a bigger part of this growing tourism sector which will also help regional communities link up local tourism attractions via bikeways.
Labor will also look to develop in Government a national guide for cities that provides detailed national and international best practice designs and resources for practitioners for the effective design and delivery of bicycle infrastructure to enable significant cycling participation, while ensuring innovative outcomes for the entire transport system and return on investment for funds invested.
Labor’s National Bike Paths Strategy builds on our legacy, where the former Federal Labor Government oversaw record investment in bike paths across the nation.
It also builds on commitments already made by Labor, namely that infrastructure project proposals show consideration of integration of active transport.
Labor has listened to communities and representatives from across cycling networks and today’s policy reflects their calls for greater investment.
Only Labor can be trusted to deliver the infrastructure projects Australia needs.
Labor's Plan For Marine Science
A Shorten Labor Government will invest more than $100 million into marine science in Australia’s north, including a $30 million redevelopment of the iconic ReefHQ in Townsville, additional funding for the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), the refit of the RV Cape Ferguson science vessel and a major new reef research initiative.
Labor understands the importance of science to our role as custodian of some of nature’s greatest wonders just off our shores, the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay in WA.
These are not only natural wonders but are also vital to northern Australia’s – especially northern Queensland’s - tourism industry, and much of the service sector around Cairns and Townsville.
Protecting our marine estate and the benefits it provides requires management based on the best science, and development of new approaches and technologies which policy makers can deploy with certainty.
Marine science is critical to realising these opportunities and responding to these rapidly emerging challenges.
Under the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government, science, research and innovation funding has declined by $1.2 billion in real terms.
The 2014 budget cut AIMS funding by $7.8 million.
And just last year the Liberals chose to grant precious funds to help save the reef - a $444 million grant - to the small, private Great Barrier Reef Foundation, rather than allocate this funding to the government reef agencies like AIMS.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor’s plan will invest in the infrastructure and capability of Australian inshore marine science, including a refurbishment of Australia’s world class Great Barrier Reef education and research facility, Reef HQ Aquarium.
It will provide an additional investment to bring about a step change in capability for the AIMS by providing resourcing to invest in technological change and employ additional scientists and technologists.
It will also refit and extend the life of the RV Cape Ferguson, which is the inshore research vessel for the Great Barrier Reef.
These investments will enable AIMS to serve the nation by providing the tools to help protect the Great Barrier Reef, providing new insights into inshore marine systems across Northern Australia.
The package will also invest in a new Australian Research Council special research initiative to conduct vital research supporting the social and economic adaptation of communities to the challenges of reef restoration and adaptation.
Labor will also invest $30 million in Reef HQ.
Labor will refurbish this tired and aging facility and transform it into a National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef which all Australians can be proud of.
This election is a choice between Labor’s plan for better science,
better hospitals
and better schools versus bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
After six years of Liberal cuts and chaos, our united Labor team is ready.
Council of Super Custodians
Labor will create a Council of Superannuation Custodians to guide changes to the superannuation system.
The Council of Superannuation Custodians will help take superannuation decisions out of the annual budget cycle and will ensure the overarching integrity of the system.
This will take effect after Labor enacts its already announced changes to superannuation tax concessions, and other changes to superannuation to make the system fairer, including paying the Superannuation Guarantee on Paid Parental Leave and enshrining superannuation within the National Employment Standards.
Better Protections For Casual Workers
A Shorten Labor Government will legislate to allow workers the right to request permanent part-time or full-time employment after 12 months with the same employer.
A Shorten Labor Government will get historically low wages moving again by acting on job security.
Labor will legislate to allow workers the right to request permanent part-time or full-time employment after 12 months with the same employer.
Too many Australians are employed as casuals with no clear prospect of a permanent position, and endless job insecurity.
Too often long-term casual work is used as a mechanism to pay workers less, deprive them of leave, and make them easier to sack.
In Australia, 2.6 million workers are considered casual – that’s one in four workers who are not entitled to paid leave.
More than half of them have been with their employer for more than 12 months (59 per cent) and 192,000 workers have been with their current employer for more than 10 years.
While some people like the flexibility that casual work provides, for others it has become a constant worry: never knowing what it’s like to have a paid sick day or paid holiday.
For these workers it’s tough to pay the rent or the mortgage and the bills, let alone make longer-term decisions like taking out a car loan or buying their own home.
Currently there is no obligation for an employer to offer a permanent job to a casual working regular hours and shifts, and an employer effectively decides who is and isn’t a casual.
The Liberals have failed to do anything about this for five years.
They deny there is any problem with casualisation or precarious work.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will give long-term casuals the right to request permanent part-time or full-time employment after 12 months.
We will provide workers the right to challenge an employer who unreasonably refuses such a request.
Labor will also end the use of so-called ‘permanent casuals’ by introducing an objective definition of the term ‘casual’.
We will work with workers, employers, unions and employer organisations to clearly define casual work – so employers and workers know with certainty whether a worker is really a 'casual'.
A Fair Go For LGBTIQ Australians
A Shorten Labor Government will deliver a fairer Australia for LGBTIQ people by tackling discrimination and giving a stronger voice to LGBTIQ Australians.
Labor has a proud record of promoting and defending the rights of LGBTIQ people.
When Labor was last in Government we introduced an unprecedented number of reforms and rights protections for LGBTIQ Australians, ending legal discrimination in 85 pieces of Commonwealth legislation.
We fought side by side with LGBTIQ Australians in the fight for Marriage Equality, and together, we won.
We understand, however, that there is more to do.
LABOR’S PLAN
A Shorten Labor Government will:Establish a National LGBTIQ Ministerial Advisory Council
Protect LGBTIQ students and staff from discrimination in schools
Work with the states and territories on a nationwide ban on so-called “LGBTIQ Conversion Therapy”
Establish a full-time LGBTIQ Human Rights Commissioner within the Australian Human Rights Commission
Work to remove all remaining discrimination at the federal level
Provide small grants to LGBTIQ Community organisations
Provide $10 million to the new Victorian Pride Centre
$600,000 for JoyFM
Make HIV history, with a package of measures to end new infections
Work to ensure aged care is appropriate for the LGBTIQ community.
Environmental Laws
A Shorten Labor Government will ensure the federal government returns to a leadership role in protecting our natural environment by creating an Australian Environment Act, and establishing a Federal Environmental Protection Agency.
The current environment Act is now 20 years old and has never been significantly reformed.
It is time to bring it into the twenty-first century.
In 2018, it is bizarre that the national environmental law does not properly factor in climate change.
Labor’s process will involve undertaking significant reform of Australia’s environmental law, committing to an Australian Environment Act in our first term.
It will be an Act that both protects our environment
and also supports job-creating development by streamlining and harmonising processes.
Labor will also establish a new agency, a Federal EPA, with a mission to protect Australia’s natural environment.
It will be informed by the best available scientific advice, ensure compliance with environmental law, and have the ability to conduct public inquiries on important environmental matters.
The new legal framework will compel the federal government to actively protect our unique natural environment and demonstrate national leadership.
Labor will establish a high-powered working group of experts including scientists, environmental lawyers and public policy thinkers to refine the clear concepts that underpin this reform.
We will also ensure all stakeholders – including the States and Territories, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives, impacted industries and business groups, trade unions and civil society – have a seat at the table.
The Australian Environment Act will aim to tackle problems identified by industry which has identified inefficiencies, delays and hurdles in the current law.
The new law will protect the environment while aiming to give business more certainty.
The Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government has vacated the field in environmental leadership. Under this government, Australia’s natural environment is going backwards.
Under Malcolm Turnbull, Australia took the largest step backwards in conservation by any government anywhere in the world by stripping back Australia’s marine parks,
and in 2018 the Liberals awarded nearly half a billion dollars to a small private foundation instead of directly investing in restoring the health of the Great Barrier Reef.
It’s time for Australia’s environmental laws to properly protect our beautiful natural land and oceans.
Recent examples of either the current environmental law failing or the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government seeming to ignore the law include:Large scale land clearing in Reef catchments in Queensland.
The ‘mean’ approval time being reported as 860 days.
Enabling use of the Sydney Opera House as a billboard, an action that went against the management plan required under the national environmental law.
Not using the water trigger for dams and pipelines associated with large coal mines.
The export of 200 rare and threatened birds to a German alleged organised crime syndicate.
National Park & Ride Fund
A Shorten Labor Government will establish a $300 million National Park and Ride Fund for new or expanded car parks at public transport hubs, such as train stations.
Labor backs public transport – it’s good for commuters and it eases congestion on our roads.
But too many residents in our cities and major regional areas are frustrated at the lack of available parking at train and bus stations as they travel into the city for work.
At town hall meetings across the country, locals have told Labor MPs, Senators and candidates that they are fed up with the car park at their station being completely full early in the morning.
It means people are forced to park far away from their train or bus station, or they have to drive into the city instead.
This problem is happening because governments aren’t investing in infrastructure to keep up with rapid population growth in outer suburbs and regional areas, and it’s impacting on families’ quality of life.
Labor’s Park and Ride Fund will deliver grant funding to local communities – via state and local governments – to construct new car parks and expanded existing ones in high-growth areas with demonstrated commuter need.
A Shorten Labor Government will partner with local communities to fund the projects on a co-investment basis.
As part of the application process, local and state governments will be asked to demonstrate that a car park is the best solution and most cost-effective way to use available land.
Australians want better schools,
better hospitals,
and better access to public transport.
That’s what Labor will deliver.
The out-of-touch Liberals are only for the top end of town.
A Shorten Labor Government will deliver a fair go for all Australians.
Closing the Indigenous Justice Gap
A Shorten Labor Government will deliver a $107 million package to address the disadvantage experienced by First Nations peoples in the justice system.
Nowhere is the story of unfairness and diminished opportunity more clearly defined than in the justice gap experienced by First Nations peoples.
For too long, our justice system has failed First Nations peoples.
It has been 28 years since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and yet the vicious cycle that drives the unacceptable over-representation of Indigenous Australians in our justice system continues.
Labor believes that in tackling the entrenched disadvantages faced by First Nations peoples in the justice system, we must be guided by those who live the reality of the justice gap – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their community-controlled, representative organisations.
LABOR’S PLAN
A Labor Government will:Strengthen access to justice for First Nations peoples by providing $40 million over four years to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services. This will greatly enhance its ability to fulfil its critical functions.
Provide $4 million over four years to the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services, to build its capacity to lead the sector and to improve justice outcomes based on community, culture and empowerment.
Work with the states and territories to adopt justice targets under the Closing the Gap framework.
Work with state and territory governments to grow and sustain alternative sentencing mechanisms such as Koori Courts and mediation forums to reduce pressure on the overburdened justice system.
Invest $21.75 million over four years into progressing justice reinvestment.
Extend the justice reinvestment project currently underway in Bourke, New South Wales; and introduce the trial to sites in Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Establish three new launch sites in a major city, regional town and remote community that build on existing community-led initiatives to explore the role of justice reinvestment in preventing crime and reducing incarceration.
Through COAG, establish a national coordinating body, as recommended by the Australian Law Reform Commission, to build the evidence base; collect data and measure progress as the new targets are implemented; and to monitor the effectiveness of justice reinvestment in the Australian context.
Work in partnership with First Nations women to address unacceptably high rates of violence against Indigenous women.
Labor will provide a dedicated First Nations’ stream of the $60 million Community Prevention and Frontline Service Grants program to support community-led and culturally-appropriate prevention programs.
Invest in Aboriginal-controlled frontline services, including at least $20 million for refuges and safe houses and a $21.5 million boost to Family Violence Prevention Legal Services over four years.
Only Labor can be trusted to deliver a fair go under the law for First Australians.
This election is a choice between a properly funded, First Nations-led and evidence-based justice package under Labor, or further cuts and chaos to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services under the Liberals.
Indigenous Rangers
A Shorten Labor Government will double the number of full-time Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Rangers, providing the required funding over five years, to over 1,600 full-time-equivalent Indigenous Rangers under the Working for Country program.
Indigenous Rangers are good for jobs and good for the environment.
Labor is backing them all the way.
More than a third of Indigenous Rangers are women, delivering jobs and empowerment in remote communities.
Combining the latest environmental science with traditional knowledge and training in conservation, Indigenous Rangers are well placed to protect and rehabilitate their land.
It’s what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have always done.
Labor is serious about providing meaningful jobs in remote areas, with real social, economic and cultural benefits to flow from Working on Country.
Save The Murray-Darling Basin
When Labor was in government, we got the Murray-Darling Basin Plan in place after a century of conflict.
Now, under the Liberals and Nationals, the entire plan is now at risk.
The purpose of the reform was to restore the system to health, but the plan becomes meaningless if there is no integrity to the system for measuring water.
The Murray-Darling Basin Plan must be delivered in full and on time if there is any hope for the health of the basin.
We saw for 100 years what the Murray-Darling Basin looked like without a plan.
When different sides were not meeting in the middle, the result was a river system starved of water as environmental necessity was overridden by personal interest.
The past demonstrates the importance of a strong plan to keep the river healthy and personal interest in check.
Labor is committed to:Introducing legislation to repeal the 1,500GL cap on water buybacks.
Restoring the integrity of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority by moving its compliance functions to the new Federal EPA, and ordering a formal review of claims that public servants acted unlawfully.
Urgently reviewing the impact of climate change on the Murray-Darling Basin now and into the future to determine any change in inflows and evaporation rates.
Urgently renegotiating the Menindee Lakes agreement, which determines how the lakes are managed and is now decades out of date.
Cultural Water
Part of Labor’s strong commitment to the delivery of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan was the inclusion of First Nations peoples in consultation, planning and management processes regarding Indigenous cultural water.
A Shorten Labor Government will establish a National Indigenous Water Committee to ensure Indigenous water rights are properly managed and to drive policy change that guarantees cultural objectives for water access are achieved.
Water is an ancient and central component of Aboriginal life, dictating where Indigenous communities settled and shaping their spiritual identity.
Labor respects and honours the deep spiritual, cultural and customary connections Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with the Australian landscape, and in particular the Murray-Darling Basin.
Records show that Indigenous communities have lived along the banks of the rivers for close to 30,000 years.
Labor supports measures that help to address barriers faced by Indigenous people in water access and management, including addressing socio-economic disadvantages and knowledge gaps on water management mechanisms.
The Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government has followed Labor’s lead with the National Cultural Flows Research Project.
This is a small step in the right direction, but does not go far enough in ensuring Indigenous people are adequately consulted and actively engaged in the water planning and distribution practices that are currently taking place.
Labor is also committed to establishing the National Indigenous Water Committee to ensure cultural objectives are explicitly identified and provided for in future water plans, the progress of which will be regularly monitored and publicly reported on.
Further, the National Water Commissioner will drive policy change and innovation, and investigate ways in which the use of water can be used for the economic development and empowerment of Indigenous communities.
Through this, Labor will ensure that adequate training and business development programs are in place to enable Indigenous communities to maximise the value of their cultural water resources.
Labor recognises and values the traditional ownership of Indigenous communities in regard to cultural water and environmental flows.
The creation of the National Indigenous Water Committee will support Indigenous participation, autonomy and self-determination in our water management systems.
Labor developed the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and Labor is committed to delivering a healthy working basin for all users.
Labor fought hard to include Indigenous water rights.
Only Labor will continue to support Traditional Owners in ongoing water management solutions.
Urban Rivers and Corridors
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $200 million to restore our urban rivers to their natural beauty.
Australia is the nation of the great outdoors, but for too long our rivers, creeks and wetlands have been treated like industrial waste drains, ending up polluted, dirty and littered with shopping trolleys rather than being safe spaces for families, kids and school groups to visit.
That’s why Labor will engage state and local government, community groups and local environmental organisations to bring urban waterways and habitat corridors back to health.
Local environmental action groups will be able to apply for small grants, benefitting our urban environment,
creating jobs and re-engaging,
educating and mobilising local communities to act on local environmental protection.
Labor’s $200 million investment will unlock grant funding for projects to clean up our rivers, including:Building wetlands to capture and clean and filter stormwater.
Revegetation and tree planting along corridors.
Citizen science and education programs along creeks and corridors, including Bush Kinder.
Bird boxes and waste capture.
Employment of Indigenous Rangers.
Turning urban waterways back into creeks and rivers again through changing hard surfaces back to natural surfaces (cement turned to river banks).
Labor understands that local organisations with ‘boots on the ground’ are the most passionate and effective organisations in combating environmental degradation and promoting sustainability.
Community groups work hard to protect and revitalise their waterways – but it’s a day in, day out battle.
This investment will give them the support and resources they sorely need.
Labor will work to restore our urban rivers and river banks to health so that they are a place for local recreation and connection to nature, not an alternative to the rubbish tip.
A Shorten Labor Government will take protecting our environment seriously, making sure it’s there for future generations to enjoy,
maintaining Australia’s status as the great outdoors.
Ocean Protection and Marine National Parks
A Shorten Labor Government will reverse the largest removal of area from conservation in history by the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government.
Disappointingly, the Senate did not support Labor’s motion, moved in conjunction with the Greens, to disallow the marine park management plans put in place by Josh Frydenberg when he was minister for the environment.
This concluded a process that commenced under the Abbott Government in 2013 and has effectively cut the highly protected areas of Commonwealth Marine Parks in half.
What was formerly the largest area in the world limited to recreational fishing is now being re-accessed by commercial operators, and perhaps most disturbing of all, the Morrison Government has now established a massive trawling area immediately adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef.
Longlining will now also be permitted north to south through the Coral Sea.
The original plans, now cast aside, were subject to over three years and six rounds of consultation, over 245 public and stakeholder meetings, attended by over 2,000 people, enabled 210 public comment days and considered almost three-quarters of a million public submissions.
This far exceeds any consultation undertaken by the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government as part of its process to cut marine protection.
Labor has committed to reversing the largest removal of area from conservation in Australian history and restoring the original 2012 Marine Park Network in full.
This includes an adjustment package for commercial fishers, and will still allow recreational fishing in 96 per cent of Commonwealth waters within one hundred kilometres of the shore.
It does not affect the coastline or state waters.
Labor’s commitment to return the marine parks will also involve retaining some very minor improvements in the zoning in the current plans, including small oil and gas exclusion zones off the South Australian coast and the Kimberley Marine Park.
Stop The Supertrawler
A Shorten Labor Government will permanently ban super trawlers – factory freezer vessels – from Australia’s Small Pelagic Fishery.
Current legislation in Australia allows factory freezer vessels under 130 metres in length to operate in the Small Pelagic Fishery.
Labor is the party that first stopped the super trawler and we have tried a number of times to improve the current law.
Each time we have been blocked by the Liberals and Nationals.
Labor’s commitment will guarantee Australia’s waters are adequately protected from risks associated with the use of large-capacity factory freezer trawlers in this fishery, including the impact of localised depletion and bycatch.
However, it will have no impact upon existing commercial operators that are sustainably fishing our waters.
This is about getting the balance right.
Boats with factory freezing capabilities as small as 45 metres are now considered super trawlers in the Northern Hemisphere.
Labor is committed to protecting Australian waters from the risks of overfishing and from the use of large-capacity factory freezer trawlers.
Labor’s ban will give industry certainty and it will also mean that recreational fishers no longer need to worry about baitfish being targeted for days – or even weeks – by super trawlers that can stay out at sea for long periods.
In addition to a permanent ban on super trawlers, any unused fishing quota in the Small Pelagic Fishery will be entrusted to the Australian community and set aside in a recreational fishing trust.
This will mean that more baitfish stay in the water to feed larger species such as tuna.
Online Safety For Children
Labor wants every Australian child to be safe online.
The online environment provides opportunities for our children, but also presents challenges when it comes to cyberbullying, inappropriate content and online safety.
Labor understands a multi-faceted approach is needed to protect children as they use the internet, including adult supervision, technological access-prevention measures and education.
It's crucial all kids can access resources and build skills that help them to be safe online.
LABOR’S PLAN:
A Shorten Labor Government will protect a new generation of Australian children from cyber risks by creating a new eSmart Digital Licence that would begin rollout from this year.
The new eSmart licence will arm Australian children with critical digital skills to stay safe online and promote discussion about online safety between young people and their parents, carers and teachers.
For years, Australian kids have been getting a pen licence as they learn to write - this is the pen licence for the digital world.
Developed by the Alannah & Madeleine Foundation, the eSmart Digital Licence is one of the most comprehensive online safety cyber resources available.
From 2019, Labor will deliver a pilot and evaluation of the licence, with a full national rollout to every student commencing from Year 3 in 2020.
Labor's priority is ensuring eSmart licences are available to all Australian children, regardless of what school they go to.
Labor understands and respects that schools are best placed to choose the programs that suit the needs of their children and communities.
Labor's intention is to roll out the eSmart Digital Licence nationally so the resource is available for any school that wants to take it up.
Labor's commitment will cost $2.5 million and would flow from the 2019-20 financial year.
Further announcements will be made about future funding of the program following the evaluation.
Stop The Plastic Tide - Plastics, Waste And Recycling Policy
A Shorten Labor Government will make Australia a world leader in tackling plastic use and boosting recycling – investing $290 million to cut waste and handing on a cleaner Australia for the next generation.
Labor will protect our vulnerable wildlife
and reduce the amount of waste generated by putting in place a national ban on plastic products like microbeads and single-use plastic bags.
Plastic has a devastating impact on our natural environment – more than a thirds of the world’s sea turtles were found to have plastic waste in their stomachs, and it is estimated around 90 per cent of seabirds eat plastic waste.
Plastic breaks up into smaller pieces over time, becoming harder to manage and clean up and filtering through to waterways, lakes and oceans.
That’s why Labor will introduce a national ban on lightweight, single use plastic bags and microbeads from 2021.
We will consult with state and territory governments and industry on how best to do this.
This will create a consistent approach across the country – following moves of many state and territory governments to phase out single-use plastic bags, as well as manufacturers phasing out microbeads.
In addition, Labor will also implement a broader Recycling and Waste Strategy, including:The creation of a National Container Deposit Scheme – Labor will work with the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to harmonise existing state schemes.
These schemes incentivise recycling and increase the quality of recyclables by separating out materials – making it far cheaper to be able to recycle in Australia.
States without a scheme will not be forced to participate in the national scheme, but will be invited to join.
Establishing a National Waste Commissioner – A National Waste Commissioner will work with state and local government, helping to educate the community on solutions to waste.
The commissioner will also be charged with working with industry on the expansion of schemes for the recycling of products when they are at the end of their use – the Product Stewardship Schemes.
This will cost $15 million over six years.
Investing in the domestic recycling industry – Labor will invest $60 million in a National Recycling Fund.
This will fund projects to encourage recycling, including funding for innovative waste solutions, local government recycling facilities and material processing facilities, and new approaches to tackling food waste.
Tackling marine plastics through $15 million to assist our neighbours clean up the Pacific Ocean – As an island continent and developed country, Australia has a responsibility within our region to clean up our oceans.
Australia will play its part in our region by funding international efforts to reduce marine litter through the United Nations Environment Programme, regional and bilateral assistance to Pacific nations, and funding of efforts to clean rivers and waterways in Southeast Asian neighbours, including through ASEAN-led initiatives.
Setting targets for federal government purchasing of recycled products – As one of Australia’s largest procurers, there is an opportunity to make the federal government a national leader in waste and recycling by prioritising the purchase of recycled products.
Labor will also ask the infrastructure department to investigate whether recycled products can feasibly be used as road base for infrastructure projects.
A Shorten Labor Government will clean up Australia’s urban waterways and stop plastics from reaching our oceans through our $200 million Urban Rivers and Corridors program – partnering with community organisations and environmental groups to revitalise the nation’s waterways and make them safe and clean places.
In 2018, COAG agreed to a set of targets to reduce plastics – including that 100 per cent of all Australia’s packaging will be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025 or earlier.
Labor endorses these targets. The Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government has been missing in action – Labor’s plan will provide the national leadership needed to get the country on track to meet our 2025 targets.
Australians want action from government to help reduce waste and build a circular economy.
So while many Australians do their duty – they recycle, compost, use keep cups for their morning coffee – we need the federal government to take a leading role to tackle some of the big, structural problems.
For too long, the federal government has left issues of recycling, plastics and waste to state and local government.
And, while state and local government have generally moved in a positive direction, plastics and waste are now becoming both a national and international problem.
This election is a choice between Labor’s plan a better environment, or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
Only Labor is committed to delivering a better deal to the next generation.
After six years of Liberal cuts and chaos, our united Labor team is ready.
Labor's Plan For Climate Science
A Shorten Labor Government will commit $10 million to boost the capabilities of the CSIRO Climate Science Centre, better coordinate Australian climate science and develop an Australian climate science capability plan.
Our scientific community has warned us that unless we boost our capabilities and our coordination of climate science, we will not be able to meet our international obligations.
Australia should never again be faced with the threat of the CSIRO being forced to exit the field of climate science,
or sacking hundreds of climate scientists, as happened under the Liberals in 2016.
Climate variability and change across seasons and decades has profound consequences for primary industries, coastal and water infrastructure, the generation and delivery of energy, and transport systems in Australia and throughout the world.
Science improves our ability to understand and make projections of climate change.
It has the potential to reduce climate-related impacts and capitalise on potential opportunities associated with these changes.
In this way, the impact of climate science research is felt in every corner of society.
Labor has listened to the advice provided in the Academy of Science Review of Climate Science Capability, which was released in 2017 and stated:
There are weaknesses in coordination and resourcing arrangements for Australian climate science that create avoidable inefficiency.
Substantial gains could be realised by measures to improve coordination arrangements….
Academy of Science Review of Climate Science Capability, Page 5
The Liberals have treated Australian’s climate scientists with contempt and distain over the past six years
while also reducing spending on science, research and innovation by 10 per cent over the past five years, a cut of $1.1 billion.
LABOR’s PLAN
A Shorten Labor Government will develop a national climate science capability plan with the assistance of a National Scientific Expert Panel and the National Climate Science Advisory Committee.
Labor will commit $10 million over four years to boost the capabilities of the CSIRO Climate Centre.
This investment will directly boost the CSIRO climate science capabilities in Hobart, Aspendale (Melbourne) and Black Mountain (Canberra), giving the CSIRO the ability to begin to address critical gaps and skills shortages in climate science.
The additional funding will allow the CSIRO to hire new staff to begin addressing critical gaps in climate science identified by the experts.
This election is a choice between Labor’s plans for more jobs in science and research, or the Liberals’ cuts and plans to deliver bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town.
After six years of Liberal cuts and chaos, our united Labor team is ready to deliver a fair go for all Australians.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Native Species Protection Fund – tackling Australia’s extinction crisis
A Shorten Labor Government will initiate a national campaign to save Australia’s iconic native species by creating a $100 million Saving Native Species Fund.
According to the Department of Environment and Energy, Australia is home to more than one million species and 85 per cent of the country’s flora, 84 per cent of its mammals, 45 per cent of its birds are found nowhere else on earth.
But 35 per cent of all global mammal extinctions since the year 1500 have been Australian (30 out of 84 world-wide extinctions).
And just this year the Bramble Cay melomys – a native Australian mammal – became the first extinction attributable to climate change.
Australia needs urgent action to prevent further extinctions and protect our iconic animal and plant life.
The facts are stark:Over the past two centuries Australia has been responsible for more mammal extinctions than any other country on the planet.
Australia is the fourth worst country on earth when it comes to all extinctions.
35 per cent of all global mammal extinctions since the year 1500 have been Australian.
More than 500 animals are on the Australian Government’s threatened species list.
More than 1300 plant species are also on the list.
Australia is one of seven countries responsible for half of the globe’s biodiversity loss.
A Shorten Labor Government will reform Australia’s environment laws and create a new Environment Protection Agency.
It is clear that something is wrong at the heart of how we care for our environment – we need a framework which actively compels the Australian Government to protect our iconic wildlife.
To further drive a national effort to save our iconic wildlife, a Shorten Labor Government will establish a Native Species Protection Fund – which will seek to both restore numbers of endangered plants and animals and eliminate non-native pests.
The Fund will be established through an initial $100 million investment to tackle the most pressing extinction and invasive species issues.
Labor will call on all states and territories, business and civil society to join in a national effort to protect our iconic animal and plant species.
Projects could be as simple as engaging Indigenous Rangers to help eliminate invasive plants and feral animals, to much more innovative ideas: for example, it could help fund research into new forms of pest control – such as baits, poisons, or even research to engineer genetic traits to eliminate invasive species after a number of generations.
The Fund will also be used to increase the pace at which recovery plans are put in place and acted on which has all but ground to a halt under this government.
Labor will also seek to harness the initial investment to attract more funding from states and territories, the private sector and Australian philanthropists.
The Fund will be administered by the Environment portfolio and will not seek to replace work currently being undertaken in existing programs, but rather it will complement and add to it.
The Fund will be guided by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee and in consultation with experts from conservation, science/research backgrounds and the private sector to advise on best projects.
It will also be directed to closely collaborate with NGOs and community groups which are already working to deliver on species recovery.
The Environment Department and TSSC would also set a priority list of threatened species for protection and invasive species that need to be managed.
To maintain transparency, the Fund would publish annual reports to government, documenting progress on its mandate and the priority list.
One factor of success or otherwise will be when an endangered species is removed from the threatened species list.
As the only country occupying an entire continent, Australia has a responsibility to protect our unique natural environment.
We are facing an extinction crisis and only Labor is prepared to take action.
Supporting Recreational Fishing
A Shorten Labor Government will implement Australia’s most comprehensive national policy for recreational fishing.
LABOR’S PLAN
A Shorten Labor Government will support recreational fishing in Australia and seek to partner with Australia’s recreational fishers by improving infrastructure, growing native fish stocks and ensuring that at all times recreational fishers are consulted on the issues that affect them.
Our policy includes: A $45 million Recreational Fishing Fund
To improve recreational fishing infrastructure across the country, Labor will expand the $10 million Supporting Recreational Fishing Fund, to $45 million.
The Supporting Recreational Fishing Fund will primarily focus on upgrading existing and building new boat ramps will help improve safety for people launching their vessels.
Projects to be considered for funding will be identified in consultation with representatives from the recreational fishing community, peak bodies, local government and other elected officials.
$10 million to help replenish native fish stocks
Labor will invest $10 million into native fish breeding and stocking around Australia to stock 10 million native fish a year into rivers such as the Goulburn, Campaspe, Loddon, Darling, Murrumbidgee, Edwards, Wakool, Peel, Macquarie, Barwon, McIntyre, Culgoa – but this list is not finite and we will work with recreational fishing groups to determine where to make investments.
Labor will consult with recreational fishing groups on the best way to replenish native fish stocks, such as which species and breeds should be priorities.
Options for funding will include funding support for dedicated fish hatcheries and co-investing in existing state government native fish breeding programs.
Labor will ensure the federal program works closely with closely with similar state programs, such as that run by Fisheries Victoria.
Prime Minister’s Recreational Fishing Roundtable
A Shorten Labor Government will establish the first Prime Minister’s Recreational Fishing Roundtable.
The roundtable will meet once a year – industry leaders and recreational fishing groups will be invited to discuss pressing issues with both the prime minister and the minister responsible for fisheries.
The annual roundtable will be held in regional Australia – for example North West Tasmania, the North Coast of New South Wales, or Central or North Queensland: areas in Australia where recreational fishing is a major pastime.
The roundtable will be tasked with discussing guaranteed access for recreational anglers to fish, to ensure recreational fishing is supported.
Give Back to Habitat campaign
A $500,000 grant will be provided to the Give Back to Habitat campaign to support on the ground efforts to protect and restore fish habitats.
Recreational fishers are some of Australia’s most committed conservationists
Small Pelagic Fishery and super trawlers
Labor will ensure that Australia’s waters are adequately protected from the risks associated with the use of large-capacity factory freezer trawlers, by banning super trawlers in the Commonwealth’s Small Pelagic Fishery.
Recreational Fisher Consultation
Labor will continue to support the National Recreational Fishing Council and give our recreational fishers a seat at the decision-making table.
Chaired by the minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the council will include representatives of both recreational fishers and relevant government departments.
National Carp Control Plan
Labor notes that the delivery date for National Carp Control Plan has been extended until December 2019 to allow important new research to address knowledge gaps that have emerged as a result of current work.
Before making any decision, Labor will await the final report and control plan and consider the technical feasibility of releasing the carp virus, the associated costs, benefits and risks, and the views of stakeholders and the wider community, including the recreational fishing community.
Investment in Fishing Research
Labor supports investment into research on the role and impact of recreational fishing including the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation’s (FRDC) ongoing investment in recreational fishing R&D and, in particular, the current national socio-economic study of recreational fishing.
Gone Fishing Day
Labor will continue to support National Gone Fishing Day.
Putting People with Disability and Carers First
A Shorten Labor Government will improve services and support for carers, as well as invest in making Australia more accessible and inclusive.
Almost one in five Australians identify as living with disability, and Labor believes the right support should be available for people, regardless of whether they are eligible for the NDIS.
There are over 2.6 million carers in Australia whose contribution is valued at over $1 billion a week, but caring can be invisible work which is easily overlooked by government.
A Shorten Labor Government will listen to people with disability and carers, and consider their rights and needs when making decisions across Government.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor’s plan for carers includes:$66 million to boost carer respite – the equivalent of more than 42,000 extra overnight care sessions per year from July 2020.
Carers report that access to respite is the single most important issue they face.
$7 million for 25 extra Centrelink Carer Specialists – to reduce phone and processing waiting times and provide accurate advice to carers.
Making it easier to balance caring and work – allowing Carers Allowance recipients to meet their mutual obligation requirements for other payments by applying for part-time rather than full-time work.
Better processes – Labor will work with carers to co-design and improve the Carer Allowance, Carer Payment and Department of Veterans Affairs application processes.
Two-year review of the Integrated Carer Support Service – to make sure the new system is working for carers.
$250,000 in catch-up funding for Carers Australia – ending the indexation freeze and delivering better support for carers and improve recognition through Carers Week.
National Carers Strategy – Labor will re-instate a National Carers Strategy and make carers a cross-government priority.
This will include annual reporting on the contribution and wellbeing of carers, the actions government will take to support carers, and establishing an advisory group to support the development of the strategy.
Better NDIS planning – Labor will make the completion of a Carer Statement a standard part of the NDIS planning process, to make sure NDIS plans help people to care sustainably.
Labor’s plan to improve accessibility and inclusion will start with:$10 million advocacy boost – doubling federal investment in disability representative organisations. //| With the NDIS continuing to roll out, and the demands of the Royal Commission, the work of advocates will only become more important.
$9.5 million to improve healthcare for people with intellectual disability – including better training for nurses and doctors and piloting intellectual disability health workers in 10 Primary Health Networks.
Six per cent Australian Public Service disability employment target by 2022 – increasing the number of people with disability in the federal public service by 3,500 in Labor’s first term.
This is an interim target on a pathway to further improvement, not a distant promise two elections away.
$4 million for audio description at the ABC and SBS – Australia is the only English-speaking OECD country without audio description.
This will give more Australians access to our public broadcasters.
$2 million for inclusive publishing – Labor will partner with the sector to deliver the Australian Inclusive Publishing Initiative.
Currently only five per cent of books are accessible.
Labor will change this.
$2 million for disability sport – including $1 million to help more athletes attend the next Special Olympics Junior and National Games and $1 million so RecLink can expand AAA Play and connect more people with disability and their families with sport and recreation activities.
$500,000 for the National Disability Awards – Labor will undo the Liberals’ cuts and work with people with disability on a new approach to the awards.
A new National Disability Strategy – Labor will act on the recommendation of the Productivity Commission and develop a new strategy in the context of the NDIS.
We will seek agreement from the states to close the gaps between mainstream services and the NDIS.
The new strategy will set clear and reported targets for employment, education, housing, transport, justice, health and reducing young people in nursing homes.
This is in addition to Labor’s commitment to reverse the Liberals’ cuts to schools, including additional investment of $300 million for students with disability.
This election is a choice between better services and supports for people with disability and carers, or bigger tax handouts to the top end of town under the Liberals.
A Fair Go For First Australians
A Shorten Labor Government will deliver a fair go for First Nations people, with a comprehensive plan to close the gap and build a more reconciled Australia.
Labor’s Plan
Labor will establish a Voice for First Nations People and seek the support of the Australian people for it to be enshrined in the constitution.
We believe that when Labor governments and First Nations people work together, we can achieve real change.
Labor will seek a new partnership with First Nations people to deliver positive change in the lives of Indigenous Australians, in the cities, regions and remote communities.
We recommit to the unfinished business of reconciliation, truth-telling and recognition.
We commit to redoubling our efforts to close the gap and achieve genuine equality for First Nations people, including the equal right to:A great education and a good job.
Be healthy and happy.
Be safe in their home and their community.
Justice in the courts of the land.
And we also pledge ourselves to work with First Nations people to care for country and protect art and culture.
New Jobs Tax Cut
A Shorten Labor Government will make it easier for small business to create new jobs and get more Australians into work.
A Shorten Labor Government will make it easier for small business to create new jobs and get more Australians into work –
delivering a tax cut for businesses who give young Australians a first start
and older Australians another go.
Too many mature Australians are too young to retire, but unable to find work – around 86,000 Australians aged over 55 are looking for work.
At the same time, young job seekers today are finding it harder to get a foot in the door - nearly one in three young people in the labour force are either unemployed or underemployed, there are almost 260,000 unemployed youth in Australia that want a job but simply aren’t being given the chance.
Labor’s New Jobs Tax Cut will give small businesses an incentive to put on additional employees aged under 25, over 55, or who are carers returning to the workforce.
Companies with turnover of less than $10 million which have been operating for more than two years will be eligible for an additional 30 per cent tax deduction for up to five new workers’ salaries for their first year of employment, capped at $50,000 per company.
The New Jobs Tax Cut will be available to businesses hiring Australians who face real barriers to finding work.
To be eligible for the additional deduction, new employees need to be unemployed for three months or more and be either:  Job seekers under the age of 25 or over 55; or
Parents or carers returning to work
The New Jobs Tax Cut is good for jobs, and good for the economy.
Labor’s plan will help businesses grow and help jobseekers get a foot in the door.
The economy isn’t working for all Australians – everything is going up except people’s wages,
youth unemployment is more than double the national unemployment rate
and a record number of Australians are working two jobs to make ends meet.
Labor’s plan supports Australian businesses to grow and invest,
supports new jobs
and will provide an important economic boost.
And we can support this smart economic investment in more jobs
and business growth by closing the Liberals’ tax loopholes for the top end of town.
This election is a choice between Labor’s strong and stable team, or the Liberals’ cuts and chaos.
The New Jobs Tax Cut will cost $141 million over the forward estimates.
Exa Rob is 56 and worked at a car manufacturing company for 20 years. He was made redundant two years ago but despite his technical expertise and significant experience he hasn’t been able to find work since. Michael runs an automotive spare parts company and is looking for someone to add to his ten full-time workforce, to be paid a gross salary of $60,000. When Michael employs Rob, he will be able to deduct $78,000 from his business revenue, reducing his businesses taxable income by an additional $18,000. Michael also takes on Alison, who has been searching for work for four months after caring for her elderly mother for the last four years, to work part-time. When he pays Alison $26,000 a year – including penalty rates – he will be able to deduct $33,800, reducing his business’s taxable income by an additional $7,800. Taken together, when Michael does his tax he gets an additional tax deduction of $25,800 for hiring Rob and Alison. Example 2: Lyn owns a small firm and needs a manager. Geoffrey worked as a senior manager in a manufacturing firm for 25 years. Despite his substantial managerial experience, he has been out of work for over a year. Lyn hires Geoffrey, paying him a managerial salary of $100,000 per annum. When employing Geoffrey, Lyn has a tax deduction $130,000, reducing her taxable income by an additional $30,000. mple 1
Climate Adaptation and Coastal Rehabilitation Plan
Recent record-setting disasters in Queensland, Tasmania and elsewhere in the country highlight how quickly climate change is altering our environment and increasing the exposure and vulnerability of Australian communities.
