Prime Minister Anthony Albanese vowed to make cost-of-living front and centre of his government’s priorities in 2024 after acknowledging what shaped up to be a tough year for many Australians.
In a New Year’s Eve message, Mr Albanese relayed a suite of relief measures he intended to push forward in the new year and fired a pre-midnight shot at the opposition for accusing him of ignoring the nation’s economic crisis.
“We know Australians have been doing it tough and in 2024 our number one priority will continue to be taking the pressure off Australian families,” Mr Albanese said.
“Since the country voted for change in 2022 we’ve been working for Australia every day. We’ve delivered on our promises, and provided $23 billion in cost-of-living relief.”
Ahead of 2024, Mr Albanese said his government would roll out more fee-free TAFE places and continue its work toward universal childcare.
He flagged changes to the aged care pension, due to kick in on January 1, which will enable pensioners and veterans to work more without having their welfare payments reduced.
“A significant priority will be implementing all elements of our Housing Australia plan, including passing our Help to Buy legislation to get first homeowners into their own home,” the prime minister said.
Mr Albanese said his government will continue working with states and territories to ease the pressure off hospitals and attract GPs and nurses to build the healthcare workforce. He also flagged Australia’s imminent vape ban.
Starting 1 January, the importation of disposable vapes will be outlawed and a new prescription scheme will kick in.
“We will keep building for a future made in Australia, ensuring that the energy transition delivers not just our climate targets but Australian jobs too,” he said.
To send off 2023, the prime minister opted to throw a last-minute punch to the Coalition, who he said had “nothing positive to offer the country.”
“That’s what Australians can expect from a government that delivers. In contrast, the Coalition have opposed all the cost of living measures we have taken,” Mr Albanese said.