A Comprehensive Review of the Australian Labor Government’s Tenure (2022–2025)

A Government Focused on Stability and Reform

Since coming to power in May 2022, the Albanese Labor Government has governed through turbulent times — rising cost of living, international conflicts, and a shifting global economy. Despite these challenges, Labor has quietly and methodically implemented a broad range of policies that have strengthened Australia’s healthcare system, improved workers’ rights, revitalised domestic manufacturing, and restored trust in government. In stark contrast to their predecessors, Labor has done so without a single major scandal, offering a period of political stability after a decade of Coalition dysfunction.

This review takes a deep dive into the Labor Government’s first three years in office, exploring key achievements in healthcare, industrial relations, manufacturing, Indigenous affairs, and governance. The review also examines how Labor has avoided the scandals that plagued the Coalition, including the infamous sports rorts, Robodebt, and the PwC tax scandal.

Healthcare: Restoring and Strengthening Medicare

The Albanese Government has delivered significant improvements to healthcare, starting with the expansion of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics. Initially promising 50 clinics, the government exceeded this target by opening 58 fully bulk-billed centres nationwide by early 2024. These clinics have already seen over 130,000 patients in their first six months, significantly easing pressure on overcrowded emergency departments and improving access to urgent medical care for families, particularly in regional areas.

Another crucial reform was cutting the cost of medications under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). In a move that directly benefited millions of Australians, Labor reduced PBS co-payments by 29%, making life-saving medications more affordable. The government has also responded dynamically to ongoing COVID-19 challenges by ensuring access to vaccines and pandemic leave payments, demonstrating a commitment to both preparedness and compassion.

Aged Care: Dignity for Older Australians

One of Labor’s first actions in office was addressing the recommendations of the Aged Care Royal Commission. This included reforms to improve transparency and funding models, but perhaps most importantly, legislating to require a registered nurse on-site 24/7 in residential aged care facilities. These measures were long overdue and are helping to restore dignity and safety for older Australians who deserve proper care after a lifetime of contribution.

In addition to structural reforms, the government has increased aged care worker wages, acknowledging the essential work of carers. This long-fought battle for better pay has not only improved workforce morale but has also gone some way toward addressing workforce shortages, ensuring that aged care services are sustainable into the future.

Industrial Relations: Wages, Rights, and Fairness

From the outset, the Albanese Government made it clear that raising wages and restoring fairness to industrial relations were priorities. In their first submission to the Fair Work Commission, the government successfully advocated for a 5.2% increase to the minimum wage, lifting pay for millions of low-income Australians. This was a critical intervention during a time when inflation was biting hardest for working families.

Labor has since introduced landmark legislation, including the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Act, which enables multi-employer bargaining and strengthens gender pay equity provisions. The introduction of laws placing a positive duty on employers to prevent sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace represents one of the most significant advances in workplace safety and equality in a generation. These reforms are a sharp contrast to the Coalition’s decade of stagnation on industrial relations.

Manufacturing and Energy: Future Made in Australia

Under the “Future Made in Australia” initiative, the government has committed to rebuilding the domestic manufacturing sector, particularly in renewable energy. This plan is backed by over $22 billion in investments over the next decade to support clean hydrogen, solar panel manufacturing, and critical minerals mining — all aimed at ensuring Australia remains a competitive player in the green economy of the future.

Labor’s $1 billion “Solar Sunshot” program, launched in 2024, is designed to stimulate local solar panel production, reducing reliance on imports and creating jobs in a fast-growing industry. These manufacturing investments are directly linked to national security, as they aim to insulate Australia from global supply chain disruptions while positioning the country as a renewable energy powerhouse.

Governance and Integrity: Restoring Trust in Government

Perhaps the most significant achievement in governance has been the creation of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). After a decade of Coalition refusal to act on corruption in Canberra, Labor passed legislation establishing the NACC within six months of taking office. The Commission began operations in mid-2023, with broad investigative powers that have already set a new standard for accountability in federal politics.

Labor also led the censure of former Prime Minister Scott Morrison after revelations he had secretly appointed himself to multiple ministerial roles, a move that damaged public confidence in government. By taking decisive action to defend the principles of democracy, Labor has reaffirmed its commitment to transparent governance.

Indigenous Affairs: Uluru Statement and the Voice Referendum

From day one, Prime Minister Albanese committed to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart. This included a historic referendum to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Though the referendum held in October 2023 was unsuccessful, with the proposal being defeated in all but one jurisdiction, Labor maintained its support throughout the process, conducting one of the most significant national conversations on reconciliation in Australia’s history.

In addition to the Voice referendum, Labor has increased funding for Indigenous health, education, and housing, and has launched new initiatives to improve outcomes in remote communities. Although the failure of the referendum was a setback, Labor’s broader commitment to closing the gap remains a defining feature of its social policy.

Cost of Living and Tax Reform: Delivering Relief

Recognising the cost of living pressures facing Australians, Labor has implemented a broad range of relief measures, including energy bill subsidies for low-income households and tax cuts that target working Australians rather than the wealthy elite. Unlike the Coalition’s Stage 3 tax cuts — which heavily favour high earners — Labor has focused its tax relief on ordinary Australians struggling with rising costs.

Labor’s approach has also included rental assistance increases and cheaper childcare reforms, designed to ease pressure on families. These targeted supports are evidence of a government focused on fairness and equity, rather than giveaways to the top end of town.

National Security and Global Engagement

On the global stage, Labor has restored Australia’s diplomatic relationships, including repairing ties with China and deepening alliances in the Indo-Pacific. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has been pivotal in re-establishing Australia’s credibility as a middle power committed to international rules and norms.

On defence, Labor has pushed forward with AUKUS while also focusing on regional diplomacy and stabilisation, ensuring that Australia balances security partnerships with a strong commitment to peace.

A Government Without Scandals

Unlike the Coalition, which was plagued by scandals like Robodebt, sports rorts, the PwC tax leaks, and secret ministerial appointments, Labor has governed without major corruption scandals. No secret portfolios, no illegal debt schemes, and no Cabinet members caught in conflicts of interest. Labor has delivered stable, scandal-free governance — a rarity in modern politics.

A Record of Achievement, Not Chaos

In three years, the Albanese Labor Government has delivered a stable, reform-driven period of governance. They have increased wages, made healthcare more accessible, strengthened workers’ rights, rebuilt Australia’s manufacturing sector, and created a National Anti-Corruption Commission. All of this has been achieved without the chaos, corruption, and incompetence that defined the previous decade of Coalition government.

Labor’s first term has proven that it is possible to govern with integrity, focus, and compassion — and that Australians benefit when their government puts people before politics.

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Source List:

1. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/nov/26/albanese-government-defends-public-service-growth-as-workforce-surges-30000-in-three-years
2. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-10/federal-budget-2023-key-points-winners-and-losers/102314534
3. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/mar/30/national-anti-corruption-commission-nacc-australia-explained-powers
4. https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/voice-referendum-fails-what-happens-next-20231014-p5ecm4.html
5. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-26/albanese-government-medicare-urgent-care-clinics-budget-2022/101576730
6. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-14/federal-parliament-closes-loopholes-industrial-relations-law/103077892
7. https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/anthony-albaneses-public-sector-splurge-costs-taxpayers-extra-5bn/news-story/7dd1066ca7f33456ad9385e3d65fbc46
8. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-11/aged-care-reform-legislation-nursing-home-care/102956874