Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has firmly rejected claims that his government is “mired in mediocrity” while defending its record on gambling and housing crises. In a candid interview on ABC Radio National, Albanese emphasized that universal childcare will be a key part of Labor’s pitch for re-election, stating, “We’re absolutely committed to making childcare affordable.”
Albanese’s comments come as Labor faces scrutiny for not yielding concessions on its housing bills, which have stalled in the Senate due to opposition from the Coalition and Greens. He defended existing housing tax policies, cautioning that any changes might reduce supply and reiterating Labor’s $32 billion commitment to housing initiatives, including a $10 billion investment in the Housing Australia Future Fund.
While discussing gambling reform, the Prime Minister advocated for a partial ban on gambling ads, countering public health experts who have called for a complete ban. “The problem isn’t advertising, the problem is gambling,” he asserted, adding that his government is focused on practical solutions rather than perceptions of boldness.
As Albanese prepares to travel to the U.S. for the Quad leaders’ summit, he will launch Queensland’s largest social and affordable housing project in Cairns. He highlighted Labor’s achievements, including subsidies for childcare that benefit 1.2 million families and a significant pay rise for early childhood educators.
When questioned about potential changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax, Albanese avoided making definitive statements, stating, “We’re interested in the tax policy that we are implementing, not the ones that we’re not.” He criticized the Coalition and Greens for blocking access to the Help to Buy scheme, which aims to assist low and middle-income earners in achieving homeownership.
Albanese’s remarks come in response to criticism from Greens’ spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young, who expressed disappointment over the government’s stance on gambling ads and reiterated the need for stronger action.
As the government navigates these complex issues, Albanese remains focused on delivering practical solutions and addressing the needs of Australian families.
