Opportunities for Australians

We’re building an Australia where hard work pays off and there’s more opportunity to get ahead, no matter who you are or where you live.

On this page

  1. More jobs and better pay
  2. Free TAFE
  3. Supporting students
  4. Gender equality
  5. Small businesses
  6. First Nations Australians
  7. The NDIS
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More jobs and better pay

More than 1.2 million jobs have been created since we were elected.

At the same time, the minimum wage has gone up by more than $9,000 a year. We’re backing another real pay rise this year.

And unfair junior pay rates are being scrapped, giving young adult workers in retail, fast food and pharmacy a pay rise.

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Free TAFE

A good, secure job can change your life. And free TAFE is giving more Australians that opportunity.

More than 750,000 Australians have enrolled in courses from accounting to aged care.

We’ve made free TAFE permanent, so even more Australians can get the skills they need.

And we’re backing new construction apprentices with a $10,000 cash bonus, helping more future tradies finish their training.

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Supporting students

You shouldn’t have to choose between getting a degree and paying the bills.

That’s why we’ve introduced paid prac for student teachers, nurses, social workers and midwives.

We’ve cut student debt by 20%. And we’ve changed the rules so you can earn more before you have to start paying it back.

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Gender equality

We’re the first government with a majority of women. And we’re turning equal representation into results.

We’ve reduced the gender pay gap to record lows.

We’ve expanded the single parenting payment, made childcare cheaper, and we’re increasing paid parental leave to six months.

And we’re taking women’s health seriously, with a record investment to deliver more choice, lower costs and better care.

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Small businesses

We’re backing small businesses and start-ups with new tax relief to boost investment, increase cash flow and support growth.  

That’s why we’re making the $20,000 instant asset write-off permanent.

Tradies and small businesses will also save up to $1,600 a year because of our decision to make mandatory standards in Commonwealth, state and territory legislation free.

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First Nations Australians

Working hand in hand with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, we’re investing in better jobs, cheaper essentials, stronger health services and more opportunities for the next generation.

We’re delivering 6,000 real jobs with good pay and conditions in remote communities.

We’re helping with the cost of living, subsidising 30 essential grocery items in more than 200 remote stores around the country.

We’re improving Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Services. And our boost to hospital funding includes $250 million to improve First Nations health outcomes.

A great education changes lives, and we’re helping communities access education, from making sure children are prepared for school, to supporting students who need to study away from home.

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The NDIS

The NDIS has changed lives for the better.

We’re making sure every dollar reaches people with disability, keeping people with permanent and significant disability at the heart of the scheme.

And we’re working hard to fight fraud.

We built the NDIS, and we are securing it for future generations.

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