The 2025 federal election has been tightly contested in many regions, but regardless of who forms government, several policy changes are already locked in.
While Labor and the Coalition diverge sharply on housing and cost-of-living strategies, they have found agreement on some major issues — especially health care — meaning certain reforms are guaranteed post-election. Meanwhile, the Greens and independents may end up with greater sway in the next parliament.
Health Care
Both parties have pledged billions to improve Medicare. Labor’s $8.5 billion promise for 18 million more bulk-billed GP visits was swiftly matched by the Coalition, which committed $9 billion. They also both support reducing PBS medicine costs to $25 per script and plan to launch a 24/7 telehealth line, “1800MEDICARE.” Funding for new medications and health services — including IVF and endometriosis treatments — is also bipartisan.
Housing
Approaches differ, but both sides have ruled out eliminating negative gearing or capital gains tax concessions. Foreign buyers and temporary residents will be barred from purchasing existing homes for two years, regardless of who wins. Labor is pushing for a $10 billion fund to build 100,000 new homes for first-time buyers, while the Coalition favors using superannuation for deposits and making mortgage interest tax-deductible.
Energy and Cost of Living
Energy policy is a major dividing line — Labor rejects nuclear power while the Coalition embraces it. Still, both promise to cut $150 from household energy bills. The Coalition proposes halving the fuel excise for one year, while Labor offers tax cuts and broader income relief. Both also support a new $10 million weather radar in Queensland.
Defence and AUKUS
There’s strong bipartisan backing for the $368 billion AUKUS nuclear submarine deal. Labor has already committed $50.3 billion in new defence spending, while the Coalition proposes an extra $21 billion by 2030 and aims to raise defence expenditure to 3% of GDP.
Immigration
Both major parties plan to reduce net overseas migration. Labor forecasts a drop to 260,000 by 2025–26, and the Coalition promises to reduce that number by 100,000. The Coalition also plans to raise student visa fees to $5,000, compared to Labor’s proposed $2,000.
Beer Tax
There’s rare agreement on freezing the draught beer excise for two years, starting August 2025 — a move intended to help pubs and breweries.
