Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the Federal Government’s housing reforms, social media restrictions for young Australians and approach to multiculturalism during a wide-ranging interview on ABC’s 7:30 program.
Speaking with host Sarah Ferguson on Tuesday, Albanese rejected suggestions that recent improvements in Labor’s polling reflected public support for its Budget measures, saying the Government’s focus remained on delivering policy outcomes.
He said the housing reforms were designed to address a system that had become increasingly difficult for younger Australians seeking to buy their first home.
“Everyone has acknowledged during this debate that the housing system was broken, and therefore we have to do something about it.”
The Prime Minister said the reforms had two key objectives: providing younger Australians with a better chance of home ownership and delivering tax cuts for every Australian worker.
Addressing concerns over forecasts of falling property prices following the Budget announcement, Albanese said Treasury estimates showed house prices would continue to rise, although at a slower rate than they otherwise would have.
He rejected suggestions that homeowners would have to accept losses for broader economic reasons, saying the reforms were aimed at improving fairness between generations.
“We stand by the reform that is about giving young people a fair crack into home ownership.”
Albanese said home ownership rates among younger Australians had declined and warned against a future where younger generations were unable to achieve the same housing security as previous generations.
He said the Government estimated the changes would help an additional 75,000 Australians enter home ownership.
The Prime Minister also defended Australia’s under-16 social media restrictions, rejecting claims the policy had failed because many young Australians remained active on online platforms.
Albanese said around five million accounts had been cancelled following the introduction of the legislation and argued the reform had shifted the relationship between young people, parents and major technology companies.
“We said we weren’t going to allow the perfect to be the enemy of the good.”
He acknowledged that some young Australians remained on social media but said the Government would continue strengthening digital safety laws, including future measures targeting emerging technologies such as “nudify” applications and introducing a Digital Duty of Care framework.
The interview also addressed reports of alleged organised crime involvement in Victorian Big Build infrastructure projects.
Albanese said the Government had taken strong action against corruption, including placing the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) into administration.
He said there was “no tolerance whatsoever” for corrupt conduct and that allegations should be investigated by the appropriate authorities.
“When there is evidence of corrupt conduct in any area of Australian society, it’s appropriate the authorities, the police take action.”
The Prime Minister also defended his previous actions against former union leader John Setka, saying he expelled him from the Labor Party shortly after becoming leader.
Discussing comments by Opposition figures about multiculturalism, Albanese described multiculturalism as a defining feature of Australian identity.
“It’s who we are as Australians.”
The Prime Minister said Australia had never been a monocultural society and highlighted the contribution of First Nations peoples, migrants and diverse communities in shaping the nation.
He said multiculturalism meant respect for others, loyalty to Australia and recognition that most Australians were either migrants or descendants of migrants.
“Our nation is a microcosm for the world at our best, that shows that people of different ethnicities, different faiths, different backgrounds live overwhelmingly in harmony.”
Albanese also addressed concerns about Australians feeling disconnected from mainstream politics, including the rise of populist parties.
He said the Government’s priority remained addressing cost-of-living pressures through measures such as tax cuts, wage increases, Medicare investment and expanded access to education and training.
“My job is to represent the national interest.”
The Prime Minister said the Government would continue focusing on practical measures to improve living standards while strengthening economic growth.
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