Australia is being served a toxic economic cocktail, courtesy of the Albanese Labor Government—a mix that’s setting us up for failure.

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Their policy settings resemble a house of cards. On one hand, Labor backs a "Future Made in Australia," pouring billions of taxpayer dollars into green energy projects and local manufacturing, all under the guise of economic nationalism. On the other, they’re tightening the screws on businesses, demanding they innovate, thrive, and, of course, pay up—all while choking them with unprecedented overregulation.

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This lethal combination of protectionism and populism isn’t just misguided; it’s a poison for the economy. Labor’s approach is less about fostering a competitive Australia and more about resurrecting the failed protectionist policies of the last century. Remember the car industry? Labor's $6.2 billion "green car plan" was supposed to keep our car manufacturers afloat and eco-friendly. Instead, they drove off into the sunset, leaving a $30 billion bill for taxpayers. Now, we’re witnessing the same reckless strategy with their energy push.

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Treasurer Jim Chalmers talks a big game about making Australia more competitive and dynamic, but his actions tell a different story. The government's industrial relations policies are dragging businesses back into the swamp of union-led negotiations, with pattern bargaining making a comeback like a sequel to a worst picture. It’s as if Labor is trying to relive the Hawke-Keating glory days, but without the visionary reforms that made those years transformative.

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And then there’s the blatant hypocrisy. While Labor busies itself slapping taxes and regulations on businesses, they’re simultaneously doling out protectionist subsidies to the same industries. It’s like asking someone to run a marathon on their knees. The government expects businesses to foot the bill for their grand plans, all while burdening them with compliance costs and new mandates.

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The result? A productivity slump, stagnating wages, and an economic future as promising as a rusted-out Holden. If the Albanese Government genuinely wants to lift Australians' standard of living, it needs to abandon the populist rhetoric and focus on policies that foster real growth and innovation. Otherwise, we’re left with all the costs of protectionism and none of the benefits.

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‍Don’t let Labor’s flawed economic vision dictate our future. Join Australians for Prosperity and stand up for policies that genuinely advance our nation’s prosperity. Sign up today and help secure a better tomorrow.

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