Liberal leader Alistair Coe hit out at ACT Labor saying Canberrans deserved better than the “old and tired” politics of the past two decades, and the election needed to be about “Canberrans and the cost of living”, writes political reporter BELINDA STRAHORN.

THE Canberra Liberals have promised free before and after-school care for primary school students, that it says will save some Canberra families up to $1600, in it’s latest pitch to voters ahead of election day. 

Liberals leader Alistair Coe used the party’s campaign launch at the National Arboretum in the key electorate of Murrumbidgee, to make the promise if the party he leads forms government on October 17.

Mr Coe said the scheme is expected to return up to $800 to households for every child, every year. Families with two or more primary school aged children in before and after school care could save at least $1600 a year.

“Free child care is the future of child care in Canberra,” said Mr Coe.

“Providing better access to free before and after school care is a small investment by the government that will make a big difference on the family households budget.

“This combined with our other cost-of-living commitments will save households $1800 every year every single year under a Liberal government.”

The campaign launch comes 13 days out from election day and two weeks after ACT Labor’s launch.

Mr Coe also pledged to create a dedicated high school for Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 school students, with a focus on vocational training in construction and trades, offering young Canberrans new employment pathways outside of the university pathway.

“We shouldn’t be pushing universities as the only or preferred pathway for Canberra students,” said Mr Coe.

“There are other equally valuable career pathways outside of the conventional university mould.

Mr Coe then switched gears to hit out at ACT Labor saying Canberrans deserved better than the “old and tired” politics of the past two decades, and the election needed to be about “Canberrans and the cost of living.”

The Liberals leader went on to declare that his party has a “fresh vision” and “new ideas” and that Canberrans have a clear choice this election. Securing the territory’s prosperity, depends on a strong economy and that’s why there’s so much at stake this election.

“ACT Labor has gouged Canberrans and it will stop once the Liberals are elected,” he said.
If his party prevailed, a Coe government would freeze rates, cut rego fees, scrap late-night parking, bring back bulk-billed GPs, plant more trees, build a hydrotherapy pool and get back to basics in the classroom.

Mr Coe was joined by his Liberal colleagues and a small number of party faithful for the launch.

Canberra Liberals Deputy Leader Nicole Lawder spoke early during the launch, thanking her colleagues, candidates and volunteers for their hard work.

Speaking to the slogan “there is a better way” she said Canberrans deserve better than Labor’ long legacy of rising rates, high taxes, bungled bus services, elective surgery wait times and failing literacy and numeracy numbers.

When it was Mr Coe’s wife Yasmin’s turn to take the podium she said her husband “inspired her every day” speaking about his “kind and compassionate” nature, and his “dedication” for his job. The couple’s young children Angus and Annabel were also in tow for the event.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison delivered his message via video arguing the case for a stronger ACT economy by lowering taxes and implementing better services, and reinforced the message that voters have a clear choice this election between the parties.

“Alistair Coe understands a strong economy and as a leader has put forward a positive plan to see taxes lowered and services improved,” Mr Morrison said.

“It’s a great opportunity Alistair Coe has as ACT Chief Minister to get the ACT’s economy back on track like the other Liberal leaders in the other states and territories.

“I hope to partner with Alistair Coe and a Liberal ACT government.”

The Liberals have championed relieving the cost-of-living pressures, as a major focus of its election campaign.

In his speech Mr Coe was quick to point out that under this Labor government, Canberrans continue to be priced out of the ACT housing market and moving across the border.

Mr Coe reaffirmed his pledge to release more land and create more opportunities for Canberrans to buy their first home.

He spoke about the revenue the ACT misses out on when Canberrans move across the border where land, rents, rates and rego are cheaper, referencing the fast growing suburb of Googong in NSW as an example

“Googong is just one area of growth across the border,” he said.

“We are missing out on revenue when we send Canberrans across the border,” he said.

“ACT Labor has gouged Canberrans and it will stop once the Liberals are elected.”

Mr Coe spoke about families he’d met on the campaign trail over the past few weeks who are worried about the deteriorating state of the bush capital and referenced voter dissatisfaction with Labor.

“I’m sick of people saying this is a Labor town and that the Liberals can’t win,” Mr Coe said.

“Based on the conversations I am having it’s clear people will lend the Liberal party their vote in two weeks time.”

Mr Coe wants voters to have faith that the Liberals would “focus on people and “put them first” if it was elected.

“There is hope, and change can happen,” Coe said.

“In 13 days time we have an opportunity to bring about history in the ACT.

“Canberrans have a clear choice this election, an old tired Labor government or a Liberal government with a fresh vision.”