The Liberal-National Coalition is seeking a third consecutive term of government at the upcoming election.
It was a term book ended by bushfires and floods, with the first worldwide pandemic in a century thrown in together with a deteriorating global security climate.
This is how some of the main promises from 2019 fared.
Climate
The Liberals promised to a climate solutions fund, the development of Snowy 2.0 and for current emissions to be 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2030.
During the term they committed to net zero emissions by 2050 (although they won’t put the target in legislation) whilst affirming the 2030 target.
They developed long term emissions reduction plan based on five principles (technology not taxes; expand choices not mandates; expanding consumer choice through investing in technology and providing information; drive down the costs of new energy technologies guided by a Technology Investment Roadmap ;and transparency in ensuring international goals are met).
Snowy 2.0 will proceed, although it hopefully won’t be a white elephant.
Independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999
Amendments to the Act to facilitate ‘one touch’ approval for development applications were defeated. It remains government policy.
Immigration capped at 160,000 per annum
This policy was maintained.
‘Congestion busting’ infrastructure
The 2022-23 Budget proposed the spend of $120 billion over 10 years (or 3 1/3 parliaments).
Some high level promises such as the development of ‘park and ride’ parking stations in the inner city in the name of busting urban congestion have been wound back.
Indigenous recognition
A vague promise for indigenous constitutional recognition failed to eventuate. $31.8 million was set aside to drive ‘implementation of the Local and Regional component for the co-design of an Indigenous Voice.
Religious discrimination
A promise to legislate to protect expressions of religious belief failed through a lack of support for the Bill as drafted by some members of the Liberal moderate (left) faction.
Retirement income review
A review of the Australian retirement income system was conducted and concluded that it was effective sound and broadly sustainable.
To the disappointment of some, legislated increases to the superannuation guarantee rate remain in place.
Royal Commissions on Disability and Aged Care and Quality
The Aged Care Royal Commission handed down its report. Generally speaking, incremental change to the status quo was the government response to the Commissioner’s recommendations (the Commissioners differed in some significant areas).
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability continues.
Tax cuts
Tax rates revised in three tranches. Second tranche was brought forward in 2020-21. Third tranche scheduled to be introduced in 2024-5.
Commonwealth Integrity Commission
Model prepared but legislation not proceeded with.
The next post will look at some of the things the Coalition did in government that they would be hope to be judged on.