The latest science suggests that the severity and frequency of many of these climate-related impacts will increase exponentially.
After six years of neglect from the Liberals, Australia urgently needs a national policy to build its resilience to climate change and adapt to inevitable climate impacts.
The Liberal’s terrible record on cutting carbon pollution is matched by their record on climate change adaptation.
After six years of government, the Liberals have taken Australia backwards by:Completely excluding climate adaptation from their 2017 Review of Climate Change Policies.
Making deep cuts to funding for significant adaptation work at CSIRO and completely de-funding the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF), one of the hallmarks of the 2015 National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy.
Producing a National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework that fails to take climate change seriously.
Despite the Liberal’s negligence on this critical issue, an enormous amount of work has taken place and is currently underway to build Australia’s resilience to climate and disaster risk at state and local levels, in the private sector, civil society, at Australian universities and scientific research institutions and in many Commonwealth Government departments.
This work needs national leadership to deliver community resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Around 85 per cent of the population now live in coastal regions and the Australian coast is of immense economic, social and environmental importance to the nation.
Australians love their beaches and coastal environments,
and they know climate change induced sea level rise poses a risk to their beloved beaches.
Australia’s coastal communities are already seeing the impacts of climate change and rising sea levels in increased coastal erosion, a loss of dunes and inundation.
They rightly want leadership from government to address the climate impacts already being felt by their communities.
Labor’s Climate Adaptation and Coastal Rehabilitation Plan
Labor will act to build the resilience of communities to climate change impacts and restore our coasts.
Labor’s Climate Adaptation and Coastal Rehabilitation Plan will address the damage that the Liberals have done to national leadership and capacity in climate adaptation, re-invigorate the crucial research needed to support adaptation action on the ground, coordinate local, state and national efforts to support climate adaptation and resilience, and it will deliver direct support to local communities and government to restore already impacted coasts.
Our plan includes:Developing a National Framework for Building Climate Resilience, bringing together local and state governments, community groups, the businesses community, researchers and relevant Commonwealth agencies and departments.
The National Framework will provide the leadership and coordination that has been lacking under the Liberals to develop plans, coordinate efforts, share information and inform other private and government processes and efforts.
Re-invigorating the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF) to support the creation and dissemination of research into local climate change impacts, through re-funding of the program with a $12 million funding boost.
Introducing a Coastal Rehabilitation Fund to work with communities, local governments, and the Australian Coastal Councils Association to directly support local coastal rehabilitation projects that restore beaches and other environments and improve their resilience with $50 million of grant funding.
Labor’s Climate Adaptation and Coastal Resilience plan will also be informed by Labor’s triennial Australian Climate Change Assessments, which will provide the most comprehensive and detailed assessment of actual and potential climate change impacts on Australia ever performed.
Our Plan represents the largest investment in climate change adaptation and resilience in over six years.
After six years of accelerating climate change impacts on our coasts and other environments, and after six years of neglect from the Liberals, a Shorten Labor Government will provide the leadership our communities and industries have been crying out for.
Labor will ensure our communities are able to adapt and grow resilience to climate change impacts.
Only a Shorten Labor Government will restore our beaches, invest in the science and provide the leadership Australia desperately needs.
Forestry
A Shorten Labor Government will deliver a positive plan for the future growth and sustainable profitability and of the forestry and forests products industries.
Our policy is about developing further productive plantation forests and farm forestry to support jobs, particularly those in our regions.
It’s important that we focus on economic, social and environmental outcomes, it’s the only way to grow jobs on a sustainable basis
and to maintain community support for the sector.
That’s why Labor has developed its positive policy in consultation with industry, unions and other key stakeholders.
There are huge opportunities to grow our fibre industries: timber, wood products, furniture, paper products manufacturing, as well as developing newer materials like carbon fibre, light-weight materials, bio-products and advanced polymers.
However, the industry will not meet its future growth potential if it cannot obtain the resources it needs.
Labor’s $20 million investment into the forestry and forest products industry will:Deliver a National Forestry Summit and a National Forestry Strategic Plan, to support the growth of a more sustainable and prosperous forestry industry.
Prioritise the removal of the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) water rule, a policy vital for the sustainability of the forestry industry.
Support growth in forest industries in regional Australia by investing $13 million over 4 years for 13 regional forestry hubs including the identified four trial hubs already contracted by the Government.
Reform the Forest Industry Advisory Council by broadening its membership to include broader industry and worker representation.
Consistent with the Regional Forest Agreements Act 2002 the council will act as a forum where the Minister and stakeholders in the forest and wood products industry consult together and exchange advice and information.
Restore proper Commonwealth and State relationships by re-establishing the COAG process for the Standing Council on Primary Industries.
Labor will continue to support the side meetings of the Forestry Ministers at the Federal and State levels.
Provide funding for forestry and forest products industry worker safety initiatives.
Provide up to $4 million over 3 years to address identified skill shortages in the forest and forest products industry.
Continued support for Regional Forest Agreements, that are based on the best available science as it applies to the proper consideration of social, economic and environmental factors.
Expand export opportunities by working with industry to improve trading opportunities for the wood and paper products sectors.
Labor recognises the bio-mass must only be used as a renewable energy source in a responsible, environmentally sustainable way.
Labor will oppose any policies which create an economic incentive to use old growth forests as bio-mass fuel.
But we recognise the role of bio-energy and bio-mass from plantation forests in Australia’s renewable mix and work with the forestry industry to ensure bioenergy plays a responsible role in Australia’s future renewable energy economy.
Labor will further discuss the role of bio-energy and bio-mass in Australia’s renewable mix in the context of climate change at the National Forestry Summit and the development of a Bioenergy Strategy.
These policy initiatives will be supported by Labor’s announced policies in the following areas:
Lifting research and development investment to 3 per cent of GDP per annum by 2030, to ensure manufacturing has the best scientific and research expertise available.
Supporting firms to innovate and grow through our $1 billion Advanced Manufacturing Future Fund (AMFF).
Encouraging business to invest in this country through the Australian Investment Guarantee (AIG), with local businesses benefiting from a new accelerated depreciation scheme for new capital assets.
Implementing a Local Projects, Local Jobs plan, that will see more government procurement and investment in major projects spent on local businesses
and local jobs.
Ending the Liberals and Nationals war on science and returning science to the centre of government by resetting the relationship between government and Australia’s scientists and researchers.
Investing $1 billion to boost TAFE, apprenticeships and skills including, scrapping upfront fees for 100,000 TAFE students who choose to learn the skills that Australia needs to become a modern advanced manufacturing economy.
Ensure Australian Standards are applied when local manufactured plywood and engineered wood products are being considered in construction projects.
Only Labor understands that the forestry sector does not have a moment to lose after enduring almost six years of no action and chaos from the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government.
A Better Deal for Young Australians
Labor has a plan to give young Australians a fair go and a brighter future.
We will start by ensuring all Australians get quality education and training – delivering two years of early learning before school, proper needs-based funding to our public schools, and restoring the funding cut from our universities and TAFEs by the Liberals.
We will reform negative gearing to put young first homebuyers on a more level playing field with property investors seeking their sixth or seventh property.
We will legislate to restore the cuts to penalty rates, because we know young people rely on them to help make ends meet – particularly when studying.
We will change the laws to make sure penalty rates can’t be cut again.
We will fund better schools and hospitals by making multinationals pay their fair share and close loopholes used by the top end of town.
Young Australians want a positive future for themselves and for the planet.
Labor will deliver real action on climate change to pass on a better deal to the next generation.
Labor is committed to improving the lives of young Australians and we want them to have a say in what happens in this country.
Labor will give young people their own voice by establishing an independent national body to represent their views and we will install a champion for them in government with a federal Minister for Young Australians and Youth Affairs.
Labor’s Positive Strategic Plan For Sustainable Fisheries And Aquaculture Sectors
A Shorten Labor Government will deliver a positive strategic plan for the long-term economic
and environmental sustainability of our fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
A Shorten Labor Government will deliver a positive strategic plan for the long-term economic
and environmental sustainability of our fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
This plan sits alongside Labor’s Supporting Recreational Fishing policy, available here.
This election will be a choice between a united Shorten Labor Government which will manage our seas and waterways for the benefit of the environment and the economy, or more of the Liberals’ cuts and chaos.
Our oceans support commercial fisheries and aquaculture generating over $3 billion in net value every year, including exports of high-value products like lobster, abalone and whole tuna.
Labor will convene a national fisheries summit to bring together key stakeholders from our commercial fisheries and aquaculture sector, state and federal regulators and other interested parties, including recreational fishing representatives, to address common challenges together.
Labor’s plan for commercial fishers and the aquaculture industry will: Improve Australia’s biosecurity system and resource it adequately.
Ensure fisheries are managed sustainably; and apply the best available science and leading-edge technologies.
Improve transparency and accountability in Commonwealth managed fisheries.
Improve engagement in regional fisheries management forums in the Pacific and Indian oceans.
Resolve resource sharing issues to provide assured and fair access to Commonwealth fish resources for recreational and commercial fishers.
Fisheries and aquaculture will also benefit from Labor’s policies for: Promoting industry growth and boosting productivity by:Focusing on moving up the value chain.
Reducing unnecessary regulation.
Applying evidence-based policies.
Boosting trade by: Reducing international trade barriers.
Improving existing trade agreements.
Promoting Australia’s clean, green and ethically produced food production image.
Addressing information deficiencies, market failures in access to finance, and skill shortages.
Climate change will have a substantial impact on the marine environments around Australia and only Labor has a comprehensive climate action policy to address future challenges.
A Shorten Labor Government will commit $10 million to boost the capabilities of the CSIRO Climate Science Centre, better coordinate Australian climate science and develop an Australian climate science capability plan.
A Shorten Labor Government will restore proper Commonwealth and state and territory relationships by re-establishing the COAG process for the Standing Council on Primary Industries.
Labor will continue to support the side meetings of the Fisheries Ministers at the federal and state levels.
These policy initiatives will be supported by Labor’s announced policies to:
Lift research and development investment to 3 per cent of GDP per year by 2030, giving manufacturing the best scientific and research expertise available.
Support firms to innovate and grow through our $1 billion Advanced Manufacturing Future Fund.
Encourage business to invest through the Australian Investment Guarantee, with local businesses benefiting from a new accelerated depreciation scheme for new capital assets.
Ending the Liberals and Nationals’ war on science and returning science to the centre of government by resetting the relationship between government and Australia’s scientists and researchers.
Investing $1 billion to boost TAFE, apprenticeships and skills, including scrapping upfront fees for 100,000 TAFE students who choose to learn the skills that Australia needs to become a modern advanced manufacturing economy.
Providing a $25 million food and fibre industry strategy to drive local jobs and innovation, as well as attract investment in manufacturing, particularly in rural and regional areas.
The Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government have provided nothing but dysfunction and chaos for the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Only Labor understands that the fisheries and aquaculture sectors need a strategic plan to secure their future sustainability profitability.
End the chaos.
Vote for change.
Vote for Labor.
Deduction Cap For Managing Tax Affairs
In 2016-17, 69 people earned over $1 million but paid no tax.
Labor will make our tax system fairer by capping the size of tax deductions people can claim for “managing tax affairs”.
Most Australians don’t get to choose how much tax they pay – or don’t pay.
But some at the top end of town have been able to under Scott Morrison’s Liberals.
There were 26 people who earned over $1 million and paid no tax had an average deduction of $630,000 for managing their tax affairs.
These people should not get a tax break just because they have access to loopholes their experts can help them with.
LABOR’S PLAN:
Labor will cap the amount an individual can claim as a deduction for managing tax affairs at $3,000.
This deduction and cap affects individuals only, and other business-like structures such as trusts and partnerships that are taxed as individuals, and not companies.
A carve-out is included for individual small businesses with positive business income and annual turnover up to $2 million.
When announced, it was estimated that this would affect around 82,000 people.
That’s less than 1 per cent of the population.
For over 6 million Australian taxpayers, their average deduction was just $375.
These are just some of the ways we are closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
These reforms will save around $375 million over the forward estimates.
Labor's Plan For Electric Vehicle Innovation and Manufacturing
Vehicle electrification is key to Labor’s strategy for transition to lower transport emissions.
Australia has opportunities to rebuild and expand the automotive and associated transport industries as a part of that transition.
Australia has research, manufacturing and assembly capacity in buses, trucks, and rail, all of which is looking at electrification and alternative fuels like hydrogen as part of the transport future.
This industrial capability, plus our world-class tertiary institutions, will be the basis of an electric vehicle industry
and reducing emissions.
Labor will also ensure that the system-wide regulatory and safety measures needed to support electrification of the transport fleet will be taken.
The Liberals’ record on vehicle manufacturing is nothing but destruction.
They drove the major vehicle production companies offshore,
costing thousands of workers their jobs
and resulting in the closure of Australian firms.
LABOR’S PLAN:
A Shorten Labor Government will work with industry, state governments and the research sector to create jobs with a $57 million electric vehicle innovation and manufacturing strategy, integrated with Labor’s $1 billion Advanced Manufacturing Future Fund and Labor’s Australian Investment Guarantee.
Labor’s plan will support research and development, manufacturing, assembly and retrofitting capability in all forms of electric land transport vehicles, ensuring that Australia has a global role as a research and development centre and extending our manufacturing capabilities in all vehicles deploying electric technology and hydrogen, battery manufacturing and charging infrastructure.
Labor’s plan includes:An Electric Vehicle Innovation Council to develop and oversee a manufacturing roadmap.
$30 million for Advanced Engineering and Electric Mobility Research and Development to increase globally focused research and development within Australia
$25 million for grant funding for research, commercialisation and enterprise capability development around vehicle electrification for the local components and vehicle industry supply chain.
Appointing a supplier advocate to be the coordinator and face of the overall transition plan and promote investment in global supply chains.
Maximising industry development return on Commonwealth and state government spending – within procurement guidelines – to give preference for suppliers developing design, R&D, EV and related capabilities in Australia.
Maximising industry development returns on Commonwealth and state government spending – consistent with Labor’s Local Projects, Local Jobs policy – for suppliers developing design, R&D, EV and related capabilities in Australia.
Ensuring public safety for citizens in the operation of EV’s and safe access to charging infrastructure.
$2 million to support the establishment and operation a Sodium-ion battery manufacturing plant in Geelong in partnership with Deakin University.
This election is a choice between Labor’s plans for the electric vehicle manufacturing industry, and the Liberals’ record of destroying jobs in manufacturing and plans to deliver bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town.
After six years of Liberal cuts and chaos, our united Labor team is ready to deliver a fair go for all Australians
Australian Republic and Head of State
A Shorten Labor Government will hold a national vote to give every Australian voter a voice in the process of becoming a republic with an Australian Head of State.
It’s time we had an Australian Head of State.
Labor believes Australians are ready to transition to an Australian Republic, with an Australian Head of State, who can fully represent our traditions, values and aspirations as a nation.
Instead of borrowing a foreign crown from the other side of the globe, let us face the world as a proud Australian Republic with an Australian citizen as our Head of State.
LABOR’S PLAN
A Labor Government will:In our first term of government hold a national vote seeking the views of the Australian people about becoming a republic.
If the result is yes, Labor will promote community debate, consulting with the Australian people, other political parties and the states and territories, about the advantages and disadvantages of the various republican models.
Consult Australians about the model of appointment of an Australian Head of State.
When detailed constitutional changes are prepared, initiate an appropriate secondary referendum under the Constitution.
Only a Labor Government will provide the national leadership and maturity required to reform and modernise our Constitution to appoint an Australian as our Head of State.
Great Australian Bight
If elected, one of Labor’s first acts will be to commission an independent scientific study into the impact of an oil spill in the Great Australian Bight.
The study will be jointly commissioned by the Ministers for Resources and the Environment, and will report to both ministers.
Both ministers will jointly issue terms of reference to the independent study.
There is no approval granted for drilling in the Bight.
One proposal for exploratory drilling is under consideration by the independent regulator, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA), which has an independent assessment process underway.
The purpose of the study will be to help inform the decision making of the independent regulator.
It will be an independent scientific study to increase the capacity of the independent regulator to properly make an assessment.
The study will report before the project is approved.
Every resources project needs to stack up environmentally and financially.
Approvals about these types of projects are made in accordance with the law.
Aged Care
Labor is the party of aged care reform and older Australians can be assured we will always do better for older Australians in residential aged care, for those waiting for care at home and through Medicare.
Only Labor will be in a position to improve aged care and adequately respond to the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
Labor will work with the sector, to improve aged care and respond to the Royal Commission’s recommendations once they are handed down.
To further improve the quality of care and support a future aged care workforce, an elected Shorten Labor Government will:Immediately investigate interventions to ensure older Australians most at need are prioritised for home care.
Provide opportunities through TAFE so that up to 20,000 aged care workers can obtain or improve their qualifications.
Immediately speed up implementation of the Matter of Care workforce strategy to address inadequate staffing in aged care.
Ensure that for residential aged care facilities there is a registered nurse present, on site, 24 hours a day.
Publish the skill mix of the workforce employed at every residential aged care facility to ensure the appropriate skills-mix of properly trained staff is present at all times.
Look at how best to improve access to home care packages and increasing staffing levels and skills.
Further address the number of GPs working in aged care to provide proper incentives for GPs to do home visits and provide services in residential aged care.
Consistent with Labor’s commitment to support Australians with dementia and their families and carers, a Shorten Labor Government will:
Make improving the care of Australians with dementia a national priority.
Remove the complexity of multiple interactions between the Department of Health and Ageing, Centrelink, aged care providers, and the broader health care system for Australians with dementia and their families.
Improve the training of aged care staff to improve the workforce’s understanding of dementia, including scholarships for nurses and carers to undertake specialist dementia care training.
These commitments are a start to tackling the crisis in age care.
Labor is committed to working through the recommendations of the Royal Commission to make the crucial reforms needed in our aged care system and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.
We should judge ourselves as a nation by how we treat our elderly.
Labor’s Plan for Australia’s Creative Economy
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $85 million to boost Australia’s creative industries – supporting more jobs
and more investment across our growing creative economy.
Australia’s creative industries are world-class – but action is needed to ensure our local sectors get the investment they need to grow and compete in the evolving global economy.
That is why Labor will invest $85 million in Australia’s Creative Economy to support start-ups, small and medium sized businesses and attract international investment to create the skilled jobs of the future in Australia’s creative industries.
As the trend to automation continues, the demand for creative skills is expected to increase.
The creative economy includes services across music and performing arts; web and software design; game development; film and broadcasting; publishing and visual arts; architecture and design.
Creative employment includes employment in the creative industries, as well as creative jobs embedded outside the creative industries in the wider economy.
Australia is well placed to benefit from the development of this job-generating sector, and Labor is taking a strategic and hands-on approach to ensure we do.
Labor will:Convene a Creative Economy Summit to gather the best ideas to boost and accelerate Australia’s creative economy.
Formulate a Creative Economy Strategy 2030 to harness and facilitate the cultural and industrial benefits of Australia’s creative skills.
Reform the policy and regulatory framework for media and communications.
Convene a Taskforce to modernise Australia’s screen content settings.
Invest $60 million into the ABC and SBS for Australian screen content.
Invest $25 million to reinstate the Australian Interactive Games Fund.
Progress First Nations Media ‘9 Calls for Action’ in partnership with the sector.
After six years of Liberal cuts and policy inertia, only a Shorten Labor Government will advance Australia’s Creative Economy.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
Renewing Creative Australia - Labor's National Cultural Policy
The arts drive how we find our place here, how we learn about each other and how the world understands us.
A cultural policy allows the power of the arts to reach well beyond official arts bodies to the lives and experiences of every Australian.
