Australian news and politics recap: Albanese hits out at Dutton for lack of detail, Coalition says it's clear

Bolstering trans-Tasman relations ahead of Anzac Day, the coalition has pledged to retain the direct citizenship pathway for Kiwis should it win the federal election.

Access to Australian citizenship - and its associated benefits - was a long-running bugbear for New Zealanders living in Australia for two decades until changes made in 2023.

In the days leading to Anzac Day two years ago, Anthony Albanese announced Kiwis would in almost all cases automatically qualify for citizenship after four years of living in Australia.

At the time, the coalition queried the changes on the basis of congestion, cost and pressures on housing.

“Over time, we might see New Zealand citizens come in here to access our welfare system - that has a cost,” immigration spokesman Dan Tehan said.

“We’re seeing soaring rents, there’s a housing crisis ... so additional New Zealanders come in here because of these changes, what impact will it have on our housing shortages?”

Asked whether it would commit to retaining the changes, the coalition was categorical.

“A Dutton coalition government will not change the current policy which allows for a direct pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens,” a spokeswoman said.

​Read the full story here.​

Labor will dedicate an extra $32 million into men’s health initiatives if re-elected, focusing on grassroots organisations.

Funded programs include helping men who struggle with mental health and fatherhood, and those foregoing health support due to stereotypes.

From Men’s Shed to Movember, Health Minister Mark Butler said “too many blokes put off prioritising their health”.

Mr Butler highlighted Labor’s $11.3 million pledge to Movember, saying it would provide men’s healthcare training to more than 60,000 health care workers, based on the existing Men in Mind program.

“This investment by Labor into Movember’s training will mean doctors and nurses have the right tools to support men,” he said.

​Read the full story here.​

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will spend at least $1.2 billion buying critical minerals for a new stockpile which would then be offered up for sale to key global partners in a move aimed at breaking up China’s global dominance of the sector.

Mr Albanese will use his address to The West Australian’s Leadership Matters forum on Thursday to detail the new Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve he wants to set up as part of Australia’s response to US president Donald Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs.

The reserve and priority access to critical minerals have formed part of Australia’s discussions with the US over recent weeks.

Mr Albanese said the move would give greater industry certainty when getting projects off the ground and would also boost Australia’s standing as a trusted and reliable trading partner.

“Throughout this campaign, we’ve all been reminded that this is a period of significant global uncertainty. That is the reality our nation has had to manage for the past few years — not just the last few weeks,” he is expected to say in his address.

​Read Katina Curtis’s full story here.​

One the eve of Anzac Day Anthony Albanese is in WA to attend The West Australian Leadership Matters forum and Peter Dutton is out and about pushing his latest policies, including an injection of funds for domestic violence support.

Stay up to date with all the latest news and views from the campaign trail right here.