Policies of Australia s political parties at a glance

Australians will vote on Saturday in a close-run national election marked by concerns over the cost of living and housing affordability, as well as trade tensions triggered by U.S. President Donald Trumps tariffs.

Heres how Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses centre-left Labor party and the conservative Liberal-National coalition, led by Peter Dutton, compare on key policies:

HOUSING

Labor:

Would let all first-time home buyers enter the property market with a 5% down payment and has pledged to spend A$10 billion ($6.40 billion) to build up to 100,000 new homes.

Liberal-Nationals:

Would allow first-time home buyers to access up to A$50,000 from their government-mandated retirement savings for down payments. Mortgage interest payments would be made tax deductible. It has also pledged A$5 billion to fund housing infrastructure.

HEALTH

Labor:

Has pledged A$8.5 billion for an extra 18 million subsidised general practitioner visits each year as part of strengthening Medicare, the universal healthcare system, along with A$1 billion for more free-of-charge public mental health services.

Would open an additional 50 free urgent care clinics to ease pressure on hospitals.

Liberal-Nationals:

Has matched Labors A$8.5 billion funding boost to Medicare, pledged A$400 million for youth mental health services, and plans to double Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions to 20 from 10.

ECONOMY

Labor:

Would give taxpayers a one-off, instant A$1,000 deduction for individual work-related expenses and cut student debt by 20%. It also passed legislation to cut the lowest marginal tax rate before calling the election.

Liberal-Nationals:

Has vowed to undo Labors tax cuts and instead introduce an offset that would let taxpayers earning up to A$144,000 receive up to A$1,200 in tax relief.

Would lower fuel costs by A$0.25 per litre (0.26 gallon) for 12 months by reducing government duties.

Wants to shrink the public service by 41,000 jobs through a hiring freeze and natural