Anthony Albanese says his government will cover 80 per cent of upgrades to ensure the 1,600km Bruce Highway becomes safer. The $7.2b announcement marks the start of the PM's re-election campaign as he kicks off the new year with visits this week to Queensland, the NT and WA. The frenetic campaign focus will raise speculation Mr Albanese is mulling a shock election date as early as next month.
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TVTranscript
00:00This week's Prime Ministerial dash across northern Australia is not just about capturing
00:08the New Year's political momentum or reversing last year's poll slump that could see Labor
00:14lose its majority after just one term in office.
00:18It's about becoming match fit for the contest ahead, something the Prime Minister is personally
00:25keen for his team to demonstrate.
00:28There are headlines about transport and health, traditional Labor strong points, setting up
00:33a contrast to Peter Dutton and his nuclear plan.
00:37Whether he goes sooner or later, the PM is not letting on, other than to say it won't
00:42be this weekend.
00:44After that, really anything's possible.
00:47An election that starts this month might help Labor if voters return from summer holidays
00:53in a good mood.
00:54But there are risks.
00:56The Prime Minister has repeatedly emphasised the importance of going full term, which would
01:01mean May.
01:03Ultimately, if he does pull the starter's gun early, it's because he believes he can
01:07beat the opposition leader.
01:10This week's Northern Exposure is all about testing that proposition.