Steady Albo does a little, and hopes it’s just enough

Finally, the federal election is upon us.

After a delay caused by Cyclone Alfred, forcing the Labor Government to hand down a budget it didn't want to, the election date has now formally been set for Saturday 3 May.

Unplanned though it was, this week's federal budget provided a neat summary of Anthony Albanese's approach to government and governing.

It was steady. Not too flashy. Not too bold.

This has not been a government characterized by big reforms and strident position-taking. Rather, the government — led by a former government attack dog and DJ — has carefully tip-toed through the political landscape, skirting the climate wars, avoiding major scandals, not doing too much, and occasionally flirting with not doing enough.

This week's budget delivered more of the same.

Cost of living measures that the Treasurer spruiks as responsible. Energy bill relief applied universally so the government doesn't have to exclude anybody. Some IR tinkering, but nothing to spook the horses (or the unions). And modest tax cuts.

In a weird way, steady and predictable government has itself been a significant change.

The leadership challenges and soap-opera scandals of recent governments (across both sides of politics) appear to have gone away.

Anthony Albanese has now become the first Labor PM to serve a full term since Paul Keating in 1996.

The question now is whether this softer approach has resonated with voters?

Will it be enough to deliver Albanese a second term? Or will he fall short?

And if he does win, will his style remain? Or will an emboldened Anthony Albanese adopt a bolder approach?

We'll know the answers in five weeks…

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This article was originally published on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/steady-albo-does-little-hopes-its-just-enough-theagendagroup-jvw6c/