‘Plagued by scandal’: Albanese blasts Perrottet’s government as NSW Labor launches election campaign

Prime minister received hero's welcome as state opposition pledged $93m to hire 1,000 apprentices and trainees in the public sector

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has launched a scathing attack on the New South Wales premier Dominic Perrottet's government, saying it is plagued by scandal" and slamming its deficit of character".

Despite a series of public appearances with Perrottet in recent months in which he has been complimentary of the Coalition premier, Albanese used the official launch of the NSW Labor campaign on Sunday to issue a searing broadside on the government three weeks out from the state election.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup