Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has intensified his focus on cost-of-living pressures in Australia’s mortgage belt, particularly targeting voters in Western Sydney’s outer suburbs. Speaking at The Daily Telegraph’s Future Western Sydney event in Blacktown, Dutton emphasized the unaffordability of housing and the need to alleviate financial strains on families.
As a key component of his campaign, Dutton proposed halving the fuel excise for one year, aiming to provide immediate relief at the petrol pump. He asserted that this measure would ease financial burdens on households grappling with rising living costs.
Dutton also highlighted the critical issue of housing affordability, attributing supply constraints to increased migration. He advocated for reducing migration levels as a means to free up housing and make homeownership more attainable for Australians.
However, Dutton’s proposed fuel excise cut has faced criticism from economic analysts. The Australian Financial Review labeled the plan as “bad economics,” suggesting it mirrors debt-funded spending without addressing underlying fiscal challenges.
Western Sydney’s significance in the upcoming May 3 federal election cannot be overstated, with the region housing 14 key federal seats. Both Dutton and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have been actively campaigning in the area, underscoring its pivotal role in determining the election’s outcome.
Voters in Western Sydney have expressed a range of concerns, from economic strains and housing affordability to migration policies. Dutton’s campaign seeks to resonate with these constituents by proposing tangible solutions to alleviate cost-of-living pressures and enhance housing accessibility.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon and support honest and fearless journalism.
