Kevin Rudd kicked off the countdown to election, yesterday, announcing that Australians will go to the polls on September 7.
In his speech, the Prime Minister called for a fresh start and “new ways of thinking, new ways of acting, new ways of planning.”
“One thing I know for certain, the old politics of the past just won't work for the future. Wall to wall negativity doesn't create a single job. Negative personal politics doesn't build a single school. The old politics of division doesn't build a single hospital.”
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Australia's changing economy on the back of slow growth from China was also a significant feature of the Prime Minister's speech, calling for a diversification of the nation's sources of income.
“We can no longer afford to have all our eggs just in one basket. For the future we must broaden the economic base, diversify the economy. This will be critical, for businesses and jobs and for managing cost of living pressures for families as well.”
In his response to Kevin Rudd's election announcement Tony Abbott reflected on the stability of the Coalition, saying the choice for the nation's future is with the people.
Watch: Tony Abbott's election announcement response
“At last, the choice is yours, it's not the choice of the caucus, it's not the choice of the faceless men, it's your choice about the government you have, about the PM you have.”
The Leader of the Opposition also made clear that he would not repeat the last three years of a minority government.
“There's a commitment that I want to give you – there will not be a minority government led by me. There will not be deals done with independents and minor parties under any political movement that I lead.”
Both leaders said this year's election will come down to trust, to who is the more “fair dinkum” leader, in Tony Abbott's words.
As the campaigning kicks off, today, there is no clear front runner in this year's federal election.
The Coalition is ahead in the polls, the morning after the election announcement according to a Newspoll in The Australian newspaper.
Labor's primary vote remains at 37 per cent while the Coalition is down one at 44 per cent.
But Kevin Rudd is the preferred Prime Minister with 47 per cent of votes, opposed to 33 per cent for Tony Abbott.
