Malcolm Turnbull has kick-started his re-election pitch in Sydney, noting the work of his predecessors Tony Abbott and John Howard.
Malcolm Turnbull has saluted his predecessor Tony Abbott as he launched his pitch for re-election before the party faithful.
The prime minister noted the "distinguished" men who came before him - John Howard and Mr Abbott - as he launched the party's bid less than a week out to polling day.
"Tony you brought to an end the chaos and dysfunction of the Rudd-Gillard-Rudd years and you remain a dedicated advocate for our cause," Mr Turnbull told the gathering in the marginal Liberal-held inner-western Sydney seat of Reid.
"John and Tony we salute you."
As expected, Mr Turnbull played up the coalition's experienced economic leadership and its plan to deliver strong growth and more jobs.
He outlined new policies, including $192 million for mental health initiatives.
The money will go towards 12 new suicide prevention sites around the country and 10 more Headspace centres.
There is a $48 million pledge to boost the Smith Family's Learning for Life program for disadvantaged students and $31 million to encourage more women into science and maths careers.
Mr Turnbull talked up the government's success in protecting Australian borders and getting every child out of detention in Australia.
He also unveiled a $64 million commitment to track and detect illegal firearms on the streets.
Calling out Labor's Medicare campaign, he accused the opposition of putting a lie at the heart of the election.
"They boast of how many people they have deceived," he said.
