Cost of Living, Stability, and the Battle for Undecided Voters in the Election's Final Days

The current election has been marked by a significant number of undecided and soft voters. Polls have indicated that a larger proportion of the electorate is either disengaged, still wavering, or not yet committed compared to previous elections. This uncertainty has fueled both optimism within the Coalition and concern within the Labor party as the campaign draws to a close.

While national polls suggest Labor has a firm lead, with a majority government within reach, potential surprises could still emerge, particularly in suburban areas. Safe Labor seats could be vulnerable if enough late-deciding voters express dissatisfaction, especially regarding the cost of living.

The focus of both parties' closing arguments has unsurprisingly centered on the cost of living, a primary concern for voters over the past three years. Even those with limited interest in politics have noticed rising prices.

Peter Dutton has employed the "are you better off?" question, a tactic that has proven effective against incumbent governments facing inflation in other parts of the world. However, this approach hasn't been as successful this year. The Canadian example, where a conservative leader failed to unseat the government despite voter concerns about the cost of living, highlights the complexities of this strategy.

In the Canadian election, voters prioritized stability over risk, influenced by factors beyond just economic concerns. Similarly, Anthony Albanese is emphasizing certainty and stability, cautioning against the potential "cuts and chaos" of the opposition. Labor is also benefiting from recent inflation figures, which have returned to the Reserve Bank's target range.

The opposition, however, is downplaying the government's economic achievements, arguing the Coalition are better economic managers. The Shadow Treasurer is expected to reveal the Coalition's policy costings, promising a better budget bottom line and a reduction in gross debt.

Beyond the cost of living, Dutton has also sought to remind voters of the failed Voice referendum, another prominent issue. He has criticized comments from the Foreign Minister regarding the Voice, suggesting Labor has hidden plans to revive the idea. The Prime Minister has denied these claims, but Dutton is attempting to leverage this issue to sway disengaged voters. This suggests that the cost of living alone may not be sufficient for the Coalition to win over the undecided and uncommitted voters.