Priorities for the returned Labor Government

Although the final count is yet to be determined, this is the biggest win for federal Labor since 1943. They have cleaned up in Tasmania, won at least seven additional seats in Queensland, secured a substantial swing to Labor in NSW, and have even picked up some Liberal seats in Victoria – largely unthinkable just a few months ago.

What does this mean for the second term of an Albanese Labor Government?

Labor will set about delivering on their election commitments including:

• a tax cut for every Australian taxpayer, plus a $1,000 instant tax deduction
• an additional $150 in energy bill relief for every Australian household and small business
• 20% off student debt
• strengthening Medicare and opening another 50 urgent care clinics
• guaranteed eligibility for three days a week of subsidised childcare
• providing all first home buyers with access to 5% deposits

Further to that, and with what is almost a certainty, a Labor-Greens controlled Senate will enable the PM to progress the government’s agenda to deliver on election commitments, and progress issues, still to be finalised from the 47^th Parliament – i.e., positive environmental reforms like the establishment of an Environmental Protection Agency and pushing ahead with reform of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

The government will be cognisant of its mandate, but it will also be aware that moving too far to the left risks jeopardising a potential third term. Although the left will have the numbers in the new parliament, the PM has demonstrated he will step in to resolve difficult issues that pose an electoral risk.

With caucus meeting today, it is expected that the PM will move quickly to complete a reshuffle of the ministry and recall parliament as soon as possible. It is reported that the newly elected Tasmanian Member for Lyons Rebecca White will be elevated straight into the ministry. Will Queensland pick up another spot in the ministry? Will the NSW Right lose a spot to make way for another Victorian to be promoted? And if so, who misses out? It would be unlikely for Tony Burke or Jason Clare to be axed, so that leaves Chris Bowen or Ed Husic.

There is no doubt the competition for ministerial positions will be fierce, but what a nice problem to have.