Dutton’s budget reply expected to one-up Albanese on cost-of-living relief, insiders say

Opposition leader in a bind after Coalition votes against Labor's income tax cuts

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Coalition MPs are expecting Peter Dutton to one-up Anthony Albanese on cost-of-living relief after voting against Labor's income tax cuts, as the opposition leader prepares a very significant announcement" in Thursday's budget reply speech.

A new plan to preserve more gas for domestic use and further housing policies could also be unveiled as the Coalition's election pitch finally starts to take shape after weeks of internal angst about its lack of big-ticket promises.

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