Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has labelled Labor’s first budget a “missed opportunity” as Australians face growing financial pressures.
Dutton delivered his budget reply speech on Thursday night, arguing Labor’s plan “weakens Australia’s financial position” and added to cost of living pressures, but acknowledged the role of the opposition is “not to oppose for the sake of it”.
“We do not disagree with everything in this budget and policy must be judged on its merits,” he said.
Dutton said the Coalition supported the childcare subsidy, higher spending on medicines, and flood recovery.
The opposition leader said the party would work with the government to combat domestic violence against women and children.
He also signalled strengthening the National Disability Insurance Scheme to “ensure its sustainability”.
Read Related Also: How Mets’ 2023 payroll could skyrocket to $345 million
Dutton doubled down on a plan to help first home buyers access their superannuation.
“Currently, a superfund can be used to buy residential or commercial rental property, to buy shares or even livestock … except a home to live in,” he said.
Dutton made a pitch to Australian women, as he outlined a plan to extend the option to those with “very few housing options and those who are increasingly left homeless”.
Dutton also made a pitch for nuclear energy, with a view to follow the lead of the United States and United Kingdom.
“The imperative to create affordable, reliable and emission-free energy by the Coalition is seeking an intelligent conversation on the role of these new-age nuclear technologies,” he said.
