Coalition promises crackdown on ‘drugs and thugs’ as polls continue to favour Labor

Opposition expected to use final two weeks of the campaign to focus on the traditionally safe grounds of national security, crime and defence

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

The Coalition would crack down on drugs and thugs" with a new policy pledge including tougher narcotics laws and a new disclosure scheme to help parents unmask" sex offenders who may be in contact with their children.

Peter Dutton said an elected Coalition government would spend $750m on its so-called Operation Safer Communities plan, to include tightened border security and safety laws, extra funding for police and investigators, and detection of illicit drugs.