TRANSCRIPT
The federal election must be held by May 17 - and even though no date has been formally announced both major parties have stepped up their political campaigning.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appealed to voters in western Sydney, standing alongside New South Wales Labor Premier Chris Minns for his latest pre-election infrastructure pledge.
He has already announced a $7.2 billion Bruce Highway upgrade in Queensland; and a $3 billion investment in the NBN.
Now, Mr Albanese says the federal government plans to contribute $500 million to a $1 billion project to upgrade a busy road in south-west Sydney and connect it to a new airport.
The Western Sydney International Airport is set to begin operations in 2026.
The Fifteenth Avenue upgrade would also connect to the new Bradfield city centre and the new Metro.
Mr Albanese says the funding will ensure residents in one of the fastest growing regions in New South Wales have improved transport options.
"Now this is a cracker of a project, $1 billion shared 50-50 between the Commonwealth and New South Wales to get this project done. It has been sitting on the books for a long period of time, but what my government is determined to do isn't just talk, it's to act. And this project will transform this area. I want Western Sydney to be a gateway to the rest of the world."
The announcement has been welcomed by local leaders.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns says the upgrade will also unlock new job and housing opportunities.
"The road behind me has 22,000 vehicle movements a day. You're looking at over 900 cars and trucks every single hour. And if you look at it, it's basically a goat track. It needs to be a world class piece of transport infrastructure, and that's exactly what this investment will mean."
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says the road announcements in Queensland and now New South Wales are needed - and he would match those pledges.
Speaking to voters in his home state of Queensland, he was introduced by the state's Liberal premier, David Crisafulli.
The Coalition's nuclear energy policy took a backseat in Mr Dutton's pitch to voters, only mentioned 30 minutes into his speech.
Instead, Mr Dutton put the focus on a measure aimed at small business owners: a yearly tax deduction of up to $20,000 for taking clients out to restaurants, cafes and pubs.
The measure would not cover alcohol - and would be available to small businesses with a turnover of up to $10 million.
Mr Dutton says he sees clear benefits to the plan.
"Small business is in our DNA. And we want to help those businesses survive Labor's time in office. We want other small businesses to spend moer at their local cafes, clubs and pubs. And if they can take their employees - or indeed a customer to celebrate a milestone sales event, or acknowledgement for above and beyond hardwork. Or a team-building exercise then it is a win-win for both businesses. It will help retention and provide a reward to employees."
Prompted on when the federal election will be called, Mr Albanese says he has yet to make that decision.
But he rejected descriptions of the latest road announcement as a cash splash.
"We're getting on with governing. This is a government anouncement, not an election commitment."
The earlier possible election date under the electoral laws is March.
To formally declare an election date - and officially begin the election campaign period - Mr Albanese would need to visit Governor-General Sam Mostyn to request the dissolution of parliament and the issuance of writs for the election.
