Even though the election has not yet been called by the Prime Minister, both major political parties are already in campaigning mode, and Australians are bracing themselves for a divisive electoral contest.
was widely expected to kickstart the election on Saturday, but has not yet done so. In the
it is the prerogative of the Prime Minister to call the election, and in
the poll has to be held at the end of May at the latest. Having spent his time campaigning in some key marginals during the last couple of days,
are suggesting that the waiting-game is almost over.
The
was not standing by idly either, pushing its message on
the environment and climate change
which, for the first time in over a decade, are shaping up to be particularly contentious issues in this campaign. Tackling environmental concerns head-on is a significant policy-shift by Labor, since party strategists believe that they can only win on this one; so far, this approach seems to be workin with the electorate, and opinion polls back Labor’s strategic approach.
Yet, the ALP intends to take on the Coalition on its own turf, namely the economy and taxation as well.
Delivering his Post-Budget Address, Shadow Treasurer
Launched a
on the Coalition’s Budget, telling his audience at the
that Labor would have a lower tax take than under Howard, raising the stakes even more in a campaign which, given the rhetoric coming out of Coalition quarters, is likely to be a bitterly contested one.
For more on Australian politics read
this.
Reflective contemplations 
One thought on “State of play in Australia: Morrison prepares to call the election.”