Labor leader Anthony Albanese has outlined a five-point plan he will implement in his first 100 days if he wins power after Saturday’s election.
Their immediate priority would be to discover the true state of the nation’s finances and the full extent of the worsening cost of living crisis.
Albanese said a newly appointed treasurer, Jim Chalmers, would make a statement on the state of the economy ahead of a new budget in October.
He also pledged to convene Parliament in June and organize an employment summit between businesses and unions to boost employment and wages.
But also among his top priorities is firing Australia’s top civil servant, Philip Gaetjens, head of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese has revealed the five-point plan he will put in place in his first 100 days if he comes to power after Saturday’s election.
ANTHONY ALBANESE’S FIVE POINT PLAN
Among Anthony Albanese’s top priorities is the sacking of Australia’s top civil servant Philip Gaetjens.
Summon Parliament in June
Senior official Phil Gaetjens fired
Jim Chalmers Financial Statement
Revamp government departments and begin work on key legislation
Business and union summit
Gaetjens is Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s former right-hand man and chief of staff before he was appointed to the powerful public service position in 2019, but has since been accused of “politicizing” the position.
He authored two controversial reports on the coalition government, including the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins in Parliament and the sports scandal.
Labor senator Katy Gallacher previously accused Gaetjens of being Morrison’s “butler” who “prepares policy solutions… when the bell rings”.
The move would be part of a broader structural reform spanning government departments and laying the foundation for the implementation of key policies.
The revamped ministries would focus on quickly drafting new legislation on climate change, energy, infrastructure, skills, employment, an integrity commission and constitutional recognition.
If elected, the Labor chief would have to be quickly sworn in alongside his future foreign minister, Penny Wong, ahead of a key Quad meeting next week.
Australia’s prime minister and foreign minister are expected to attend the Tokyo summit on Tuesday to meet leaders from the United States, Japan and India.
Other ministerial positions will be chosen at a Labor group meeting on May 30.
But Albanese was criticized for revealing his plans before polling day, with Morrison accusing him of “getting ahead of ourselves”.
Newly installed Treasurer Jim Chalmers would make a statement on the current state of the economy ahead of a new Budget in October, while Penny Wong would have to be quickly sworn in as foreign secretary ahead of a key Quad meeting next week. .
“He seems to think that these elections are already over,” the prime minister said. ‘Australians will make this decision; You can’t arrive before the elections.
Albanese said he was committed to bringing a new approach to Australian government and promised to unite the country rather than divide it.
“Australians are tired of conflict,” he said. The Australian. ‘I want to lead the Australian people on the path to shaping change.
‘I want to look for common interests and areas of unity. This government and this prime minister seek division.
‘The way I intend to govern, if we are successful, will also be more inclusive and respectful, including the way parliament works.
“I want there to be a real contest of ideas and I want the government to be accountable.”
Anthony Albanese’s immediate priority is to understand the true state of the nation’s finances and the full extent of the growing cost of living crisis.
He said his government would immediately begin work on drafting legislation to a national anti-corruption commission, whose legislation will be introduced before Christmas.
Other early priorities include the implementation of the party’s Powering Australia Plan and the creation of the National Reconstruction Fund and Jobs and Skills Australia.
Alabanese also reaffirmed his commitment to giving Australia’s indigenous people a voice in Parliament.
‘The Labor Party has a plan for a better future. “We have a plan for cheaper child care, for strengthening Medicare, for cheaper electricity,” he added.
‘I lead the most experienced incoming team the Labor Party has ever had. “I’m proud of my record over a long period of time.”