Labor has a plan to support a vibrant arts sector, value our artists, foster creativity and share our stories with the world.
A Shorten Labor Government will:Restore a National Cultural Policy by renewing Creative Australia.
Reverse the ‘Brandis cuts’ to the Australia Council.
Support for existing First Nations theatre companies to become major performing arts companies
and the establishment of a new First Nations theatre company to produce, co-produce, and commission new work as well as provide skills development in the sector.
Funding for the ABC and SBS for scripted drama, children’s television and music.
Support for live performance venues.
Click here to find out more and read our full plan.
We will pay for it by making multinationals pay their fair share and closing tax loopholes used by the top end of town.
New low-cost small claims jurisdiction for wage underpayments
A Shorten Labor Government will crack down on wage theft by giving workers who are ripped off an efficient and effective avenue to reclaim unpaid wages.
We have seen too many examples of systemic wage theft, but lengthy and costly court proceedings often prevent and deter workers from recovering wage underpayments.
It shouldn’t be too hard and it shouldn’t be too costly to get what you are owed for a day’s work.
A Shorten Labor Government will make it easier to recover wage underpayments with a new low-cost small claims jurisdiction to sit alongside the Fair Work Commission.
The new jurisdiction will be designed so that most claims can be resolved in a single day.
It will also be a one-stop shop – able to mediate claims, but also able to make and enforce orders for repayment of wages.
LABOR’S PLAN
Individual claims up to $100,000 will be able to be brought to members of the jurisdiction.
Claims brought forward by groups of workers against a single employer will also be permitted.
Members will adjudicate on claims, and will be available for applicants in remote and regional areas, including by video conferencing.
Employer groups and unions will also be able to act on behalf of their members if requested to do so.
To increase the capability of workers and employers to present their cases to the small claims jurisdiction, Labor will expand the Community Engagement Grants Program, currently only utilised by community legal centres, by an additional $3.7 million per annum.
Greater protection for the Great Ocean Road, Otway Ranges and Bells Beach
A Shorten Labor Government will work with the Victorian Government, local government, and Traditional Owner representatives to safeguard protection of Bells Beach, the Otway Ranges and the Great Ocean Road for future generations.
This election will be a choice between a united Shorten Labor Government, which will protect our heritage, or more of the Liberals’ cuts and chaos.
The pressures on the region from both increased population and tourism has led to biodiversity loss and impact to the environment.
To ensure this region is properly protected for future generations, Labor will act.
Labor will consult with the Victorian Government, local government and Traditional Owners to determine what will be the most appropriate way to strengthen environmental protections for the region.
We will create and bring together a stakeholder group including the Victorian Government, Traditional Owners, representatives of all regional local government, the Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Board, and local business and unions to consider and make recommendations for two options:• Whether to initiate the process for the Twelve Apostles and the Great Ocean Road and its scenic environs to be included on the World Heritage List.
• Whether creating a jointly managed Commonwealth-State National Park could be suitable for the region
If the stakeholder group recommends both options, a Shorten Labor Government will pursue them.
Labor would work to ensure any changes will not impact existing jobs and arrangements for state forests.
World Heritage Listing
In 2011, the previous Labor government included the Great Ocean Road and scenic environs on the National Heritage List.
This listing stretches from the Otway Ranges, the Great Ocean Road itself, the Twelve Apostles, and iconic Bells Beach.
Inclusion on the National Heritage List requires a management plan for the area is developed and is a precursor to World Heritage Listing.
Labor will only proceed after consulting with community representatives, including local government and Traditional Owner groups.
We will consult on which locations within this iconic stretch of coast should be included in the application.
This region is an area of rich national environmental, geological and cultural significance for our continent, and in particular Victoria:• The coastline is among the world’s most magnificent cliff and ocean scenery, which includes the Twelve Apostles.
• The region includes unique fossils, and is one of the few locations for dinosaur fossils in southern Australia.
• The Great Ocean Road was constructed by over 3,000 returned servicemen following the First World War, and stands as a reminder of their continued service to the country on their return from Europe.
• For the Traditional Owners, Bells Beach retains significant cultural value, the area around Bells Beach was a significant gathering place, with discovery of a number of Aboriginal objects in the area in recent years.
• Bells Beach is a culturally significant and iconic Australian surfing beach.
Inclusion on the World Heritage List will be potential boost for tourism
and job creation on the southwest coast.
It also brings with it an obligation for environmental protection to protect the heritage value to ensure development is sustainable.
Victoria does not currently have an environmental site on the World Heritage List, and Labor will work to make sure the state’s natural environment receives the international recognition it deserves.
Labor has already announced an intention to seek World Heritage Listing for Cape York Peninsula and the Kimberley depending on the decision of Traditional Owners on boundaries, values and consent.
A southwest Victorian National Park
Labor will explore whether there could be a Great Ocean Road National Park to be jointly managed by the Commonwealth and State Government.
The creation of a jointly managed National Park would compel the federal government to establish management plans for the park.
Any national park would also have community representation, Indigenous representation and local government representation on any management boards, and the exact location of the national park would be a matter for the Victorian Government.
Southwest Victoria is a region of astonishing natural beauty, significant Traditional Owner cultural importance, and includes some of the most iconic surf beaches in the world.
It is internationally significant and an Australian treasure.
Labor will make $3 million available for a community consultation process and stakeholder group to make recommendations to a Shorten Labor Government by the end of 2019, and for the potential World Heritage bid.
Labor's Comprehensive Plan for Regional Development
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $795 million in a comprehensive Plan for Regional Development, to ensure the strength of our regions.
We need real change – because more of the same isn’t good enough.
This election is a choice between a Shorten Labor Government investing in the future of regional Australia, or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals and Nationals.
Improving both regional services and investing in community infrastructure will enable regional cities and towns to grow, attract and retain the workers needed to power regional economic development.
Labor’s Plan for Regional Development includes replacing the Liberals and Nationals’ City Deals program with a new, more rigorous program called City Partnerships to engage all levels of government and the private sector with a strategic vision for our cities.
We will also create an Office for Regional Development within the department.
Supported by an Expert Panel, the Office for Regional Development will provide high level advice and assessment of Regional Plans put forward by the Regional Development Australia network.
LABOR’S PLAN
Labor will also invest in our regions through:· A $250 million investment in local community infrastructure.
Labor has consulted with councils, sporting clubs and communities across regional Australia to identify community development projects that will create jobs
and improve the liveability of local communities.
We have announced more than $250 million in new sporting facilities like swimming pools, gymnasiums, sports hubs, netball courts, cricket pitches and football fields, and other community infrastructure projects.
· A $245 million investment in better regional communications.
Regional Australia is falling behind the cities when it comes to access to broadband and mobile communications.
These are critical for regional development and Labor’s investment will address mobile black spots, improve digital literacy and fund local projects to improve connectivity in regional communities.
· A $200 million Local Community Projects Program.
A Shorten Labor Government will provide $200 million through a new Local Community Projects fund to kick start future projects that create jobs, drive economic growth, and build stronger healthier regional communities.
· $100 million for Regional Airports.
Better maintenance of regional airports will boost tourism and ensure that airports maintain high levels of safety.
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $100 million to help local councils maintain and grow regional airports – ensuring they can operate safely and connect more Australians with the regions.
Regional Australia should not be an afterthought.
After six years of dysfunction and chaos within the Liberals and Nationals, our united Labor team is ready to deliver a fair go for regional Australia.
End the chaos.
Vote for change.
Vote Labor.
Labor's Plan For Cities
Australia is one of the most urbanised countries on earth.
Although there are significant benefits that come from urbanisation, including its contribution to GDP, a number of negative side effects are taking a toll on our cities.
Urban sprawl, growing congestion on roads, increasingly crowded public transport, declining housing affordability and an unequal distribution of employment opportunities, particularly in outer suburbs and growth areas, impact people’s quality of life.
The natural environment is suffering from increased pollution and a loss of green space due to poorly planned urban development.
Similarly, Australia’s agricultural food bowls, which play a critical role in supplying our cities, are also under pressure.
Growing the productivity, sustainability and liveability of our cities requires collaboration.
Labor will work in partnership with state and local governments, as well as with business and communities, to ensure our cities are places of opportunity for everyone.
The Liberals’ Record
The Liberals abandoned Australian cities when they took office in 2013.
They abolished the Major Cities Unit, disbanded the Urban Policy Forum, discarded the annual State of Australian Cities reports, failed to appoint a Minister for Cities until 2015 and failed to produce a National Urban Policy.
Despite a change in rhetoric when Malcolm Turnbull became Prime Minister, the Liberal Government has continued to neglect Australian cities with no real investment for policies or programs.
Their ‘signature’ program – City Deals – falls well short of what is required to achieve genuine structural change in our cities and is subject to political whim.
Policy experts themselves have identified that this program lacks transparency and clear guidelines, treats local government as a stakeholder rather than a partner, fails to adequately engage the private sector and does not align with other relevant strategies.
Labor’s Record
Since World War II, every Labor Government has made an important contribution to Australia’s urban development and progress, including in our outer suburbs.
In 1945, Ben Chifley commenced post-war reconstruction with large-scale investment in public housing.
Gough Whitlam connected Western Sydney and other suburban areas to sewerage and established the Department of Urban and Regional Development.
Bob Hawke and Paul Keating invested in the Building Better Cities Program.
And the former Labor Government put in place a large number of policies to support the development of our cities, which included:Establishing Infrastructure Australia to provide independent advice to government about the merits of major projects.
Creating the Major Cities Unit and Urban Policy Forum to ensure policy is informed by expert opinion and underpinned by an evidence base, including through the annual State of Australian Cities report.
Establishing the Australian Council of Local Government to bring local councils into the conversation.
Creating the Centre of Excellence for Local Government at the University of Technology Sydney to promote best practice.
Conducting a review of capital city strategic planning systems through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) – this was chaired by former Deputy Prime Minister Brian Howe with Lucy Turnbull as Deputy Chair.
Releasing the Urban Design Protocol after consulting extensively with industry, which promotes guidelines for sustainable urban development.
Releasing Australia’s first ever comprehensive National Urban Policy, which identified three key pillars of productivity, sustainability and liveability.
Labor’s plan for cities will build on this proud track record.
Collaboration
A Labor Government will re-establish the Urban Policy Forum to ensure meaningful engagement with policy experts and industry, drawing on their knowledge to make better decisions.
City Partnerships
Labor will overhaul and replace the Coalition’s City Deals with a City Partnerships program that will foster more genuine collaboration between the three levels of government.
To achieve this we will:Re-establish the Major Cities Unit within the independent Infrastructure Australia and task it with recommending and assessing the progress of City Partnerships.
Establish an expert panel to update strategic planning guidelines for cities as well as to develop guidelines for City Partnerships, in consultation with the Minister, which will include benefits to the economy.
Refresh the National Urban Policy, which Labor released when last in government, to ensure City Partnerships align with its objectives, for example, in areas like sustainability and smart technology.
Labor is also committed to honouring any signed City Deal, however we will offer councils and state or territory governments the opportunity to deepen their agreement.
Public Transport
Labor will continue to build on its strong track record of investing in properly integrated transport systems involving public transport and roads.
If elected Labor will:National:
Establish a Park and Ride fund to invest in parking facilities for commuters at train stations around the nation.
Melbourne:
Help complete the Melbourne Metro Tunnel, which will increase the capacity of rail network by allowing train services to be added to the Craigieburn, Cranbourne, Frankston, Pakenham, Sandringham, Sunbury, Upfield, Werribee and Williamstown lines.
Invest in the Suburban Rail Loop, which will deliver a new 90 kilometre underground rail line through Melbourne’s western and eastern suburbs via the airport, linking every major train line.
Move quickly to deliver the much-needed Frankston to Baxter Rail Upgrade, building on the significant investment the Andrews Labor Government has made in Frankston infrastructure.
Extend the number 11 tram route, providing better public transport services to Melbourne’s booming northern suburbs.
Invest in public transport solutions to serve the needs of the Monash University Clayton Campus, and the broader Monash National Employment and Innovation Cluster.
Labor will continue to invest in the next stages of the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Rail Upgrade, duplicating tracks, expanding platforms, constructing a new bridge and implementing grade separations.
Sydney:
Invest in Western Sydney Rail to connect the Sydney rail network with the new Western Sydney Airport, whilst reducing congestion.
Invest in Sydney Metro West, which will double the rail capacity between Parramatta and the CBD, while slashing travel times between Parramatta and the City to just 20 minutes, with trains running every two minutes.
Brisbane:
End the gridlock in South East Queensland by investing in the Cross River Rail project to expand the capacity of the region’s rail network so it can deliver more trains more often including to both the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.
Gold Coast:
Support the delivery of Stage 3A of the Gold Coast Light Rail project – extending the network from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads.
Perth:
Invest in METRONET to deliver 72 kilometres of new passenger rail and up to 18 new stations, unlocking the potential of more than 5,000 hectares of land around the new stations for investment in housing, jobs and services for growing communities.
Adelaide:
Modernise and electrify the line connecting Adelaide’s CBD to Gawler on the outer northern metropolitan fringe.
Canberra:
Reduce traffic congestion for residents of the City’s south by investing in the Stage II construction of Canberra’s Light Rail project.
Supporting our Outer Suburbs
Too often we see the population of our outer suburbs increase before the necessary infrastructure, such as public transport and social infrastructure like schools, hospitals and recreational space, are put in place.
But if we get the planning right, particularly in our growth areas, then we can improve people’s quality of life and make our cities more efficient.
To this end, Labor will invest in a number of infrastructure projects in outer urban areas that are experiencing significant growth to relieve this pressure, which comes in addition to our extensive plan for public transport.
National:
Labor’s Park and Ride fund will invest in parking facilities for commuters at train stations, especially those in outer areas with growing demand.
Sydney’s outer suburbs:
Deliver key upgrades to the Appin Road to ease congestion and improve safety on this vital link between Sydney’s South West and the Illawarra.
Upgrade Dunheved Road between Richmond Road and Werrington Road in Penrith to transform it into a four-lane dual carriageway.
Build a fuel pipeline to the new Western Sydney Airport to avoid the need for trucks to cart dozens of loads of aviation fuel through Sydney suburbs each day.
Progress planning for the M9, also known as the Outer Sydney Orbital, in close consultation with the local community.
Melbourne’s outer suburbs:
Upgrade key arterial roads to create new jobs and slash travel times for residents in Melbourne’s northern and south eastern suburbs.
Build Victoria’s first fully separated high-speed busway from Doncaster Road to Hoddle Street as part of our commitment to the North East Link project, which will ease traffic congestion and connect Melbourne’s growing northern and south eastern suburbs.
Brisbane’s outer suburbs:
Upgrade the M1 Pacific Motorway between Eight Mile Plains and Daisy Hill; Daisy Hill and the Logan Motorway; Varsity Lakes and Tugun; as well as three interchanges (Exits 41, 45 and 49).
Extend Gateway Motorway from Bracken Ridge to the Pine River and upgrade the Bruce Highway between the intersection with the Gateway Motorway and Deception Bay Road.
Eliminate notorious level crossings at Lindum Road (Wynnum West); and Boundary Street (Coopers Plains).
Upgrade and widen the Ipswich Motorway between Rocklea and Darra.
Perth’s outer suburbs:
Upgrade and extend the Tonkin and Roe Highways to enhance road safety and ease congestion across Perth’s eastern and southern suburbs.
Invest in the future of Perth’s northern suburbs by expanding the Mitchell Freeway, which is one of Perth’s busiest roads - with up to 140,000 vehicles per day – and a critical to link Perth’s northern suburbs to commercial, residential and recreational facilities in the wider metropolitan area.
Extend Stephenson Avenue north from its intersection with Scarborough Beach Road to the Mitchel Freeway and construct a new freeway interchange, unlocking up to 95 hectares of land for housing and commercial developments.
Deliver a new traffic and rail bridge at Fremantle, which will duplicate the existing rail capacity, removing the current conflict between passenger and freight rail.
Construct an interchange at the intersection with a bridge carrying Leach Highway over Welshpool Road including the duplication of the Highway rail over-bridge south of the interchange, increasing the Highway’s long-term capacity.
Adelaide’s outer suburbs:
Continue the upgrade of North South Corridor into a non-stop motorway, with the next priority to be the section of South Road between Glenelg Tram Overpass and Tonsley.
Deliver critical safety upgrades to the Springbank Road, Daws Road and Goodwood Road intersection, renowned as one of Adelaide’s most dangerous.
Eliminate notorious level crossings in Westbourne Park and Brighton Road in Hove, which are traffic accident black spot and a cause of frustration to motorists.
Beyond the benefits that these infrastructure initiatives will provide, a Shorten Labor Government will bring a new, collaborative approach to the challenges that urbanisation present.
We will work with COAG to identify potential growth areas around our cities and to ensure that our pooled resources achieve maximum effect.
This will mean focussing our efforts on boosting jobs growth in outer and middle ring suburbs, either through direct investment, investing in research precincts around universities and hospitals, or through consideration of incentives for the location of business, or supporting innovative funding models for local governments in high growth areas.
If people can’t access employment, training or educational opportunities, if people are stuck in their cars for hours commuting to and from work, and, if people cannot enjoy their quality of life, then they can’t achieve their potential.
And of course, this means that, in turn, our cities won’t fulfil theirs.
Successful cities are inclusive cities, with diverse vibrant communities – not disconnected enclaves of privilege and disadvantage.
Growing Regional Cities
Australia’s regional cities play a critical role in contributing to the national story – socially, culturally and economically.
Regional cities also play an essential role in supporting the smaller towns surrounding them, which depend on them for jobs and services.
This brings a number of challenges and opportunities including ensuring diversity in the jobs market to retain and attract workers, access to aviation to connect with capital cities, and sufficient high quality infrastructure, access to aviation to connect with capital cities, and sufficient high quality infrastructure, to support the population including well-resourced hospitals, universities, schools and TAFEs and a properly implemented fibre National Broadband Network.
While regional cities are rapidly developing as economic and service hubs, like the major capitals they are facing the need for supporting investment in enabling infrastructure.
A Shorten Labor Government will drive good policies and investment at a Federal level and collaborate with the states and territories and local government to implement those policies, and generate positive changes on the ground.
Investing in community infrastructure will help improve the social amenity of regional locations so that these places can attract and retain new workers
and boost their tourism potential.
Increasing the amenity of regional cities and towns through improved services and community infrastructure, together with a focus on strategic regional development, our City Partnership program will help to address congestion problems in the urban capitals, as well as strengthening regional Australia.
More information is available in Labor’s plan for regional Australia.
High Speed Rail
High Speed Rail down Australia’s east coast would revolutionise interstate travel, allowing people to move between capital cities in as little as three hours.
It would also turbo charge the economic development of the regional centres along its route, including the Gold Coast, Casino, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Newcastle, the Central Coast, Southern Highlands, Wagga Wagga, Albury-Wodonga and Shepparton.
A Labor Government will establish a High Speed Rail Authority to preserve the corridor and work through a process for gathering international expressions of interest over the construction of a High Speed Rail link between Brisbane and Melbourne via Sydney and Canberra.
Labor will also begin the process of preserving the identified corridor with a $1 billion investment.
Active Transport
Labor will invest $260 million to upgrade the nation’s cycling paths to encourage more people to ride bicycles to work or school and capitalise on the rapidly expanding cycling tourism market.
Our National Bike Paths Strategy will provide the largest ever investment in bike paths from the Federal Government and underscores our commitment to active transport.
Labor will partner with state and territory governments or local councils to unlock even more investment and make a difference to the health, safety and overall amenity for people living in cities and towns across Australia.
In government, Labor will also look to develop a national guide for cities that provides detailed national and international best practice designs and resources for practitioners for the effective design and delivery of bicycle infrastructure to enable significant cycling participation, while ensuring innovative outcomes for the entire transport system and return on investment for funds invested.
Labor’s National Bike Paths Strategy builds on our legacy, where the former Federal Labor Government oversaw record investment in bike paths across the nation.
