Prime Minister Scott Morrison takes 'It's Time' theme from Labor as he makes final pitch

Prime Minister Scott Morrison's theme for his National Press Club address was "now is not the time" for a Labor government.

Scott Morrison

Scott Morrison speaking at the National Press Club on Thursday. Source: AAP

Scott Morrison has thrown one of Labor's most famous slogans back at them in his final pitch to Australian voters.

The Prime Minister shaped his entire National Press Club speech on Thursday around Gough Whitlam's famous "It's Time" address.

Scott Morrison
Scott Morrison speaking at the National Press Club on Thursday. Source: AAP


It was no coincidence Bill Shorten was at the same time preparing to take the stage at the Bowman Hall in Blacktown to channel the same 1972 speech.

Anticipating the theme from the Labor leader, Mr Morrison's central take was what "now is not the time".

Repeating the phrase almost two dozen times, he argued it was not the time to experiment on Labor and its "higher taxing, higher spending" agenda.

"Now is not the time to turn back," the Prime Minister told the National Press Club.

"Now is the time to build our economy together and secure your future."



As voters prepare to go to the polls on Saturday, Mr Morrison insists he is hungry to continue to lead.

"It's been eight months since I have been in this job. It has been an incredible privilege and pleasure," he said.

"But I can tell you, I'm just getting started."

All polls are pointing to a Labor victory, but the Prime Minister insists the contest will be close.

"Don't let anyone tell you that this election is run and done," Mr Morrison said.

"Don't let anyone tell you that your vote doesn't count, because it will, every single vote will count."

Earlier, the Prime Minister visited the crucial seat of Reid, arriving at the produce markets before dawn, channelling his opposite number yet again.

Mr Shorten had made the same market pilgrimage at the start of his five-week campaign.



People in Reid have bucked the national trend of high pre-polling, and both leaders recognise there are still plenty of votes to win in the next 48 hours.

The Liberal Party is fighting to hold onto the electorate, which it holds by 4.7 per cent, following the retirement of former minister Craig Laundy.

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2 min read
Published 16 May 2019 1:34pm
Updated 16 May 2019 3:26pm


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