LABOR'S CAMPAIGN LAUNCH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Labor leader Anthony Albanese has unveiled new policies on health, housing and equality as he launched the party's campaign in Perth.
HOUSING:
* The Help to Buy scheme will provide an equity contribution of as much as 40 per cent of the purchase price of a new home and up to 30 per cent for an existing dwelling for 10,000 Australians.
* The scheme enables savings of up to $380,000 for new homes and $285,000 for existing ones, with price caps of between $550,000 and $950,000 depending on the state and region.
* Australians will be able to buy an additional stake in the home, owned by the federal government, in five per cent increments or pay the government back when they sell.
* Homebuyers will avoid lenders mortgage insurance but still need a two per cent deposit and qualify for a standard loan.
* Australians with a taxable income of up to $90,000 for individuals and up to $120,000 for couples can access the scheme.
* The scheme will cost around $329 million over four years.
* Labor will also establish a National Housing Supply and Affordability Council.
MEDICINES:
* Medication on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme will be cut by $12.50, bringing the maximum price of listed medicines to $30.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
* Labor will build more electric vehicle charging stations across Australia through a $39.3 million investment, matched by the NRMA.
* Up to $80 million to deliver up to 16 hydrogen stations on Australia's busiest freight routes.
* Many electric vehicles will be exempt from import tariffs and fringe benefits tax.
* Labor will double the Driving the Nation Fund to $500 million, allowing the Commonwealth to co-invest in additional EV chargers, as well as hydrogen and biofuels refuelling infrastructure.
MANUFACTURING:
* Labor will use $1 billion as part of its $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund to develop value-added products from Australian resources.
* Minerals like lithium and nickel used in batteries will be processed in Australia.
* One in every 10 jobs on federally funded worksites will be filled by apprentices or trainees.
EQUALITY:
* Gender pay equity will become an objective of the Fair Work Act.
* The Fair Work Commission's powers to order pay increases for workers in low paid, female-dominated industries will be increased.
Australian Associated Press
