Federal Liberal leader Peter Dutton has promised to cut 41,000 public service jobs and introduce a national gas reservation scheme if the Coalition wins the upcoming election, calling it a “sliding doors moment” for Australia.
In his budget reply speech on Thursday, 27 March, Dutton pledged to halve the fuel excise for 12 months, which he claimed would save motorists $14 a week. Dutton also confirmed the Coalition would not offer new income tax cuts during the campaign.
“We have a great desire [for tax cuts] when we clean up Labor’s mess,” he said.
He announced a “national gas plan” to boost domestic supply and lower wholesale prices, backed by $1bn in infrastructure and “use-it-or-lose” drilling rules. Labor dismissed the plan as a distraction.
Dutton confirmed plans to sack all federal public servants hired under Labor, claiming it would save $7bn annually, while vowing to protect frontline roles and maintain funding for essential services.
He also recommitted to cutting permanent migration by 25%, promised a bigger defence spend than Labor’s, and announced incentives for 400,000 apprenticeships and $400m for youth mental health.
Source: The Guardian