Creating Smarter Cities
Labor will embed a Smart Cities Agenda in our National Urban Policy to ensure we are competitive with our global counterparts, while putting communities first.
Smart technology can make our cities more productive,
sustainable
and liveable by improving the investment decisions we make, including through more efficient management of urban infrastructure.
Smart cities don’t just respond to the issues of the day but anticipate the challenges of the future by being resourceful with evidence-based decision making, having an overarching strategic vision, an integrated planning approach and supporting innovation.
Labor’s approach will include collaboration with experts to identify new opportunities to enhance smart cities policy in Australia.
Labor will also broaden Infrastructure Australia’s role by requiring projects to address new criteria.
This means showing what provision for smart infrastructure has been included to ensure maximum benefit is achieved from any investment.
This could include upgrading existing infrastructure where identified as appropriate, which saves both time and money.
Housing
Labor understands the profound impact housing stress, housing insecurity and homelessness can have on families and individuals in cities and towns around Australia.
Labor’s comprehensive plan to tackle housing affordability includes:
Reforming negative gearing so that deductions can only be claimed on newly built homes, which will increase new housing supply
and support jobs.
We will reform the capital gains tax concession and allow existing investors to maintain their current capital gains tax and negative gearing entitlements.
There will be no retrospective taxation or impost on existing investors.
Building 250,000 new affordable rental homes over the next decade in partnership with the community housing sector for Australians on low and moderate incomes.
We will also ensure that one in 10 employees engaged in building new housing stock under our scheme are apprentices.
Creating a viable Build to Rent sector in Australia – giving institutional investors better tax concessions; encouraging more construction; and stimulating the housing market.
We will do this by cutting the managed investment trust withholding rate in half from 30 per cent to 15 per cent to encourage new housing supply.
Providing $88 million over two years for a new Safe Housing Fund to increase transitional housing options for women and children escaping domestic and family violence, young people exiting out-of-home care and older women on low incomes who are at risk of homelessness.
Limiting direct borrowing by Self-Managed Superannuation Funds.
Limited recourse borrowing in Self-Managed Superannuation Funds has exploded in recent years, increasing risk in the superannuation system and crowding out first homeowners.
Facilitating COAG processes to introduce a uniform vacant property tax across all major cities.
Increasing fees for overseas investors buying Australian real estate and increase penalties when they break the law.
Achieving better results from National Agreements, including better rights for renters, planning reform, inclusionary zoning, and accelerated land release.
Re-establishing the National Housing Supply Council and appoint a dedicated Federal Housing and Homelessness Minister.
Establishing a new and independent COAG Economic Reform Council that will be given the autonomy to examine, track and report to COAG on long-term reform priorities, including on housing affordability and supply.
Labor will also partner with the community housing sector and institutional investors to build 250,000 new, affordable and low energy consumption homes over the next decade.
Living Cities Strategy
Real action on climate change isn’t just about protecting our environment –
it’s also about future-proofing our economy
and protecting jobs.
It also means recognising the need to change the way our cities work to keep our cities liveable.
Labor will collaborate with industry and governments to develop a Living Cities Strategy that considers the policy options and levers available to the Federal Government that could facilitate the preservation, enhancement and creation of green and blue infrastructure in urban areas.
This Strategy could include developing a green infrastructure plan, mapping and reporting on open space, new criteria to assess cities in the State of Australian Cities reports, opportunities to grow open space and improved governance to facilitate best practice.
Getting planning and infrastructure right within our cities is critical in order to reduce Australia’s harmful carbon emissions, meet the Paris Targets and Sustainable Development Goals and move toward a zero emissions future.
It also provides an opportunity for the Federal Government to address recommendations listed in the ‘Building Up and Moving Out’ Report, which is the outcome of the inquiry into the Australian Government’s role in the development of cities.
Policies already developed by Labor including on smart cities, active transport, urban rivers and city partnerships should also be used to assist in meeting the objectives of the Strategy.
Labor will also look at best practice when it comes to:Ensuring action on climate change is built into major urban strategic plans (mitigation and adaptation).
The integration of water, wastewater and stormwater into urban planning to improve overall (including health and liveability) outcomes for our cities and regions.
Facilitating the transition to renewable energy by supporting urban innovation and green urban growth e.g. net zero carbon and liveable precincts.
Urban Rivers
Labor will establish a $200 million Urban Rivers Fund to restore our cities’ rivers to their natural beauty.
This fund will oversee investment in projects that make a difference in and around our waterways, such as building wetlands to capture and clean and filter stormwater.
Labor will engage state and local government, community groups and local environmental organisations to bring urban waterways and habitat corridors back to health.
Local environmental action groups will be able to apply for small grants, benefitting our urban environment,
creating jobs
and re-engaging, educating and mobilising local communities to act on local environmental protection.
Expanding the Western Sydney City Deal
Labor will expand the Western Sydney City Deal to include Blacktown City Council through our City Partnerships program.
The Western Sydney City Deal was signed in March 2018 and includes the local government areas of Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Liverpool, Penrith and Wollondilly.
Including Blacktown City Council in our City Partnership for Western Sydney makes strategic sense given its focus on job creation and unlocking a 30-minute city.
Labor will also invest $7.5 million in local priority projects identified by Blacktown City Council, consistent with what the other local councils received and calls on the New South Wales Government to match this commitment.
Labor's Statement on Local Government
A Shorten Labor Government will partner with local government to build better local communities and tackle some of the key challenges the sector faces.
We will contribute nearly $1 billion in new funding to local government through initiatives outlined in our Local Government Plan.
This is in addition to the $9.5 billion dollars in Financial Assistance Grants, $2 billion Roads to Recovery Funding and $419 million for the Bridges Renewal Program.
This election will be a choice between a united Shorten Labor Government which will invest in our communities to make sure they have the infrastructure and services they need, or more of the Liberals’ cuts and chaos.
Local councils are on the front line of many big challenges, including climate change, waste management and meeting the expanding needs of our communities.
Labor will partner with local government to improve sports grounds, community hubs, libraries, and arts and cultural centres which improve amenity and build community.
Labor has already announced more than $250 million on new spending for local government infrastructure, including community centres upgrades to parks and sporting facilities.
In addition, Labor’s new $200 million Local Community Projects fund will provide funding to support regional development.
Labor will invest $260 million to upgrade the nation’s cycling paths to encourage more people to ride bicycles to work or school
and capitalise on the rapidly expanding cycling tourism market.
To assist with the challenge of waste management and building a circular economy, Labor will provide $15 million to establish a National Waste Commissioner to work with state and local governments and help educate the community on solutions to waste, and work with industry to expand recycling and Product Stewardship Schemes.
Labor will also invest $60 million through our National Recycling Fund to encourage recycling, including funding for innovative waste solutions, local government recycling facilities and material processing facilities, and new approaches to tackling food waste.
Labor will provide $62 million to ensure our coastal communities are able to adapt and build their resilience to climate change.
We will do this by coordinating local, state and national efforts to support climate adaptation and resilience and delivering direct support to local communities and government to restore our coasts.
To address overcrowding and create jobs in remote Indigenous communities, Labor will provide a $1.5 billion, 10-year investment in Indigenous housing which will deliver a decade of funding certainty to the Northern Territory, by committing an additional $550 million over five years from 2023-24, doubling the commitment by the Liberals.
Labor will also provide $251 million in funding to Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia in 2019-20.
Labor’s City Partnerships will engage with all three levels of government through genuine collaboration, as well as with the private sector, to set out a strategic vision for our cities and linked to a renewed National Urban Policy.
Labor is committed to building the nation-building infrastructure Australia needs.
We will work with state and territory governments to get projects up and running, with earlier investments in all states and territories.
Local councils have told Labor that improving communications infrastructure is a major priority for them, to help regional development
and create jobs.
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $245 million to address mobile black spots, improve digital literacy and fund local projects to improve connectivity in regional communities.
These commitments demonstrate that Labor has been listening to the local government sector and that Labor values the contribution of councils to our regional development agenda.
Labor shares the vision of local councils to create vibrant, liveable places across Australia that provide the social amenity and community services that underpin our national prosperity and wellbeing and is committed to working with them to achieve this.
We need real change – because more of the same isn’t good enough.
After six years of dysfunction and chaos within the Liberals and Nationals, our united Labor team is ready to deliver a fair go for regional Australia.
End the chaos.
Vote for change.
Vote Labor.
Source: https://www.liberal.org.au/our-policies
LIBERAL ELECTION POLICIES
Our 2019 election policies announced during the election campaign are as follows:
Our Plan for Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Key Points
The tragedy of suicide touches far too many Australian families.
Suicide is the leading cause of death of our young people – accounting for one-third of deaths of Australians aged 15-24.
The tragic impacts are even higher in Indigenous communities.
The Morrison Government is leading a change in the way Australians and Australian governments think about suicide prevention.
Recognising that social, financial, legal, family, health and mental health factors may all play their part, we are elevating suicide prevention to a national, whole-of-government priority.
Our $503.1 million Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan is the largest suicide prevention strategy in Australia’s history.
It will ensure that government activities are coordinated, services are delivered to young Australians at risk and support is available for friends and families.
Our Plan focuses on: Strengthening the headspace network,
Indigenous suicide prevention,
Early childhood and parenting support.
We will ensure young Australians and their families get help where and when they need it by investing an additional $375 million to expand and improve the headspace network.
headspace provides youth-friendly services for the challenges facing young Australians: across physical health, alcohol and other drug use, vocational support and mental health.
To strengthen Indigenous youth suicide prevention, we will invest $34.1 million, including support for Indigenous leadership that delivers culturally appropriate, trauma-informed care as well as services that recognise the value of community, cultural artistic traditions and protective social factors.
Our support includes $19.6 million for measures to prevent Indigenous youth suicide, particulary in the Kimberley.
To support Australian parents and their children we will invest $11.8 million in a range of initiatives to help parents recognise when their children are struggling, improve mental health skills training in schools, enhance peer support networks and boost counselling support services for young people.
We are investing $15 million to create a new national information system.
This will ensure communities and services can respond quickly to particular areas affected by a high incidence of suicide and self-harm.
For Australians living in rural and regional areas we are establishing more than 20 new headspace sites in these areas and we are providing new mental health telehealth services funded through the MBS.
Our plan also includes mental health and wellbeing projects, funded through our $1.25 billion Community Health and Hospitals Program to provide vital frontline local mental health services.
We are also delivering $22.5 million in specific youth
and Indigenous health research projects as part of our $125 million ‘Million Minds Mission’ into mental health research.
These investments can only be made because of a strong economy.
Our Record
Health care is a priority for every Australian.
That’s why we have a Long-Term National Health Plan based on four key pillars: Medicare and medicines, hospitals, mental health and medical research.
Our Government was the first to designate mental health as one of the four key pillars of the health care system.
Our Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention package builds on the record $4.8 billion that we are spending on mental health this financial year alone – more than half a million dollars every hour of every day.
One in five Australians experience a common mental disorder each year and almost half of us will face some form of mental health problem during our lives.
In prioritising mental health, we’re transforming the health landscape with a determination to keep Australians safe and well.
But it’s a major challenge, demanding a huge level of resources that can only come from good economic management.
The Morrison Government has delivered $1.45 billion to our Primary Health Networks to enable them to deliver ongoing and community-tailored mental health services to Australian families.
This investment will boost crucial services such as headspace, local psychological services, suicide prevention activities and community mental health nursing.
We have also shone a light for the first time on eating disorders, which affect almost one million Australians and have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness.
We have invested $110 million to provide Medicare rebates for the treatment of eating disorders, have funded ED Hope helpline and are establishing residential eating disorder centres across the country.
In 2018, we announced new support including $96 million additional funding for headspace, $96.8 million for the Mental Health in Education Initiative, $106 million for suicide prevention programs, $102.5 million for mental health services for older Australians, and $20.4 million to support the mental health of rural communities through the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
This demonstrates our commitment to early intervention irrespective of health, age or location.
We have established the Million Minds Mission: providing $125 million through the Medical Research Future Fund for mental health research.
The aim is to reach one million people and ensure that our health system continues to provide the best, most up-to-date treatments and interventions.
Our Government has also delivered enhanced suicide prevention services.
We provided an extra $33.8 million to increase the responsiveness of Lifeline’s telephone crisis support service.
Lifeline provides crisis support services to all Australians, including those impacted by natural disasters.
We have invested $37.6 million to expand the Beyond Blue Way Back Support Service aftercare model across Australia to support an estimated 28,000 people over four years.
This service supports Australians during the three months after they have attempted suicide and have been discharged from hospital.
Under the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Support Program, the Morrison Government provided $36 million for a range of projects designed to reduce suicide among at-risk groups and to reduce suicidal behaviour.
This supported organisations such as R U OK?, Mates in Construction and Suicide Prevention Australia.
We are committed to finding better ways to prevent suicide, establishing the National Suicide Prevention Trials in 12 nationwide locations at a cost of $55 million.
We have also created the National Suicide Prevention Research Fund – a $12 million fund supporting and disseminating research on suicide prevention.
The Morrison Government’s Long-Term Health Plan is delivering a world-class health system providing patients with access to quality medical care, record hospital funding, affordable life-saving medicines and breakthrough research.
By keeping our economy strong, Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme are guaranteed.
And we can afford to make major investments like our Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan.
Our Plan
headspace
The Morrison Government will enable more young Australians and their families get help where and when they need it with an unprecedented $375 million investment in headspace.
headspace provides youth-friendly services for the challenges facing young Australians.
This includes physical health, alcohol and other drug use, vocational support and mental health services.
We will expand the headspace network by 30 – from the current 115 services to 145 by 2021, at a cost of $111 million.
This will help more young Australians, their families and friends easily access support in their local communities.
More than 20 new sites will be in rural and regional Australia to ensure equitable access for younger Australians living outside our major cities.
These services are complemented by new mental health telehealth services in rural and regional Australia available through Medicare.
We are also investing an extra $152 million in existing services to reduce wait times, improve the quality of care and assure young Australians that help is available when they need it most.
To ensure that headspace is equipped to provide specialist clinical services for young Australians at the early stages of severe mental illness, we are providing $110 million to continue the Early Psychosis Youth Services program at six headspace centres nationally.
Our innovative $2 million investment in the Young Ambassadors for Mental Health project will improve awareness of these services.
Young ambassadors with the lived experience of mental health issues will be in the community, promoting mental health literacy and showing people how to seek help.
In total we are now delivering $120 million for headspace each year.
Indigenous youth suicide prevention
The suicide rate in our Indigenous communities is a tragedy.
We will bring a concerted focus to Indigenous suicide prevention with a $34.1 million investment to help tailor initiatives that make sense for those in need.
We will provide $4.5 million to empower Indigenous leadership in suicide prevention.
Indigenous Suicide Prevention Australia will establish a national plan for culturally-appropriate care, and services that recognise the value of community, trauma-informed care and protective social and emotional factors.
Understanding the value of cultural artistic and healing traditions, our Government will provide $5 million for young Indigenous leaders to participate in place-based cultural programs.
We will also support communities with a $3 million investment in a centre of excellence in childhood wellness in the Illawarra – assisting disadvantaged children and adolescents affected by childhood trauma.
And we are investing $1.2 million for Red Dust to deliver social and emotional wellbeing initiatives in the Northern Territory.
In addition we will provide $19.6 million through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy to prevent Indigenous youth suicide, particularly in the Kimberley, tailored to breaking the cycle of disengagement and mental health issues in Indigenous communities.
Early childhood and parenting support
Early childhood and parenting support, crucial to tackling issues that could exacerbate in later life, will be boosted by $11.8 million.
We will provide $1.5 million for the Raising Children Network at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute to provide tailored, expert guidance to parents – giving them the confidence to recognise when their children are struggling and to know what to do to help.
We want children to have the best start to life – to learn the skills to manage their mental and emotional wellbeing and to know how to seek help when needed.
For this reason, the Morrison Government will invest $2.5 million in the school-based mindfulness program, Smiling Minds, as part of Beyond Blue’s Be You mental health in education initiative.
We will also boost funding to Kids Helpline by $4 million to enhance the 24/7 crisis and ongoing care it provides for children and young people aged 5-25.
We understand that young people may sometimes feel more comfortable seeking help initially from peers.
We are providing $2.9 million to batyr to boost the role of peers in encouraging others to seek help; $0.4 million for the Banksia project to expand their innovative community program and $0.6 million for a trial of peer workers in Beyond Blue’s Way Back suicide aftercare service.
In addition, we have invested in a range of youth health hubs through our $1.25 billion Community Health and Hospitals Program, guaranteeing access to frontline services regardless of where young Australians live.
National coordination
We recognise that the causes of suicide are complex and emerge from a range of social, emotional, environmental and financial factors.
We will appoint a National Youth Suicide Prevention Adviser in the Prime Minister’s portfolio to work across the whole of government to coordinate suicide prevention activities, and to help design services that make a real difference.
We are also investing $15 million in a new nationwide suicide and self-harm monitoring system.
This will provide up-to-date information so communities and services can respond quickly in areas affected by a high incidence of suicide and self-harm.
For the first time, this will allow suicide prevention initiatives to be tailored to specific localities and deployed rapidly to save and protect those at risk.
Mental health research
As part of our Million Minds Mission, we will invest $22.5 million in new health and medical research.
Of this, $12.5 million will support research into how best to bring family, community, culture and country to the centre of mental health services for Indigenous youth.
There will also be $10 million to design better approaches to managing mental health care for young people in crisis and improve digital mental health support.
Supporting all Australians
The Morrison Government’s landmark $503.1 million youth mental health and suicide prevention package complements our $275.5 million adult mental health and community support package.
Together, this $778.6 million mental health and suicide prevention investment will address gaps in the system
and deliver more frontline services for all Australians.
The support builds on our record investment of $4.8 billion this financial year alone in mental health services.
the choice
Investing in youth mental health and suicide prevention is not a choice, it is a must.
The Liberal National Government's track record in delivering a strong economy ensures we can invest in essential services such as youth mental health and suicide prevention services.
Cost
The Coalition's plans for youth mental health and suicide prevention will not place additional costs on the Budget.
Our Plan for More Jobs in a Stronger Economy
Key points
A safe, secure and prosperous Australia depends on a strong and growing economy.
A strong economy delivers more jobs,
improved living standards and better essential services such as child care, education, health and infrastructure.
A strong economy ensures our defence and security agencies have the resources necessary to keep Australians safe.
When the Coalition was elected in 2013, the economy was weak, unemployment was rising and the budget was in a mess.
Today, the Coalition is building a strong economy,
creating jobs
and repairing the budget.
We have created over 1.3 million new jobs.
A record number of young Australians and women are in employment.
Welfare dependency is at thirty-year lows.
We have brought down a surplus budget while delivering the services that the Australian people deserve, all without raising taxes.
Record schools funding, record hospitals funding, more medicines on the PBS and more access to quality healthcare.
Good economic management makes it possible to balance the budget while providing better services and tax relief to hard-working Australian families.
But there is more to do.
The Morrison Government will build an even stronger economy based on individual enterprise and aspiration while looking after Australians who need a helping hand.
In particular, we will:Create another 1.25 million jobs over the next five years,
including 250,000 new jobs for young Australians.
Deliver the largest personal income tax relief in a decade, with tax relief of up to $1,080 for single income families earning up to $126,000.
For a dual income family that’s up to $2,160 back in families’ pockets in a few weeks’ time.
Ensure Australians have the skills they need through a new $525 million skills package with 80,000 new apprenticeships
in addition to record education funding.
Establish 10 training hubs in regional areas to create better connections between local industry and schools to improve outcomes for young Australians.
Expand the Youth Jobs PaTH Program to pilot up to 10 industry-led job pathway programs to better target the training and internship experiences for young people.
Expand the successful Transition to Work service to allow young people aged 22 to 24 years to also voluntarily access pre-employment services that help prepare them for work.
Transform our employment services system to help Australians who need extra support to get a job.
