Battle of the election ‘sugar hits’: Labor and Coalition announce tax plans at duelling campaign launches

Albanese unveils an automatic $1,000 deduction on annual tax returns while Dutton pledges $1,200 one-off tax refund for low- and middle income earners

• Election 2025 live updates: Australia federal election campaign
• Polls tracker; election guide; full federal election coverage
• Anywhere but Canberra; interactive electorates guide
• Listen to the first episode of our new narrative podcast series: Gina
• Get our afternoon election email, free app or daily news podcast

Australians would get an automatic $1,000 tax deduction on their annual returns without having to produce receipts or paperwork, in an election promise made by Anthony Albanese at Labor's campaign launch.

The new, permanent tax deduction was announced by the Labor leader just an hour after Peter Dutton promised that a Coalition government would offer up to $1,200 in a one-off tax refund for low- and middle-income earners, as well as allow interest payments on home mortgages to be tax deductible for first home buyers.

Sign up for the Afternoon Update: Election 2025 email newsletter