Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced the election date for 18 May. The poll will decide whether the Coalition government wins a third term in office or will be replaced by Opposition Labor.
A number of hot issues will be contested during the election, including climate change, migration and the economy following the release of the Budget last week.
PM Morrison said that the election “will determine the economy that Australians live in, not just for the next three years, but for the next decade.”
“We live in the best country in the world, but to secure your future, the road ahead depends on a strong economy,” he said. “That is why there is so much at stake.”
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“With a stronger economy we will create another one and a quarter million jobs over the next five years. We will maintain those budget surpluses without increasing taxes, and pay down the debt. We will deliver tax relief, as we have, for families, for hard working Australians, for small businesses, allowing Australians to keep more of what they earn. We will keep Australians safe as Liberal National governments always do, and we will keep our borders secure, as you know we will. And we will be able to guarantee the increased funding for the essential services that Australians rely on. Schools, hospitals, medicines, roads – all guaranteed by a stronger economy. All of this delivered by that plan that has kept our economy strong, not by increasing taxes. This is how we will make your life easier in the years ahead. This is how we will take the pressure off you and your family. There is more to do and a lot has got done, and we are getting on together with the job.”
Voting is compulsory with the voting age being 18 years and over, or else citizens risk a fine.
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