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Australia Election 2025 Live Updates: Albanese Promises Telehealth, Dutton Touts “Softer Side”
As the final week of the Australia Election 2025 campaign commences, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged that a re-elected Labor government would initiate a complimentary national health and after-hours GP telehealth service. This $204.5 million commitment aims to provide Australians with access to a registered nurse for guidance when a GP is unavailable. Meanwhile, opposition leader Peter Dutton is commencing his Sunday with a rally in western Melbourne ahead of tonight’s conclusive leaders’ debate. Dutton has emphasized a more approachable image, involving his son Harry in campaign events as the voting day approaches, affirming his “softer side” and describing himself as “an emotional person”.
Dutton Emphasizes “Softer Side” Amidst Campaign
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has been highlighting his “softer side” in a comprehensive interview with The Daily Telegraph, notably avoiding mention of “Donald Trump.”
Dutton acknowledged campaign “mistakes” during the interview, while asserting similar missteps from Labor.
Discussing his decision to include his son in the campaign, Dutton noted the challenges his children face with negative commentary:
They feel disturbed by some online content, considering it unjust.
They feel, ‘That’s not the dad we know,’ becoming naturally defensive.
Dutton attributed his “emotional gene” to his 79-year-old father, who recently experienced a heart episode prior to the initial leaders’ debate.
Dutton stated his father is recuperating at home.
So yes, individuals occasionally glimpse a different facet of me.
Regarding the Coalition’s nuclear policy, Dutton suggested the public lacks strong opinions as its implementation is projected for 2035-37.
Many Australians don’t see it as a local issue, as nuclear solutions arrive in 2035-37.
When questioned about US President Donald Trump, Dutton acknowledged “numerous” election influences, describing Trump as a “background” factor, but “not the deciding one”.
Global uncertainty sparks considerable worry. We may encounter a global recession within three years, alongside potential conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, or our own region.
Dutton Blames “Mud Throwing” for Poll Dip
Peter Dutton attributes his declining poll numbers to Labor’s “mud throwing” and “negative campaign”.
During a Weekend Sunrise interview, the opposition leader addressed questions regarding his trailing position in polls across demographics.
Dutton stated:
The government resorts to negativity, avoiding discussions about their last three years, spending millions on smear campaigns.
He asserted that Australian voters “see through” such tactics.
Dutton plans a final-week campaign “blitz,” targeting 28 key seats across various states and territories, excluding the ACT.
His initial stop is a supporter rally in western Melbourne.
Labor Pledges Free Telehealth Service
Medicare Boost: 24/7 Health Advice
In the final week of the election campaign, Labor is promising free telehealth services, which could potentially divert thousands of Australians from emergency departments. This initiative emphasizes Labor’s commitment to Medicare.
Australians may soon have constant access to complimentary, expert health advice, reflecting Labor’s final campaign focus on Medicare.
If re-elected, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will allocate $204.5 million towards launching 1800MEDICARE, a Medicare-backed, around-the-clock national health advice and after-hours GP telehealth service.
How 1800MEDICARE will work:
- Effective January 1, callers will connect with registered nurses for guidance or referrals.
- Urgent GP care, such as emergency prescriptions or brief illness/injury treatment, will be facilitated through free telehealth consultations from 6pm to 8am.
Albanese estimates this will prevent 250,000 unnecessary annual emergency department visits, alleviating strain on individuals and public hospitals.
Dutton Targets Marginal Seats in Final Campaign Push
Peter Dutton is initiating a last-minute campaign push, focusing on marginal electorates nationwide while notably omitting the nation’s capital.
Despite declining poll numbers, the opposition leader aims to engage 28 seats within six days, signaling a “high energy” effort to secure a majority government.
Dutton’s Sunday schedule begins with a rally in western Melbourne, preceding the final leaders’ debate with Anthony Albanese in Sydney.
Key Seats
Targeted seats include:
- Hawke, Aston, Dunkley, Gorton, Goldstein, and Kooyong in Melbourne
- Bennelong and Mackellar in Sydney
- Moreton in Brisbane
Darwin is slated for another visit, specifically Solomon.
Regions north of Sydney, such as Paterson and Dobell, are also prioritized alongside Perth’s Bullwinkel and Adelaide’s Boothby.
The campaign pace has been rapid, with extensive travel across all states and territories except the ACT.
Notably, Dutton has pledged to eliminate 41,000 public service positions out of approximately 69,000 in the nation’s capital, affecting almost 10% of the territory’s population or about 15% of the working population.