Kimberley Caines: 2023 brought Anthony Albanese back down to earth, while 2024 will be make or break for him

2023 was the year that brought Anthony Albanese back down to earth, while 2024 will be make or break for him. He could end up a one-term wonder, which is why this year is so crucial — for both him and Peter Dutton. The Labor leader started his prime ministership in good stead by impressing world leaders on the international stage, helping to thaw the rocky relationship with China and delivering on many of his 2022 election promises. The past 12 months were the big test to see if he could be a good leader during the tough times for Australia. However, polls by the year’s end showed the gap between Labor and the Coalition had narrowed. The failed Voice referendum was a major blow for Albanese, as too was his Government’s slow response to keep Australians safe from released immigration detainees after the High Court ruled it unlawful to keep them locked up indefinitely. Economic difficulties remain the number one issue for Australians. It was the biggest concern last year and will be for this year too. Albanese used his New Year’s Eve message on Sunday to promise more cost-of-living relief in 2024 by rolling out more fee-free TAFE places and continuing work toward universal childcare. The first half of 2024 will be domestic-focused for Albanese. He told this masthead he would bring his entire Cabinet to Perth again in February — showing the importance of the WA vote once more as we enter election season. The Dunkley by-election is expected to be held over the coming months and then there’s the Federal Budget on May 14, while the majority of overseas trips for summits are scheduled for the back half of the year. The challenge for the Prime Minister is changing the national conversation that the Federal Government is not doing enough to help struggling households as the Opposition Leader ramps up his attacks to shape the political discourse. Dutton is strong at landing blows but the challenge for him is proving why he should be the next PM while having no substantial Opposition policy beyond interest in small modular nuclear reactors. With a new year comes the opportunity for a reset in politics — a reset that both leaders will be held accountable for by Australians if not delivered.