Federal election on May 18, PM announces

By DAVID BONADDIO,
Politics Editor

The federal election will take place on Saturday, May 18, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced this morning. 

Mr Morrison said “elections are all about trust” and that this was the choice the Australian public faced.

“This year’s election will shape Australia’s economy for the next decade,” he said.

Mr Morrison said Labor had shown poor management of money when they were last in office in 2013, and the Coalition had turned around that mess.

“Australians have a choice between a government that is delivering or Bill Shorten’s weak policies. Labor can’t manage money,” he said.

His government would “keep Australians safe as Liberal/National governments always do”.

The Prime Minister’s address focused on the "instability" of Mr Shorten’s Labor Government and his government’s "strong record of economic management".

“Part of the promise we all keep as Australians is if you have a go you’ll get a go,” he said.

He spoke about lowering unemployment rates, and increased funding for public schools and hospitals around the country by more than 60 per cent.

"The country had its first Budget surplus in more than a decade, and unemployment was at a record low – last year for the first time in our history 100,000 young people got a job,” he said.  

“We have increased funding for essential services (such as) schools, hospitals, medicine, roads all guaranteed by a stronger economy.

“Liberal-Nationals must win this election for the interests of the country.

“There is so much at stake at this election,” he said.

Mr Shorten's campaign announcement is expected later today.