Strengthen small and medium businesses by lowering business tax, improving access to finance, ensuring small business is paid on time by big business and government, and increasing and expanding access to the instant asset write-off.
Better connect people to jobs, their homes and their communities, and allow businesses to connect to domestic and global export markets through a $100 billion infrastructure plan.
Expand export opportunities through market-opening trade deals.
Continue to support farmers by giving them the tools to capitalise when times are good – and the help they need when times are tough.
This includes $6.3 billion in support for drought-affected communities and $3.1 billion to support the rebuilding of agriculture in flood-hit regions.
Ensure the Government lives within its means with disciplined fiscal management without increasing taxes.
An uncertain international economic outlook underlines the need for a sure hand in guiding the economy.
A Labor Government would mean a drastic change in economic direction.
wages and jobs.
Labor has plans that would hurt investment, productivity,
Labor would hit the economy with $387 billion in new taxes on workers, retirees, superannuation, housing and family business.
A Shorten Labor Government would easily be the highest taxing government in the nation’s history.
And when Labor runs out of money they come after yours.
Its reckless 45 per cent emissions reduction target will harm the economy,
cost 336,000 jobs
and reduce wage growth while simply shifting industry and emissions off-shore.
Under Labor, trade deals will stall.
Militant union bosses will use old-style industrial muscle to disrupt workplaces and make unsustainable demands on business that will cost jobs and our economy.
The Australian people have the choice between a Government that is delivering a stronger economy or Bill Shorten’s Labor Party that would weaken the economy.
Our record
When the Coalition came to office, the Australian economy was heading in the wrong direction.
Unemployment was at 5.7 per cent and rising.
The budget position was deteriorating rapidly, with $240 billion in deficits recorded over Labor’s six years in government.
Debt was growing by 33 per cent a year, creating an unsustainable burden on future generations
and costing taxpayers money-for-nothing in growing debt repayments.
The Carbon Tax was increasing the cost of everything.
With weak growth and a deteriorating budget, Labor had abandoned essential services, failing to subsidise life-saving drugs, and denying guaranteed funding for schools and hospitals.
Promises of tax cuts were repeatedly abandoned.
The Liberal National Government has restored the Budget and secured funding for the essential services that Australians rely on.
The economy is stronger.
Taxes are lower.
Funding for schools and hospitals has been guaranteed and life-saving medicines are again being subsidised.
Australian exports are at record levels, boosted by trade deals that have provided Australian exporters with duty-free or preferential access to an extra 1.76 billion consumers in the world’s fastest-growing regions.
Our farmers and rural communities are being supported.
More than 1.3 million jobs have been created and the unemployment rate has fallen to 5 per cent.
Wages growth is starting to increase and the cost of essential services like child care and energy are beginning to fall as a result of the Government’s policies.
Over the last 6 years, the Australian economy has grown faster than virtually all developed economies, weathering the impact of the end of the mining investment boom and, more recently, the headwinds of the drought.
We have fixed the budget mess we inherited from Labor while still cutting taxes.
The Budget delivers a healthy surplus of $7.1 billion in 2019-20, a $55 billion turnaround from the deficit we inherited six years ago.
Our fiscal discipline will ensure these surpluses exceed 1 per cent of GDP as we reach our goal of eliminating Commonwealth net debt by 2030 or sooner.
This means we can end Labor’s legacy of wasteful debt repayments and spend more on essential services
while also keeping taxes low.
Our economic plan is also laying the platform for continued strong growth.
We are delivering lower taxes for hard-working Australians because we want Australians to earn more and keep more of what they earn.
We have brought forward tax relief for small and medium businesses that employ millions of Australians.
Our improved budget position enables us to invest more in the services that Australians rightly expect.
Quality health care, aged care, disability support, child care and schools.
Improved economic security for women.
Record spending on infrastructure.
Less congested roads.
Inland Rail.
And a new Western Sydney Airport and Melbourne Airport Rail Link – breaking deadlocks that had eluded successive governments for decades.
Reforms that strengthen our federation by providing a fairer and more stable approach to the sharing of GST receipts.
Additional resources for our corporate and financial regulators to ensure our businesses do the right thing.
Our Plan
The Morrison Government will build an even stronger and more competitive economy,
with lower taxes
and more jobs.
An ambitious jobs and skills plan
The Morrison Government understands the importance of more and better paying jobs to the living standards of hard-working Australians.
In 2013, we set a target of creating one million new jobs over five years and exceeded it.
Since September 2013, we have created more than 1.3 million new jobs.
The majority of these new jobs are full-time.
More than 100,000 young Australians between the ages of 15 and 24 found jobs last financial year – the largest number in Australia’s history.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, unemployment has fallen to 5 per cent – the equal lowest level in a decade.
The percentage of working age Australians on welfare is at its lowest level for a generation.
Australians are participating in the jobs market at record levels,
including record levels of female participation.
Not only are there more women in work than ever before, the gender pay gap is at its lowest level on record at 14.2 per cent and well below the 17.2 per cent gap when Labor left office.
We know that work offers opportunity.
We are committed to job creation.
That is why a re-elected Morrison Government will create another 1.25 million jobs over the next five years.
We will do this by building a stronger economy and supporting businesses to start and to grow.
The Morrison Government is determined to build on its strong record
and get more young Australians into work.
That is why we pledge that a re-elected Morrison Government will deliver 250,000 new young Australians employment over the next five years.
One in five of our new jobs will be for young Australians.
To ensure Australians have the skills they need to drive a growing economy, the Morrison Government will invest $525 million over five years in the vocational education and training (VET) sector to better equip Australians with the skills they need for today and tomorrow.
The package of measures will include 80,000 new apprenticeships in industries with skills shortages and a doubling of incentive payments to employers (to $8000).
The new apprentices - including bakers, bricklayers, plasterers, hairdressers, plumbers and carpenters - will also receive a $2000 incentive payment.
The Morrison Government will establish 10 industry Training Hubs to address the challenge of high youth unemployment in regional areas.
The Hubs will create better connections between local industry and schools to improve outcomes for students, employers and the VET sector.
They will be an on-the-ground presence where new approaches are needed to help students transition from school to training and work.
The Hubs will facilitate additional education for trainers as well as career advice and mentoring for young people with a specific focus on traditional in-demand trades.
A career facilitator will form partnerships between industries in sectors of local skills shortages and those providing advice and education to students.
This initiative will support Year 11 and 12 students at 10 pilot sites across Australia.
State Location Youth Unemployment Rate NSW Grafton 24.3%               Gosford 13.2%NT Alice Springs 12.1%QLD       Maryborough 19.8%              Townsville 17.7%SA Port Pirie 17.6%TAS Burnie                15.8%VIC Shepparton 16.7%WA Wanneroo 16.4%               Armadale 15.4%AUSTRALIA Armadale 11.5%
The 10 regions selected for the Training Hubs will also be eligible for the Commonwealth Scholarships Program for Young Australians.
This Program will support young Australians to enter the VET sector and gain the skills they need for a successful and rewarding career.
Successful candidates will be eligible for up to $17,500 in funding, varying based on scholarship length and type of study or training, for a maximum period of three years.
Priority will be given to eligible applicants in the following cohorts: individuals who have exited from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in the previous 2 years (the age criteria will not be applicable for ADF applicants)
individuals who have exited from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in the previous 2 years (the age criteria will not be applicable for ADF applicants)
Indigenous young Australians
young Australians with a disability, and
young Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
In addition to the broader Skills Package, a re-elected Morrison Government will also build on the success of our employment programs for young people.
By providing access to training, internships and wage subsidies, our targeted Youth Jobs PaTH Program has already helped over 43,000 young Australians into a job.
The Morrison Government will expand this program to pilot up to 10 industry-led job pathway programs to build collaboration between employers and jobseekers and enhance the opportunities for young people in growth industries.
The new programs will commence on 1 January 2020, cost between $50,000 and $2 million each, and be run by group training organisations or employer bodies.
The Morrison Government will also expand access to the successful Transition to Work employment service to young people aged 22 to 24 years.
Until now, the program has been targeted at 15 to 21 year olds, helping over 32,000 young people into a job or training activity.
The expansion of access will assist an extra 2,000 young people annually.
The Morrison Government will also expand access to the successful Transition to Work employment service to young people aged 22 to 24 years.
Until now, the program has been targeted at 15 to 21 year olds, helping over 32,000 young people into a job or training activity.
The expansion of access will assist an extra 2,000 young people annually.
To provide unemployed Australians with the help they need to get back into the workforce as quickly as possible, the Morrison Government is embarking on the biggest overhaul of the employment services system in a generation.
From 1 July 2020, we will pilot a new system which provides more intensive and targeted support to those who most need help;
gives greater flexibility to those who are capable of getting their own job;
and which works better for business by giving them access to the workers they need, when they need them.
Our reforms will ensure that even more Australians can benefit from our strong economy and experience the dignity and choice that employment brings.
The Morrison Government is ensuring the VET training system is flexible and responsive to critical skills shortages as they emerge.
For example, the Morrison Government will increase the lifetime loan limit available to aviation students studying at a VET Student Loans (VSL) approved provider to $150,000, up from $104,440.
This change, which comes into force in January 2020, addresses concerns from industry that the existing combined lifetime loan limit doesn’t adequately cover the cost of training for the licences and ratings issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
This change has also been extended to those who study at higher education providers.
Boosting regional employment
The Morrison Government knows that for a strong Australia we need strong regions.
And strong regions need strong employment.
Under the Coalition, regional unemployment has fallen from 6 per cent to 5.5 per cent.
The Morrison Government is determined to ensure that young Australians in rural and regional areas have the opportunity to secure an apprenticeship
while ensuring regional small businesses have the skills they need.
That’s why we introduced a new trial wage subsidy program to support eligible new Australian apprentices located in regional areas facing skills shortages to take up opportunities in areas such as plumbing, mechanical, electrical, painting trades and hairdressing.
Under the subsidy, eligible employers will be able to receive payments based on the apprentice’s relevant award wage rates.
Subsidies are provided at 75 per cent of the apprentice’s award wage in the first year, followed with 50 per cent in the second year and 25 per cent in the third year.
The $60 million program commenced on 1 January 2019.
We are also investing in innovative local solutions to employment challenges.
Our $18.4 million Regional Employment Trials program enables local stakeholders to develop regional approaches to assist unemployed people in 10 disadvantaged regions where there are limited job opportunities.
Our Stronger Transitions package provides a targeted package of intensive assistance to retrenched workers to find new jobs and take advantage of labour market opportunities across Australia.
Through partnerships with employers, the plan offers skills and training, employment support, labour mobility and access to small business opportunities.
We will also continue to support Australian farmers with tools to capitalise when times are good – and the help they need when times are tough.
This includes the Future Drought Fund and the Drought Communities Program to help farmers, and local communities that rely on them, prepare for and respond to drought.
The Liberal and Nationals Government will also continue to support farmers, families and communities with extra support to help rebuild agriculture in flood-hit zones, particularly via the North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency.
Lower taxes
The Morrison Government wants Australians to earn more and to keep more of what they earn.
Lower taxes are a critical part of our plan to deliver a strong economy
and record job creation.
In 2018, the Coalition’s three-part plan delivered $144 billion in personal income tax cuts.
The legislated package had three elements.
To provide immediate relief to address cost of living pressures, protect income earners from bracket creep and to simplify and incentivise the tax system by abolishing an entire tax bracket.
A re-elected Morrison Government will provide an additional $158 billion in tax relief for hard-working Australians.
It represents the largest personal income tax cuts since the Howard Government.
The changes will more than double the low- and middle- income tax offset from 2018-19.
Taxpayers earning up to $126,000 a year – including teachers, tradies and nurses – will receive a tax cut this year.
For a single income family, this will mean tax relief of $1,080 each year and up to $2,160 for families on a dual income.
More than 10 million taxpayers will benefit, with 4.5 million receiving the full amount.
And the relief will flow quickly and be available to Australians after tax returns for the 2018-19 year are submitted in July.
This tax relief will lift household incomes, ease cost of living pressures
and boost spending at local businesses.
A re-elected Morrison Government will also deliver long-term structural reform by lowering the 32.5 per cent tax rate to 30 per cent from 1 July 2024.
This will cover all taxpayers earning between $45,000 and $200,000 and mean that 94 per cent of taxpayers will pay no more than 30 cents in the dollar.
Unlike Labor, a re-elected Morrison Government will place a speed limit on taxes, and ensure that tax as a share of GDP does not rise above the 23.9 per cent cap.
Taxes will always be lower under the Morrison Government.
Backing small and family business
The Morrison Government believes that small and family businesses are the beating heart of Australia’s economy.
When small businesses are healthy, all Australians are better off.
It means more jobs,
more choice, better living standards and more vibrant and connected communities.
The Morrison Government wants small businesses to prosper.
We want them to employ even more Australians.
The Morrison Government is pursuing a number of measures to strengthen small and medium businesses and the national economy.
The Morrison Government will continue to deliver tax relief to small and family businesses.
The company tax rate for small and medium-sized companies with a turnover of less than $50 million has been lowered to 27.5 per cent.
This rate will be lowered further to 25 per cent by 2021-22 as the Government accelerates its plan to deliver lower tax rates.
Similar timing applies to the increases in the unincorporated small business tax discount rate, which will increase to 16 per cent by 2021-22 (up to the cap of $1,000).
The instant asset write-off threshold has been increased from $25,000 to $30,000 and expanded to include medium-sized businesses with annual turnover of less than $50 million.
The initiative will benefit around 3.4 million businesses employing around 7.7 million workers.
The Morrison Government will make it easier for aspiring and existing small businesses to secure finance to start or expand their business.
The $2 billion Australian Business Securitisation Fund will increase access to more competitive finance following analysis that small to medium enterprises did not have access to the finance they need to start or grow their businesses.
The new pool of capital will help address this gap, as smaller banks and non-bank lenders will have access to more capital specifically for the sector.
The Morrison Government will also ensure small business is paid on time, both by government and big business.
Affordable and reliable energy
The Morrison Government’s Energy Plan will deliver affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for Australian households and businesses.
The Morrison Government has given the green light to the Snowy 2.0 project by committing to a $1.4 billion equity injection.
The project will firm up intermittent renewable energy by bringing 2000 megawatts (MW) of new renewable pumped hydro capacity into the system that will provide up to 175 hours of storage which can meet the peak demand of up to 500,000 homes.
The Morrison Government has joined with the Tasmanian Government to accelerate the Battery of the Nation and Marinus Link projects by providing $56 million for the Marinus Link interconnector – a second electricity transmission connection between Tasmania and Victoria.
To ensure a sufficient supply of reliable energy, the Morrison Government is delivering a program to underwrite investment in new reliable generation.
This will support increased competition in the National Electricity Market and help reduce wholesale electricity prices.
The Morrison Government has agreed to a shortlist of 12 projects representing a combined capacity of 3,818 MW equivalent to around 7 per cent of the National Electricity Market.
To reduce electricity costs for households, a re-elected Morrison Government will stop price gouging by energy companies.
This includes banning sneaky late payment penalties, making energy retailers pass on savings in wholesale prices and stopping anti-competitive behaviour.
A price safety net will stop big power companies ripping off loyal customers.
The Morrison Government will also provide relief for electricity consumers through a one-off, income tax exempt payment of $75 for singles and $125 for couples to around 4 million eligible social security payment recipients, assisting with their next power bill and cost of living expenses.
Building modern and productive transport infrastructure
The Morrison Government has a $100 billion, 10 year infrastructure plan to better connect people to jobs, their homes and their communities, and allow businesses to connect to domestic and global export markets.
Since 2013, the Coalition has made commitments to more than 770 major projects, as well as thousands of smaller upgrades across every local government area and region in Australia.
Over 270 major projects have already been completed, with over 160 under construction,
providing over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Investing in infrastructure projects that support the productive capacity of the economy supports growth and supports the Budget.
The Coalition’s reforms to project selection, including assessment by Infrastructure Australia for projects receiving over $100 million, will ensure benefits flow across the economy.
The Morrison Government has developed a rolling 10-year infrastructure pipeline, locking in funding over the medium-term to give greater certainty for state and territory governments to plan for new projects and for industry to invest in business and workforce capacity.
The Coalition will work with state and territory governments - who are responsible for procurement on their road and rail networks - to ensure tendering processes encourage competition.
This will ensure taxpayers get value for money,
while also building the diversity and capability of the Australian construction sector.
Creating more export opportunities through better infrastructure
Quality infrastructure is essential for the nation’s productive capacity and to better connect us to international markets.
The Morrison Government will continue to invest in the transformation of Australia’s transport corridors to open new markets to Australian businesses
and make it easier to move goods from our primary producers and industries to domestic and overseas markets.
As part of the Coalition’s $100 billion 10-year infrastructure plan, significant investments are being made in rail, road and intermodal facilities, such as the Gladstone Port Access Road ($100m), the Shepparton Bypass on the Goulburn Valley Highway ($208m) and Tranche 3 of the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation Program ($68m).
The signature Roads of Strategic Importance initiative has been increased to $4.5 billion to ensure our key freight roads efficiently connect agricultural and mining regions to ports, airports and other transport hubs, and manufacturers can connect to their market.
The Coalition will continue to deliver the $9.3 billion Inland Rail from Brisbane to Melbourne, a once-in-a-generation infrastructure project connecting regional Australia to national and international markets.
This project – already under construction – will deliver economic and social benefits across the country.
The nature of the freight task is evolving and freight volumes remain on track to double in the 20 years to 2030.
A co-ordinated national approach will drive action in investment, planning and data and technology.
To help position Australia to meet this challenge, the Coalition will finalise a National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy with all tiers of government.
Creating more export opportunities through trade deals
In just six years the Liberal National Government has embedded Australia into the major economic engines of our region.
The Government has concluded export agreements with China, Japan, Korea, the 10 economies of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP-11)1, the 10 countries of the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER Plus)2, as well as Indonesia, Peru and Hong Kong.
Australian exporters now have duty-free or preferential access to 2.8 billion consumers around the world, up more than 1.75 billion since the Coalition came to office.
Australia’s free trade partners account for more than 55 per cent of global GDP, or over $44 trillion.
Our trade deals have created substantial new opportunities for Australian exporters, including our farmers, manufacturers, miners and service providers.
For example, the value of exports of fresh or chilled Australian beef to Japan has increased by 42 per cent to $1.2 billion since the Japan-Australia free trade agreement came into force.
The value of Australian exports of fresh grapes to China has increased more than 9 times to $150 million since the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement came into force.
And there’s more to come.
The Morrison Government’s export agreement with Indonesia, once in force, will provide a major boost for Australian farmers.
Under the agreement, producers of grains, live cattle and meat, dairy and horticulture, and many other products will benefit from lower tariffs and improved access to Indonesian markets.
Australian grain growers will be able to export feed grains into Indonesia tariff free, building on our substantial milling wheat exports.
A re-elected Morrison Government will prioritise the conclusion of a free trade agreement with the European Union, the implementation of the India Economic Strategy and the expansion of the Trans Pacific Partnership.
Other market-opening opportunities include a free trade deal with the United Kingdom as soon as they are ready to do so as well as a trade agreement with the 4 nation Pacific Alliance.
The Morrison Government will also help more Australian businesses to take on the world.
The 2019-20 Budget provided an additional $60 million for Export Market Development Grants to allow small and medium businesses to capitalise on these opportunities.
Ensuring the Government lives within its means
The Morrison Government has restored our nation’s finances.
This turnaround has been achieved by building a strong economy and applying careful fiscal discipline.
Real spending growth is at its lowest level by any government for half a century.
Australia’s budget is back in the black with a surplus of $7.1 billion in 2019-20.
Over the next four years, the budget will deliver $45 billion in surpluses, growing to more than 1 per cent of GDP from 2026-27.
We will reach our goal of eliminating Commonwealth net debt by 2030 or sooner.
This is a critical achievement as the interest bill on Labor’s legacy of debt in just one year was $18 billion – enough to build 500 schools or a world-class hospital in every state and territory.
