The last post in this series looked at how well the Coalition delivered on their 2019 election promises.
Here is a selection of some of the things they did in government that they would hope to be judged on in this election:
Covid management
The major challenge of the Government was to manage the Covid-19 pandemic. It made an early decision to close the borders to stem the disease.
They also instituted Jobseeker and Job saver attempting to keep employees and businesses whole during the period, at great cost to the Budget. The Budget will not be ‘back in black’ for years to come.
Some mistakes have been acknowledged.
The electorate will judge whether the number of lives saved were worth the economic cost.
Modern Manufacturing strategy
Concerns about Australia’s manufacturing capacity during the Covid crisis led ultimately to the development of an industry assistance scheme to support six industry areas where there is ‘comparative advantage, strategic interest or a capacity to harness existing opportunities’.
Bushfires
The start of the term commenced with a misfire on the political approach to the 2019-20 bushfires. A subsequent Natural Disaster Royal Commission recommended the creation of the capacity for the Commonwealth to make a declaration of a state of national emergency.
Industrial Relations
After an attempt to develop a consensus package between employers and employees failed a Government package was proposed but didn’t get through the Senate
AUKUS and the Quad
The concept of AUKUS was developed and the role of the Quad enhanced.
Submarines
An agreement was made for the US and the UK to share nuclear submarine technology with Australia, although it may be 18 years before the first new submarine is received. This necessitated cancellation of a submarine contract with France, something which caused President Macron to call the Prime Minister a liar, something that may have led to a long-term impact on the PM’s reputation.
Insolvency
Reforms were made to ameliorate current bankruptcy laws to assist small business to restructure when in financial distress.
Mutual Recognition
Seen as the highlight of the Government’s deregulation agenda, the reforms permit a degree of mobility between jurisdictions for workers subject to occupational licensing.
Making Google pay for news
A News Media Bargaining Code was developed to require Google and Facebook to pay for news published by them from other sources.
Creation of the National Cabinet
Established during the Covid crisis as a successor to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) as the body coordinating policy within the Australian federation. It remains an open question as to whether the model is viable over the long run.
Establishment of a Skills Commission
Commenced operation on 1 July 2020 with the intention of publishing detailed labour market analysis
The 2022 offering
On balance, the offering for this election is predominantly continuation of their existing policies (as illustrated on this website) and not much more.