Unlock the North - Federal Election 2025

Townsville Enterprise, in partnership with North Queensland’s regional councils, has unveiled the Unlock the North Federal Election Priorities. This comprehensive document outlines the strategic projects and policy priorities crucial for ensuring North Queensland’s long-term economic prosperity and unlocking its full potential for future generations. 

Key priorities leading up to the Federal Election include housing solutions, workforce attraction and liveability initiatives, critical infrastructure, and policies that foster business growth and economic sustainability. 

The Unlock the North initiative signifies a unified vision among North Queensland’s regional leaders. Input from Townsville City Council, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Burdekin Shire Council, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council, Charters Towers Regional Council, and industry members of Townsville Enterprise has shaped the document, which serves as a clear roadmap for the region’s future. 

Election Scorecard

Each Election, Townsville Enterprise works to ensure that any political commitments made to North Queensland are recorded, and shared with the community. In our role as advocates for the region, we work with all political parties to ensure they are aware of the needs of the North, and understand the projects and policies that will unlock the region's potential. 

As at 3 April 2025

Commitments to North Queensland

As of 16 April 2025

LABOR PARTY (PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE)

HOUSING INITIATIVES:

• $10 Billion Housing Plan: Labor committed to constructing 100,000 new homes exclusively for first-time buyers, with construction commencing in 2026–27. This initiative is part of the broader $43 billion Homes for Australia plan, which aims to build 1.2 million homes by 2030.
• 5% Deposit Scheme Expansion: The existing Home Guarantee Scheme will be broadened to remove income caps and participant limits, allowing more first-home buyers to purchase homes with a 5% deposit. The government will guarantee the remaining 15%, eliminating the need for Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), which can save buyers approximately $23,000.
• Help to Buy Scheme Enhancement: Labor plans to expand the Help to Buy shared equity scheme by increasing income caps and property price thresholds. Under this scheme, the government can take up to a 40% equity stake in a property, reducing the loan amount required by the buyer.

TAX AND COST-OF-LIVING MEASURES:

• $1,000 Instant Tax Deduction: A new policy will allow workers to claim an immediate $1,000 deduction for work-related expenses, providing prompt financial relief.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND REGIONS:

• $30 million commitment to ease traffic congestion on the roundabout at the Townsville University Hospital; matching the $30 million commitment already made by the State Government
• $7.2 billion in new funding for the Bruce Highway

LIBERAL-NATIONAL COALITION (OPPOSITION LEADER PETER DUTTON)

TAX RELIEF AND COST-OF-LIVING SUPPORT:

• $10 Billion Temporary Tax Offset: The Coalition proposed a one-off tax relief of up to $1,200 for individuals earning up to $144,000, aiming to alleviate immediate financial pressures.

HOUSING POLICY:

• Mortgage Interest Deduction Scheme: First-time buyers of new homes would be allowed to deduct mortgage interest on the first $650,000 of their loan from taxable income for up to five years. Eligibility is subject to income thresholds of $175,000 for singles and $250,000 for couples, potentially providing benefits of up to $11,000 annually per family.
• $5 billion to fund essential infrastructure at housing development sites

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND ENERGY:

• CFMEU Deregistration: The Coalition pledged to deregister the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), citing concerns over industrial relations exposed by 60 Minutes investigative reporting.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND REGIONS:

• $600 million Mining and Ag Roads Program, targeted at improving roads used to carry minerals and produce to markets
• $100 million fund specifically for junior miners, supporting companies in exploration phase for new mine sites.
• $7.2 billion in new funding for the Bruce Highway

Latest news and updates

*FOLLOW ABC's LIVE COVERAGE HERE*

• Senator Susan MacDonald announces funding for regional Queensland
• Albanese announces $10 billion Housing Plan
• Labor commits $30 million to road infrastructure near the Townsville University Hospital
• 2025/26 Federal Budget response
• Federal budget forecast and regional priorities

VIEW OUR NEWS CENTRE