The Choice
There is a lot at stake at this election.
And there is a clear choice.
A choice between a Government that is delivering a strong economy or a Labor Party that would weaken our economy.
A choice between a Government that is fixing the budget or a Labor Party that can’t manage money.
A choice between a Government that is making life easier for families by lowering taxes or a Labor Party that will put more strain on households by imposing $387 billion in new taxes on workers, retirees, families and small business.
A choice between a Government that can afford to pay for better infrastructure and services or a Labor Party that would max out Australia’s credit card.
A choice between a Government that has secured our borders and is keeping Australians safe or a Labor Party that has learned nothing from its border security failures.
An uncertain international economic outlook underlines the need for a sure hand in guiding the economy.
A Labor Government would mean a drastic change in economic direction.
A Shorten Labor Government would easily be the highest taxing government in the nation’s history.
And when Labor runs out of money they come after yours.
An economic leap in the dark
A Shorten Labor Government will be very different from a re-elected Morrison Government.
Under Labor, personal and business taxes will be higher not lower.
Labor’s track record tells you there will be budget deficits instead of surpluses.
A reckless emissions reduction target instead of a responsible one.
Policy based on envy rather than aspiration.
Union muscle rather than the rule of law.
Mr Shorten will take Australia in a very different direction.
It will be an economic leap in the dark.
Labor’s plan means fewer jobs
In the last 6 years, the Liberal National Government created more than 1.3 million jobs.
In the next 5 years, a re-elected Morrison Government will create another 1.25 million jobs.
It’s a credible promise because the Liberal Nationals have a proven record in job creation.
The opposite is true of Labor.When the last Labor Government was elected in 2007, the jobless rate was 4.4 per cent.
When Labor left office 6 years later, the jobless rate was 5.7 per cent and rising.
And there were 54,700 fewer young people with jobs.
That’s a record of job destruction not creation.
Labor’s key policy proposals will not create new jobs.
Labor’s plan for $387 billion in new taxes will strangle economic growth.
That means fewer jobs not more.
Labor’s reckless 45 per cent emissions reduction plan will kill 336,000 jobs by 2030, according to independent peer-reviewed modelling.
Labor’s plan to give militant unions the power to control workplaces will destroy jobs, especially for young Australians.
Labor will blow the budget
Since 1989-90, Labor Governments have delivered 12 budgets, but not a single surplus.
Like the Rudd/Gillard/Rudd Governments, a Shorten Labor Government will never deliver a surplus budget.
It is a habit Labor cannot break.
Labor regularly and cynically leaves massive deficits for incoming Coalition Governments to fix.
In 1996, the incoming Howard Government inherited an underlying cash deficit (in today’s dollars) of $26 billion or 1.5 per cent of GDP.
3 The Howard Government returned the Budget to surplus.
In 2013-14, Labor left the Coalition Government an underlying cash deficit of $48.5 billion or 3 per cent of GDP.
Like the Howard Government a decade ago, the Coalition has again repaired Labor’s budget mess and this year returns the Budget to surplus.
If given the chance, Labor will squander the surplus again, even with tens of billions in new taxes, as they did before.
We must not reward Labor’s cynicism.
We cannot repeat this cycle again.
We must not give up all the gains we have made.
Labor’s tax assault will weaken essential services
Labor’s $387 billion of higher taxes over the next decade will reduce the capacity of the economy to fund essential services like health, education, infrastructure and national security.
This is equivalent to an extra yearly household tax bill of $5,400 within a decade.
A potential Labor Government would be the highest taxing Australian government on record.
This would be a dangerous experiment on a scale that has never been conducted before.
When taxes rise, economic growth slows.
When growth slows, government revenue falls.
When government revenue falls, budgets slide deeper into deficit.
It becomes harder to provide high quality essential services including health, education, infrastructure and national security.
Business and consumer confidence fall.
Growth slows further.
Deficits deepen.
The cost of servicing the debt grows.
The economic downward spiral accelerates.
A Shorten Government will bow to the iron fist of militant union bosses
The Labor Party has never been more deferential to militant union demands.
Labor would put militant union bosses back in charge.
They have promised a return to lawlessness in the construction industry by abolishing the Australian Building and Construction Commission.
Last time they abolished the construction industry watchdog, days lost to industrial action in the industry increased by 660 per cent.
They would allow a return to bad behaviour by dodgy trade union bosses by abolishing our anti-corruption agency for unions and employer associations, the Registered Organisations Commission.
They would threaten the livelihoods of 35,000 owner truck drivers by promising a return of the union-friendly trucking tribunal that threatened to put them out of business.
And they are a risk to the CFA volunteer firefighters that we protected from a hostile union takeover despite constant opposition from Labor.
Labor would also completely change the rules of industrial relations.
Labor has already promised to impose industry-wide strikes, allow politicians to interfere with pay decisions, tear up enterprise bargaining, give union bosses the upper hand in negotiations, give unions the power to pilfer workers’ entitlements held in accounts they control, exempt union-run industry super funds from tax hikes, impose a union veto on trade agreements and restrict backpacker work visas that help our farming sector.
This alone will hurt jobs
and the economy.
And who knows what other changes former union leader Bill Shorten would make to keep militant union bosses happy.
Labor’s reckless emissions reductions will flatten the economy, jobs and wages
Labor’s reckless 45 per cent emissions reduction target will damage virtually every sector of the Australian economy.
Labor also wants to increase the cost of family SUVs and tradies utes by $5,000 and restrict choice of vehicles with its new car tax.
Economic modelling by respected economist Dr Brian Fisher has found Labor’s 45 per cent target will slash economic growth
, jobs and wage growth.
Over the decade to 2030, there will be a $472 billion hit to the Australian economy,
336,000 jobs will be lost and average yearly full-time wages will shrink by nearly $9000 by 2030.
All sectors, except iron ore, will shrink.
Electricity prices will nearly double under Labor’s target.
The Cost
The Coalition’s Plan for a Stronger Economy
and More Jobs will not place additional costs on the Budget.
Our Plan for Lower Taxes for Small Business
KEY POINTS
Small businesses are the beating heart of the Australian economy.
When small businesses are healthy, all Australians are better off.
It means more jobs,
more choice, better living standards
and more vibrant and connected communities.
When you work hard, build your business and invest in your community you are having a go.
And you will get a go under the Morrison Government.
That’s what the Morrison Government believes in.
That’s why we are backing small business to invest, employ more workers and grow their business.
We will lower taxes for small, medium and family businesses.
We will make it easier for them to employ even more Australians.
We will incentivise their investment in productivity-enhancing equipment.
We will expand their access to finance.
We will ensure they have the skills they need for today and tomorrow.
We will ensure they get a fair go by stopping big business abusing their market power.
We will ensure they are paid on-time by government and larger businesses.
We will lift the red tape and paperwork burden.
We will enable them to get their products to their customers more quickly with modern transport infrastructure.
We will give them access to billions of global consumers with market-opening trade agreements.
We will ensure they have affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.
We will help them seize the opportunities provided by the digital economy.
We will support their mental health and wellbeing so they can support their family, business, employees and local community.
We will support tens of thousands of Australian women through our female entrepreneurs programs.
It is part of our plan for a stronger economy that provides the settings and opportunity for business to do what it does best.
Labor do not believe in enterprise and aspiration.
Labor’s taxes are bad for business.
Small business will get hit twice.
First, Labor's higher taxes would directly hit small business.
Second, a Shorten Labor government would be the highest taxing government in Australia’s history.
That will weaken our economy and make it a harder environment for small business to operate in.
OUR PLAN
The Morrison Government is already delivering lower taxes for small and medium businesses.
Lower taxes mean more money to reinvest back into the business
and create more jobs for Australians.
The Morrison Government has already provided lower taxes to around 3.4 million small, medium and family businesses employing over 7 million workers.
We have fast tracked small and medium businesses moving to a lower corporate tax rate.
The Morrison Government has already lowered the tax rate from 30 per cent to 27.5 per cent.
And this rate will be cut further to 25 per cent by 2021-22 - five years earlier than previously planned.
Fast-tracking these lower taxes will benefit around 970,000 small and medium companies that employ over 5 million workers.
We will ensure that unincorporated small businesses receive comparable treatment through an increase in their small business discount.
This will benefit around 2.4 million businesses employing 1.9 million workers.
The Morrison Government is also helping small and medium businesses invest
And grow through increasing and expanding the instant asset write-off.
It has been increased from $25,000 to $30,000 and it can be used every time an asset under that amount is purchased.
That will enable a café to get a new fridge or grill, a plumber to buy new tools or a courier a new van.
The incentive will also be expanded so medium-sized businesses with a turnover up to $50 million can access it.
This will benefit an extra 22,000 additional businesses employing around 1.7 million workers.
The Morrison Government has set a speed limit on taxes as a share of our economy.
We are ensuring that the economy isn’t burdened with higher and higher taxes.
The personal tax relief we are providing to millions of Australians will help boost spending at local small businesses.
Haylee and Martin own a company, HM Nurseries Pty Ltd, through which they operate several nurseries in Newcastle.
HM Nurseries Pty Ltd has an aggregated turnover of $5.2 million and a taxable income of $150,000 for the 2019-20 income year.
They employ 15 workers.
To continue to expand the business, and offer delivery services to clients, HM Nurseries Pty Ltd purchases two new vans halfway through the financial year.
The vans cost $29,000 each, exclusive of GST.
Under previously announced arrangements, the vans each cost more than the $25,000 threshold for the instant asset write-off in the 2019-20 income year.
This means they would be added to HM Nurseries Pty Ltd’s small business depreciation asset pool and depreciated by 15 per cent.
HM Nurseries Pty Ltd would claim a tax deduction of $8,700 for the depreciation of the vans.
Under the new $30,000 instant asset write-off, HM Nurseries Pty Ltd would instead claim an immediate deduction of $58,000 for the purchase of the two vans in the 2019-20 income year, $49,300 more than under previously announced arrangements.
This will help the business to invest, grow and employ more workers.
The Morrison Government’s changes mean that HM Nurseries Pty Ltd pays less tax, increasing its cash flow by over $13,500.
Mark owns a company, Lat Val Pty Ltd, through which he operates a food manufacturing business in the Latrobe Valley employing 60 staff.
Lat Val Pty Ltd has an aggregated turnover of $25 million and a taxable income of $900,000 for the 2019-20 income year.
Ordinarily Lat Val Pty Ltd would be too large to access the instant asset write-off, but the changes in the 2019 20 Budget mean it can now benefit.
Lat Val Pty Ltd purchases 10 new commercial ovens halfway through the income year, at a cost of $12,000 each, exclusive of GST, to allow Lat Val Pty Ltd to expand its business and improve efficiency.
Under existing tax arrangements, Lat Val Pty Ltd would depreciate the new ovens using an effective life of 15 years.
Choosing to use the diminishing value method, Lat Val Pty Ltd would claim a tax deduction of $800 per oven, a total deduction of $8,000 for the 2019-20 income year.
Under the new $30,000 instant asset write-off, Lat Val Pty Ltd would instead claim an immediate deduction of $120,000 for the purchase of the 10 ovens in the 2019 20 income year, $112,000 more than under existing arrangements.
This will help the business to invest, grow
and employ more workers.
The Morrison Government’s changes mean that Lat Val Pty Ltd pays less tax, increasing its cash flow by $30,800.
THE CHOICE
Labor do not believe in enterprise and aspiration.
Labor's plan for higher taxes will cost Australian small businesses.
Each and every one of Labor’s $387 billion of higher taxes are bad for business.
Not only will small business suffer directly from higher taxes, they will feel the effects of the flow-on impact of a weaker economy.
Within a decade, Labor's tax hit will be the equivalent to an extra yearly household tax bill of $5,400.
That is $5,400 less to spend at local businesses.
That’s $5,400 less going back into the community.
A Shorten Labor government would be the highest taxing government in Australia’s history.
This would weaken our economy and provide fewer opportunities for small business to thrive.
Labor are proposing a dangerous experiment on a scale that has never been conducted before.
Each and every one of Labor’s new taxes will hit small, medium and family businesses across Australia.
Labor’s $230 billion income tax and $6.5 billion deficit levy will limit enterprise and aspiration.
Unincorporated small businesses will be directly hit as their business grows and incomes rise as a result of their hard work.
Small business will feel the effects if legislated tax relief is taken away from millions of Australians, reducing spending at local small businesses.
Labor’s $31 billion housing tax will reduce home values and increase rents.
Small business owners will be directly hit as they often rely on the equity in their homes to secure finance - making access to finance more difficult as the value of their homes reduces.
Small business owners will be directly hit by higher rents.
Small businesses in the construction industry will be hit with the Master Builders Association finding that Labor’s policy would result in up to 42,000 fewer new dwellings, 32,000 fewer full-time jobs and an $11.8 billion drop in building activity.
Labor’s $57 billion retiree tax will destroy the value small business owners have built up in their business.
Small business owners will be directly hit if they receive dividends from their business.
It will destroy the plans of older small business owners who have spent many years building their business,
creating jobs
and investing in their community,
with the plan to use the franking credits from their small business in retirement.
It will hit main street small businesses in communities with large retiree populations, as retirees will no longer be able to afford to go out for the club meal, purchase a coffee and cake or buy some toys for their grandkids.
Labor’s $27 billion family business tax will tax small family businesses at the same rate as large multinational companies.
300,000 small family businesses will be directly hit with a minimum tax rate of 30 per cent.
It will hurt small businesses that are using these trusts for asset protection, estate planning or to manage cash flows.
Labor’s $34 billion in superannuation taxes will punish start-up and micro business owners limiting how they can contribute to their superannuation.
Labor will no longer allow personal superannuation contributions to be deducted where more than 10 per cent of their income is from outside their business - a common occurrence if they are working another job while establishing their business.
800,000 Australians are estimated to benefit from working part time, taking a salary while establishing their business.
Labor’s $2 billion tax return tax will mean an extra cost for many sole trading businesses to comply with Australian tax laws, and because they can no longer afford it will mean they do not get the important advice they need.
Making matters worse the $387 billion tax hike doesn’t take into account Labor’s electricity and car taxes.
Small business will be directly hit as the cost of doing business is pushed up, and the car tax will mean businesses may not be able to purchase the vehicles they need to do the job properly.
The choice is clear.
Small, medium and family businesses will suffer as a result of Labor’s $387 billion plan for higher taxes.
By contrast, the Morrison Government has a proven track record of backing small and medium businesses and a plan for lower taxes for small, medium and family businesses.
COSTS
The Coalition’s plan for lower taxes for small business will not place additional costs on the Budget.
Our Plan to Support Retirees
Key points
Retirees should enjoy choice.
The reward for a lifetime of hard work should always be a long, healthy and dignified retirement.
When you work hard, save and provision for the future, nothing should stand in the way of your freedom and independence.
That’s what the Morrison Government believes.
And that’s why we’re backing retirees to achieve their goals of self-reliance and fulfilment.
We will support retirees’ independence and dignity.
We will ensure their savings are protected.
We will protect and expand access to self-managed super.
We will not undermine the value of their home.
We will not hit them with new taxes on superannuation.
Guaranteed.
We understand that not everybody will face the same circumstances or make the same choices later in life.
Our policies respect these differences: whether you’re a self-funded retiree or a pensioner.
The same cannot be said of Bill Shorten and the Labor Party.
Labor thrives on conflict, including policies to turn retirees against pensioners.
Their devastating Retiree Tax is a $57 billion tax grab that would hit over 1 million Australians.
This includes more than 900,000 Australians with direct shareholdings, 200,000 self-managed super funds and 1,800 super funds.
On average, these retirees would lose almost $2,300 a year – and more than half of them are women.
Self-managed super funds would lose $12,000 a year.
Labor claims their Retiree Tax will only slug the wealthy, but the truth is that 84% of Australians who would be affected are on a taxable income of less than $37,000.
And 50,000 pensioners in self-managed super funds would also be hit.
The Morrison Government believes in choice, freedom and dignity for all Australians who have worked hard.
Labor has no respect for those who have worked hard, paid taxes and planned for an independent retirement.
Our Plan
Our policies are already delivering for retirees and pensioners.
We are backing self-funded retirees and pensioners by: Guaranteeing no new taxes on superannuation.
Improving flexibility of the superannuation system.
From 1 July 2020, Australians aged 65 and 66 will be able to make voluntary superannuation contributions even if they do not meet the current work test requirement to work at least 40 hours over a 30-day period in the year they seek to make contributions.
For example, it means part time workers – such as a 65 year-old who works one day a week and who wouldn’t meet the current work test – can now contribute to superannuation.
Providing wage subsidies and training incentives for mature age workers.
Protecting and expanding access to self-managed super, with a plan to extend the maximum size of self-managed super funds from four to six members – enabling more families to take control of their retirement savings.
Widening choices in later years through an expanded pension loans scheme, giving around 1.8 million Australians the option to boost their income by drawing down on more of the equity in their own home.
Allowing contributions to super from the proceeds of downsizing, up to $300,000 for eligible Australians aged 65 and over.
Continuing to give self-managed super funds the flexibility to borrow on a non-recourse basis to help maximise returns for retirement.
In contrast, Labor has promised to ban this practice.
Stopping Labor’s unfair Retiree Tax.
Currently, most retirees who receive share dividends get a (franking credit) refund on the tax they have already paid via the company in which they invest.
By abolishing tax refunds on dividends, Labor’s Retiree Tax would reach into the pockets of over 1 million Australians, many being retirees and pensioners, taxing them again.
Stopping Labor’s unfair Housing Tax. Labor’s plan to abolish negative gearing as we know it will push down home values.
An independent report found house prices will fall as much as 16 per cent, or around $100,000, on a typical house in Melbourne.
Stopping Labor’s plan for four new superannuation taxes, which would hit around 1 million Australians.
The Choice
There is a lot at stake at this election.
And there is a clear choice.
A choice between a Government that is delivering a strong economy or a Labor Party that would weaken our economy.
A choice between a Government that is fixing the Budget or a Labor Party that can’t manage money.
A Shorten Labor Government would be the highest taxing government in the nation’s history.
When Labor runs out of money they come after yours.
When you take responsibility and save for your own retirement, Labor comes after your money.
Bill Shorten now describes refunding franking credits as a “gift”. (Doorstop, 12 April 2019)
Even though Labor supported this policy as recently as 2017.
Of course, in Australia we have dividend imputation – a great Labor reform – which means that every domestic payer of corporate tax in effect gets it back.
We actually refund our corporate tax to our domestic investors, something which is quite unique around the world and often gets lost in this debate. (Chris Bowen, House Hansard, 11/9/2017)
Bill Shorten and his Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen want to punish Australians who have worked hard and saved for retirement.
Their arrogant response to those who would lose out from their tax hit?
We don’t care, vote for someone else.
I say to your listener: if you feel very strongly about this, if they feel that this is something that should impact their vote they are of course perfectly entitled to vote against us. (Chris Bowen, radio interview, 30/1/2019)
Australian retirees, including the 50,000 pensioners who will be hit by Labor’s policy, deserve to be treated with respect, not hit by unfair taxes.
Bill Shorten believes retirees are a piggy bank to be raided as part of Labor’s $387 billion tax assault.
By contrast, the Morrison Government has a proven track record of respect for the independence, dignity and choice of older Australians.
We will guarantee and protect retirement savings and superannuation.
Our Plan for Lower Energy Costs for Small Businesses
KEY POINTS
Small businesses are the beating heart of Australia’s economy.
When small businesses are healthy, all Australians are better off.
It means more jobs,
more choice, better living standards
and more vibrant and connected communities.
Australia’s 3.4 million small, medium and family businesses employ over 7 million workers.
We understand power prices are hurting Australian small businesses,
preventing them from employing more people and grasping new opportunities.
The Morrison Government is committed to lower power prices while keeping the lights on.
The Morrison Government is taking strong action to lower power prices to ensure our small, medium and family businesses can continue to grow strongly.
We are already seeing results.
By mid-2019, over one million Australian families and small businesses will benefit from electricity prices falling by up to 15 per cent.
