Election Updates: Aussie PM gives final press speech, Tiger King backs Albanese, and Dutton continues his gas station tour

Greens pitch free dental care, funded by corporate tax hikes

Australia’s Greens party is set to launch its official election campaign tonight in Melbourne, unveiling a bold healthcare proposal: adding dental coverage to the country’s national healthcare system, Medicare.

The party plans to fund the initiative by taxing what they call the “excessive” profits of the nation’s largest corporations. According to estimates by the Parliamentary Budget Office, the proposal would save families around AU$2,642 (about $1,700 USD) per year and raise AU$577 billion (about $375 billion USD) over the next decade.

“Under Labor and Liberal governments, one in three major corporations pays no tax,” said Greens leader Adam Bandt. “By taxing just the top 0.1% of Australia’s biggest companies, we can afford services like universal dental care.”

Bandt also noted that the Greens previously secured Medicare-covered dental for kids and now aim to expand that to all Australians.

Dutton’s campaign: 15th gas station stop and more food tours

Opposition leader Peter Dutton made his 15th campaign visit to a gas station — this time in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Aston. It’s become a running joke that he might have a future in trucking if politics doesn’t work out.

Aston, currently held by a Labor member after a 2023 special election, is a key target for Dutton’s Liberal Party.

In a lighter moment, Labor attempted to “crash” Dutton’s lunch with a campaign bus showing up at a Chinese restaurant in Glen Waverley — but arrived 15 minutes too late. Dutton had already wrapped up his meal with local candidate Katie Allen and moved on to a local cafe.

Last chance to apply for mail-in voting

Voters in Australia have until 6 p.m. today to apply for a mail-in (postal) ballot. The election is on Saturday, and the Electoral Commission warns that if your ballot hasn’t arrived by Friday, you’ll need to vote in person. For early voting info, check the AEC’s official guide.

Joe Exotic backs Albanese — and no, he wasn’t paid

In a bizarre twist, Tiger King star Joe Exotic (currently serving a prison sentence in the U.S.) posted a social media endorsement for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The PM seemed just as surprised as the public.

“He’s in jail… I wasn’t even aware of it,” Albanese said during his final press club address. Laughing it off, he added, “It’s good to see some levity during an election.”

He also joked about voting alongside his beloved dog, Toto, on Saturday.

No AUKUS negotiations in a hung parliament, PM says

Asked whether the AUKUS defense pact — a strategic alliance between Australia, the U.S., and the UK — would be up for negotiation if no party wins a majority, Albanese gave a blunt “no.”

Independent lawmakers have pushed for a review of the agreement, but the Prime Minister made clear he won’t reopen discussions under any circumstances.

PM reflects on regrets and leadership

During his press appearance, Albanese was asked whether he had any regrets from his time in office. He didn’t list specifics but spoke about “learning every day” on the job.

“My leadership has brought unity — not through inaction, but through real change,” he said. When pressed further, he clarified: “I’m not saying I have no regrets. I’m saying I learn.”

Dutton lunches with Chinese-Australian leaders

Continuing his campaign trail, Dutton sat down for a yum cha lunch (Chinese brunch) in Glen Waverley with Liberal candidate Katie Allen and leaders from the local Chinese-Australian community.