Dutton Warns of Union Disputes, Inefficient Manufacturing, and Energy Policies Putting Economy at Risk
Latest GDP growth figures are the lowest since 1991-92. The treasurer says global uncertainty, price pressures, and higher interest rates are the cause.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton mentioned that the struggling manufacturing and mining sectors, the sharp increase in electricity prices, and the mismanagement of the CFMEU were contributing to poor economic growth in Australia.
Speaking at Horsham Park, Sydney, on Sept. 5 about the latest weak gross domestic product (GDP) numbers, Dutton stated that one reason for housing becoming more expensive is the mismanagement of the construction union.
It is alleged that ties to criminal elements, such as bikies involved in extortion and drug distribution, within the CFMEU are pushing up construction costs and inflating housing prices, Dutton added.
Despite efforts to introduce legislation to rein in the CFMEU, he said the union remains deeply entrenched in the Labor Party, with members participating in political campaigns.
“This influence continues to impact the economy, with rising prices and inefficiencies. As long as the CFMEU and other unions have control over the party, economic dysfunction will persist, making it harder to manage inflation and growth,” Dutton said.
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On the other hand, the CFMEU has taken the Albanese government to court for placing it under administration.
Former National President Jade Ingham has demanded that the union be returned to the “rightful ownership” of its members, arguing that the laws allowing for administration are “unconstitutional.”
Increase in Manufacturing and Mining Costs
Dutton also blamed the Labor Party for making it increasingly difficult for the mining, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors to thrive.
“There’s been a three-fold increase in the number of manufacturing businesses that have closed over the last two years under this government,” he said.
Dutton warned that the economy and public services will suffer if mining isn’t competitive.
“The next federal election will centre on trust—who can get the country back on track, support families, and maintain national security,” he said.
Meanwhile, Treasurer Jim Chalmers defended his government’s performance despite the latest GDP growth figures being the lowest since 1991-92.
The Labor Minister attributed the situation to “global uncertainty, price pressures, and higher interest rates.”
Chalmers highlighted that the government has created nearly a million jobs under tough conditions, noting, “Inflation has halved from its peak in the year we were elected. Real incomes are growing, tax cuts are rolling out, and we’re helping with the cost of living.”
Push for Nuclear Power
Dutton also criticised the government’s energy policy and continued his campaign to include nuclear to provide baseload power in Australia’s shift towards renewable energy.
He noted that by 2034, 90 percent of 24/7 baseload power will be removed from the grid and urged for more sustainable and affordable alternatives.
He added that of the top 20 economies in the world, 19 have adopted or are in the process of embracing nuclear power, with Australia being the only exception.
“We can deliver electricity cheaper than Anthony Albanese,” Dutton stated, referencing the prime minister’s planned rollout of 28,000 kilometres of new transmission infrastructure.
“Look at your power bill to understand whether you’ve got Anthony Albanese’s $275 reduction in power prices,” he said, highlighting the rising electricity costs that are driving inflation, particularly in agriculture.
Dutton cited international examples, including Ontario, where consumers pay one-third of what Australians are charged for electricity. He also pointed out that power prices in South Australia, which generates over 70 percent of its power from renewables, are among the highest in the world at 40–45 cents per kilowatt hour.
Meanwhile, Albanese has criticised Dutton’s plans as “too expensive and insufficient for Australia’s needs.”
“What Peter Dutton wants to do is stop all this, do nothing until the 2040s, and then have nuclear power. It’s too late, too expensive, and doesn’t provide enough energy for what Western Australia needs,” said Albanese.