Our Fair Deal on Energy delivers affordable, reliable, 24/7 power to Australian families, businesses and communities:A price safety net to protect loyal customers and help families and small businesses make empowered and informed decisions about their energy plans.
Big stick legislation to stop the big energy company rip-offs and ban sneaky late payment fees.
Supporting reliable power by requiring energy companies to sign contracts guaranteeing enough energy to meet demand.
Underwriting investment in new reliable power generation to improve competition, including Snowy 2.0, Battery of the Nation and a shortlist of reliable generation projects.
The ACCC forecasts that underwriting new generation can reduce wholesale power prices by more than 25%.
A new Energy Efficient Communities Program will provide $50 million through more than 2,500 grants to eligible businesses and community organisations, helping them save energy and reduce their power bills by installing new equipment or reviewing and improving their energy management.
The Morrison Government has a clear plan to reduce power prices for families and businesses.
In contrast, by 2030, Labor’s reckless emissions policies will reduce the average full time wage by $9,000 in real terms, reduce the number of jobs by 336,000
and increase wholesale electricity prices by 58 per cent.
Labor also wants to increase the cost of business SUVs and tradies' utes by $5,000 and restrict choice of vehicles.
OUR RECORD
Since 2013, the Liberal National Government has:Abolished the carbon tax, saving households and small businesses $200 on electricity bills and $70 on gas bills in 2014-15.
Taken action to ban retailers from charging sneaky late payment penalties.
Implemented National Energy Market rules that will protect small businesses:Banning retailers from offering confusing discounts.
Requiring energy retailers to notify customers when their discounts are about to finish or change.
Requiring retailers to accept self-meter reads instead of estimated reads so customers are accurately charged.
Upgraded the Energy Made Easy website to empower customers to get a better deal, and invested $11.7 million in the Business Energy Advice Program, delivering practical advice to help small businesses get better energy deals and increase their energy efficiency.
Reined in the power of the electricity networks, which if Labor had done when last in Government, would have saved consumers more than $6 billion.
Supported the COAG Energy Council’s establishment of Energy Consumers Australia to represent households and SME consumers.
Secured more gas for Australian businesses through the Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism.
The Liberal National Government has provide more funding and new powers to enable the ACCC to monitor electricity and gas prices.
We have directed the ACCC to hold an inquiry into prices, profits and margins in the National Electricity Market and committed $31.9 million in additional funding for the ACCC and Australian Energy Regulator.
We have also funded the ACCC to monitor the behaviour and prices of producers, exporters, pipelines and retailers in our gas markets.
Our Plan
Our Fair Deal on Energy delivers affordable, reliable, 24/7 power to Australian families, businesses and communities.
Small Business Energy Efficiency Programs
The Morrison Government’s Energy Efficient Communities Program will provide $50 million through more than 2,500 grants to eligible businesses and community organisations, helping them save energy and reduce their power bills by installing new equipment or reviewing and improving their energy management.
Eligible small businesses will be able to claim grants of up to $20,000 and high-energy using businesses up to $25,000.
Funding will support activities to help businesses and community organisations to save energy through:equipment upgrades that reduce energy consumption
investment in energy monitoring and management systems to better manage energy use
completion of energy systems assessments or feasibility studies to investigate energy efficiency opportunities
Small businesses will also be able to access a $30,000 instant asset write-off to purchase new energy-efficient equipment.
Price Safety Net
From 1 July 2019, we will permanently get rid of the ‘loyalty tax’ and lock in better deals for nearly 800,000 households and small businesses.
The price safety net will protect loyal customers and help small businesses make empowered and informed decisions about their energy plan.
For households or equivalent small businesses, changing to default market offers from standing offer tariffs could save up to $479 in South Australia, $696 in New South Wales and $660 in south-east Queensland.
Advice for Small Business
We have invested $11.7 million in the Business Energy Advice Program, delivering practical advice to help small businesses get better energy deals and increase energy efficiency.
Further information on the practical steps small businesses can take to get better deals, switching energy providers and better managing their energy use is available online at our ‘Powering Forward’ campaign (energy.gov.au).
Delivering Reliable Energy Supplies
The Morrison Government is supporting reliable 24/7 power by requiring energy companies to sign contracts guaranteeing enough energy to meet demand, and underwriting investment in new reliable power generation to improve competition.
Our investments include Snowy 2.0, Battery of the Nation and a shortlist of reliable generation projects.
The ACCC forecasts that underwriting new generation can reduce wholesale power prices by more than 25%.
The Government’s $56 million investment in the Marinus Link – a second interconnector between Tasmania and Victoria will – unlock Tasmania’s world-class renewable hydro resources.
The Battery of the Nation will bring more affordable and reliable electricity to millions of homes and businesses.
The Marinus Link and Battery of the Nation will also create 3,800 direct and indirect jobs during construction
and deliver a $7 billion economic stimulus to north-western Tasmania and regional Victoria.
This is the type of investment which unlocks opportunities for small businesses.
Regional and Remote Small Businesses
The $50.4 million Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund will support up to 50 off-grid and fringe-of-grid communities and businesses to investigate whether establishing a micro grid is cost-effective
and whether existing off-grid capabilities can be upgraded with modern technology.
A micro grid is energy infrastructure at the community level, generally in rural and remote areas, including farms, and in the mining sector and Indigenous communities.
Micro grids include generation (often a diesel generator), transmission (the poles and wires) and any storage.
Micro grids can be entirely separate from the grid or connected.
The Morrison Government’s $50.4 million micro grid program will allow communities to improve their local transmission, install community-scale batteries to support existing generation (such as solar), or upgrade existing facilities such as old diesel generators.
Moving some remote customers to off-grid supply could save hundreds of millions of dollars in network costs and reduce bushfire risks, while delivering more reliable and affordable power.
The Choice
Labor do not believe in enterprise and aspiration.
Each and every one of Labor’s $387 billion of higher taxes are bad for business.
A Shorten Labor Government would be the highest taxing Government in Australia’s history – and that’s without taking into account Labor’s electricity and car taxes.
Labor’s plan for higher taxes will cost Australian small business twice.
First, they will be directly hit as the cost of doing business increases.
Second, a Shorten Labor Government will weaken our economy
and make it a harder environment for small business to operate in.
During the last Labor Government, power prices doubled and went up each and every year.
Labor’s reckless emissions targets will drive up power prices once again,
cost jobs and reduce wages.
Labor’s policies will not reduce global emissions as businesses, jobs and wages are forced overseas.
By 2030, Labor’s reckless targets will reduce average full time real wages by $9,000, reduce the number of jobs by 336,000 and
increase wholesale electricity prices by 58 per cent.
Labor’s car tax will increase the costs of vehicles by over $4,800 and mandate EVs for half of all new car sales.
Seventeen of the top 20 vehicles sold in Australia don't have models which meet Labor's new carbon standard.
Tradies and small businesses which require larger vehicles will be hardest hit by these policies.
Cost
The Coalition’s plan for reducing energy costs for small businesses will not place additional costs on the Budget.
Our Plan for Keeping Australians Safe on our Roads
Key Points
The Liberal and Nationals Government has a plan to help make Australians safer on our roads.
Our plan to deliver a strong economy is ensuring we can guarantee the essential services Australians rely on with increased funding for schools, hospitals, medicines and roads.
Our record $100 billion investment in transport infrastructure will reduce congestion, keep our roads safe, connect people to jobs and get our produce to market.
As part of our commitment to road safety, the Morrison Government is making record investments in Australia’s road network, including:$4 billion from 2019-20 under the Urban Congestion Fund to improve traffic safety and flow and increase network efficiency for commuter and freight movements in major urban areas
$4.5 billion under the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative to support the upgrade of key regional road corridors
Improving local roads, including:                       an additional $1.1 billion for the Roads to Recovery Program
an additional $550 million for the Black Spot Program
an additional $275 million for the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program and
an additional $275 million for the Bridges Renewal Program.
The quality of our roads has a big impact on safety.
So too do risky driving behaviours such as speeding, driving under the influence, driver fatigue and, increasingly, driver distraction such as mobile phone use.
To help with safer driving options and to combat driver fatigue, a re-elected Morrison Government will:Work with state and territory governments, local councils, industry and other road safety stakeholders to develop a nationally consistent approach to new and improved pullover bays with a focus on single lane highways, popular tourist routes and off-network roads.
Invest an additional $8 million in capped grants to help upgrade the 175 existing Driver Reviver locations nation-wide to improve amenity and to support the establishment of new sites.
Invest $4 million in a Road Safety Awareness and Enablers Fund.
Initial priorities will include:$1.2 million over four years to support the Driver Reviver program to improve awareness of sites and for engagement of volunteers.
$1 million over four years to partner with industry to develop and promote programs to better educate caravan, campervan and motorhome drivers on safety awareness.
Invest $16 million to extend the Keys2drive program for a further two years to 2022-23, an initiative that provides a free theory and practical lesson to learner drivers and their supervisors.
Invest up to $1.8 million to support a one-year pilot of the Australian Safety Foundation’s Digital Road Safety Passport for Schools for Year 9 students. The pilot will cover the foundations of road safety – including getting to and from school safely.
Our Plan
The Liberal and Nationals Government is delivering national leadership on road safety through major road investments, improvements to policy collaboration across all governments and road safety stakeholders, and taking practical steps to reduce driving risks.
Better and safer roads
The Morrison Government is making record investments in Australia’s road network through our $100 billion infrastructure investment plan over the next 10 years.
We have committed to more than 770 major projects and more than 24,000 local projects across the nation since coming to government.
We established the $4 billion Urban Congestion Fund to bust congestion, improve traffic safety and flow, and increase network efficiency for commuter and freight movements in major urban areas.
We have also established the $4.5 billion Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative to support the upgrade of key regional road corridors which connect agricultural and mining regions to ports, airports and other transport hubs.
Across the nation, ROSI will deliver sealing, flood immunity, strengthening and widening, and pavement rehabilitation works, as well as bridge and culvert upgrades, and road realignments.
As part of the 2019-20 Budget we are improving local roads, committing an extra $2.2 billion for key road initiatives, including: $1.1 billion for the Roads to Recovery Program
The Howard Government established the Roads to Recovery Program in March 2001 and on returning to government in 2013 the Coalition committed to expanding it once the Budget returned to surplus.
We have also made Roads to Recovery an ongoing initiative rather than a terminating program.
This brings total Roads to Recovery funding for local councils to $5 billion over the next ten years.
This funding will help local governments respond to local priorities, providing for thousands of new projects.
$550 million for the Black Spot Program
The Black Spot Program specifically targets road locations where serious crashes have occurred to reduce the risk of further accidents.
The program funds safety measures such as traffic signals, roundabouts, turning lanes, safety barriers and lighting at locations where there is a history of at least three casualty crashes in five years and at other emerging high risk locations.
Over 2,100 projects have been approved since 2013.
These projects are estimated to save around 250 lives and prevent more than 12,500 injury crashes over 10 years.
$275 million for the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program
The Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program will receive an extra $25 million a year from 2019–20 to deliver safer roads for trucks and more opportunities for drivers to rest.
This program provides funding for rest-stops, parking/decoupling bays, technology trials and other road safety enhancements.
$275 million for the Bridges Renewal Program
The Bridges Renewal Program funds the replacement of bridges to enhance access for local communities and make roads safer. In the 2019–20 Budget, we committed an extra $25 million a year.
This will build on a recent round of the program which upgraded and replaced 126 ageing bridges in rural and regional Australia.
Safer drivers
Governments have an important role in helping motorists make better decisions about the safety of their vehicle and their driving.
With human error contributing to more than 90 per cent of road accidents, we have a massive opportunity to save lives and prevent injuries by ensuring we drive smarter and safer.
Building on our investments in long-running, respected road safety programs, a re-elected Morrison Government will go further by providing $8 million in capped grants to help upgrade the 175 existing Driver Reviver locations nation-wide to improve amenity and provide for new equipment, as well as to support the establishment of new sites.
Grants could be made for a range of purposes, including the maintenance and extension of seating and refreshment facilities.
We will also provide $1.2 million over four years to support delivery of the Driver Reviver program as an initial priority under the $4 million Road Safety Awareness and Enablers Fund established in the 2019-20 Budget.
This will improve awareness of Driver Reviver sites for commuters and support greater participation of volunteers.
Priority activities will include improving community engagement and supporting volunteer training and co-ordination.
In addition to new support for Driver Reviver, the Fund will also provide:$1 million over four years to partner with industry to develop and promote programs to better educate caravan, campervan and motorhome drivers on safety awareness;
$400,000 of seed funding over two years for the Australian College of Road Safety to establish a self-sustaining International Outreach Chapter;
$200,000 over four years for sponsorship of Fatality Free Friday;
$200,000 over four years, with matching funding from state and territory governments, for a Road Worker Safety Campaign;
$200,000 over four years for the annual Australasian Road Safety Conference; and
$25,000 a year to co-sponsor (on rotation with each state and territory) Australia’s launch event of the annual National Road Safety Week.
Supporting young drivers
The Morrison Government is committed to the safety of young drivers.
We have locked in funding of $16 million for Keys2Drive to guarantee delivery of the program over the next four years.
Keys2Drive provides a free theory and practical lesson to learner drivers and their supervisors, and an educational website with supportive resources and information.
The Morrison Government is focused on increasing uptake in regional areas where young drivers in particular are overrepresented in crashes.
As a precursor to Keys2Drive, the Morrison Government will provide up to $1.8 million in additional funding to support a one-year pilot of the Australian Safety Foundation’s Digital Road Safety Passport for Schools for Year 9 students.
Tragically, children continue to die and be seriously injured not just in cars but as pedestrians.
It’s important that they understand the road rules when they are walking home from school, a passenger in a car, and ultimately as a learner driver.
The pilot will trial targeted road safety material in classrooms and online, with a view to rolling out the initiative to all 11-15 year-old students in partnership with the states and territories.
National Leadership
The Morrison Government is taking national leadership on road safety to ensure all governments continue to invest in safe road transport.
We will make road safety a standing item at all meetings of the COAG Transport and Infrastructure Ministerial Council meetings and improve linkages with other COAG Councils with an interest such as health, education and policing.
Our plan is to:Develop the next National Road Safety Strategy, with ambitious and measurable KPIs and strategies focused on reducing road trauma.
Finalise the governance arrangements across the road safety system and agree a comprehensive implementation plan for the recommendations of the 2018 Inquiry into the National Road Safety Strategy.
The the Morrison Government is making additional road safety investments including:$12 million for a Road Safety Innovation Fund;
$6 million for the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative;
$6.6 million for the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP);
$5.9 million for a new Federal Office of Road Safety to drive reforms, improve coordination and performance reporting, and promote road safety in partnership with the states, territories , local governments and stakeholders; and
$2.6 million for the Australian Road Research Board to assist local governments to assess road asset management and maintenance.
The Liberal and Nationals Government’s plan to keep Australians safe on our roads builds on our record of improving road safety, including:Under our $10 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program there has been a 31 per cent reduction in crashes and a 32 per cent reduction in fatalities since 2013
Investments in the Pacific Highway are delivering a safer road for the thousands of motorists who use it every day.
Fatalities have more than halved, down from more than 40 per year prior to the commencement of the upgrade in 1996 to less than 20 in recent years.
Infrastructure to improve heavy vehicle operations across Australia, including to help heavy and passenger vehicles share our road network via the $508 million Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.
The Choice
The Morrison Government has a comprehensive plan to improve safety on our roads.
upgrading major highways and local roads;
ensuring better vehicles with the latest safety technology are on the road;
providing a suite of driver education initiatives; and
improving and increasing the number of rest areas across the nation to help keep Australian drivers and their families safe.
We have committed record funding of $100 billion for infrastructure across the country to make sure hardworking Australians can spend more time at home with their families.
Importantly, our plan for better infrastructure will be achieved without adding $387 billion of new taxes over the decade.
Because Bill Shorten and Labor can’t manage money, it can’t run strong budgets that result in investment for local roads let alone our major highways.
When last in power, Labor neglected regional road funding with flow-on consequences for road safety.
Instead of working to improve road safety and implement practical measures, Labor plans to reinstate its union-dictated Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT), which would once again discriminate against family-owned businesses and bring the trucking industry to its knees.
Our Government will stand up for small business.
We know that joining a union doesn’t make a truck safer,
but it does put up costs and threaten jobs – especially in the regions.
After abolishing the RSRT, the Liberal National Government redirected $15.6 million over four years to the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiatives program – providing grants for projects that actually improve heavy vehicle safety.
We have increased funding for this program by $6 million in the 2019-20 Budget. Labor would dismantle this program to fund the re-establishment of the RSRT.
Cost
The Morrison Government is investing an additional $9.8 million in road safety to ensure Australians get home safe.
Our Plan for Tasmania
Key Points
Tasmania has become the nation’s turnaround state through the combined efforts of the Morrison and Hodgman governments.
We are creating jobs,
strengthening the health system
and protecting the Tasmanian way of life.
Tasmania’s economy has grown strongly since 2013.
When the Coalition was elected, the Tasmanian economy was weak after six years of federal Labor and a decade and a half of a state Labor-Greens alliance.
Tasmania’s jobless rate was at 8.1 per cent, having peaked at 8.8 per cent.
It is now down to around 6.7 per cent.
The stronger economy is attracting more people to the state, which will only further boost the economy.
There are more people visiting than ever before, with a record 1.3 million visitors in the year ending June 2018.
A re-elected Morrison Government will build an even stronger Tasmanian economy,
allowing us to guarantee and improve essential services.
Major elements of our Plan include:Boosting funding for Tasmanian healthcare, with a $91.9 million Tasmanian Health Plan that addresses health care needs and provides affordable and accessible healthcare for Tasmanians, and an additional $25.6 million for north and north-west Tasmania.
Creating jobs by investing in new infrastructure to grow the Tasmanian economy, bust congestion and improve safety, including an additional $313 million for transport infrastructure over the next decade, bringing our total investment to over $2.7 billion
Supporting Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation, including supporting the Marinus Link second interconnector and investing in skills
Tackling high youth unemployment in north-west Tasmania
Supporting Tasmanian Irrigation Tranche 3 as part of our efforts to grow Tasmania’s world-class primary industries, and establishing a forestry hub for north and north-western Tasmania
Supporting the Tasmanian Defence Innovation and Design Precinct in Launceston at the Australian Maritime College.
Continuing to grow the tourism sector, with funding for Freycinet National Park
Delivering Tasmanian households the largest personal income tax relief since the Howard Government, with tax relief of up to $1,080 for single income families earning up to $126,000.
For a dual income family that’s up to $2,160 back in families’ pockets in a few weeks’ time
Backing small and family businesses, with lower taxes and an increase in the instant asset tax write-off to $30,000 now expanded to medium-sized businesses
Delivering safer Tasmanian communities by maintaining strong borders, increasing funding for the Safer Communities Fund, and implementing comprehensive plans to address drugs, domestic violence and online safety
Implementing the City Deals for Launceston and Hobart
Cementing Tasmania as an Antarctic Gateway with $2.8 billion of investment.
Tasmania’s turnaround has been a major success, but these gains will unravel quickly with the wrong policies.
Labor’s plan for $387 billion of new taxes on retirees, workers, investors and family businesses
and a reckless 45 per cent emissions reduction target threatens to stop Tasmania’s growth trajectory in its tracks.
Labor’s economic and budget mismanagement also means the services Tasmanians rely on, like health, education and aged care, would also be put at risk.
Our Record
There are more Tasmanians in jobs,
fewer Tasmanians on welfare,
and business confidence in Tasmania is high thanks to the strong partnership between the Morrison and Hodgman governments.
Around 17,000 jobs have been created in Tasmania since the Coalition was first elected in 2013.
To deliver an even stronger Tasmanian economy, we have committed over $2.7 billion in transport infrastructure, including:$400 million toward the upgrade of the Midland Highway with almost $120 million for the Breadalbane to Perth and the Perth Link Road;