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Election 2019 Coalition campaign launch LIVE: Scott Morrison rallies the troops

Updated May 12, 2019 — 1:06pm,first published 10:38am

1.06pm on May 12, 2019

End of today's live coverage

Now that all the excitement is over, that's where we'll leave our live coverage today.

The campaign launch was, predictably, focused on the Coalition's key campaign messages. There was also a heavy personal focus on Scott Morrison and his family. And, of course, negative messaging about Bill Shorten.

And there was a new policy announcement with the scheme to help first home buyers get into the market.

Thanks for joining us today. And stick with us this week as we bring you the best news, analysis, opinion and in-depth features ahead of the May 18 election. We're on the home straight now.

12.49pm on May 12, 2019

More detail on the first home buyers scheme

The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme will offer up to $500 million in equity through the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation.

"Complementing our First Home Super Saver Scheme, the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme will mean first home buyers won’t need to save for a full 20 per cent deposit, so Australians can get a loan and into the market faster. The Scheme will also help first home buyers save around $10,000 by not having to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance," Morrison says in a statement.

"The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme will be available to first home buyers who have been able to save for a deposit of at least 5 per cent."

It would start on January 1, 2020, and capped for individuals earning $125,000 and couples earning $200,000.

The value of homes that can be purchases under the schemed will be determined on a regional basis.

Frontbenchers at the Coalition campaign launch. Dominic Lorrimer

12.45pm on May 12, 2019

Party pleaser

A standing ovation for Morrison from the party faithful as he finishes his speech.

He is joined on stage by his family and the Frydenbergs as well and Michael McCormack as well.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison finishes his speech at the Coalition campaign launch.Dominic Lorrimer

12.34pm on May 12, 2019

Morrison wraps up

Concluding his remarks, Morrison says the Coalition will deliver on job creation, budget surpluses, debt repayment, tax cuts, funding for services, national security "without increasing your taxes".

"So the election, friends, is about a choice. The choice of who you can trust to keep the promise of Australia to all Australians as PM — myself or Bill Shorten," he says.

He says a return to Labor would be "risk at the worst possible time".

"There are storm clouds and tensions ahead," he predicts.

"We're asking Australians for your support next Saturday. To vote Liberal and to vote Nationals. So together we can build our economy, to secure your future and so we can keep the promise of Australia to Australians in this generation and the next."

12.21pm on May 12, 2019

Morrison 'on a mission' on youth suicide

Morrison then revisits a cause he highlighted before — youth suicide. He says it is a "curse on our nation" and commits to tackling it as a national priority.

"I am on a mission on this," he says.

The PM also announced $53 million in funding for women's health, including treatment for peri-natal depression.

"This is a cause as close to our family, as it has hit too close to home. Too many parents suffer in silence," he says.

12.15pm on May 12, 2019

Morrison announces first home buyers scheme

Morrison has announced a new policy for first home buyers.

The Coalition will enable some home buy a home with a deposit as low as 5 per cent. The balance of the deposit would be guaranteed by the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation.

The scheme would be limited to people with an annual income of $125,000 for singles or $200,000 for couples.

"This scheme would give preference to working with the smaller banks and the non-bank lenders to boost competition. Of course, the lenders will still be there ... lending the money. They will still do all the normal checks on the borrowers to make sure they can meet their repayments. This isn't free money," he says.

So this policy would bridge the gap between the lower deposit amount and 20 per cent of the property's value. While the amount is guaranateed by the government, approved applicants are still obliged to repay the loan but they won't need to spend as long saving for the purchase.

Scott Morrison announces a scheme for first home buyers.Dominic Lorrimer

12.06pm on May 12, 2019

Morrison criticises 'spend-a-thon'

Morrison says Labor does not know how to manage money.

"That's only just where it begins," he says. "The real cost comes after their big spending programs fall victim to incompetent administration. We've seen it every time under Labor. School halls last time. Pink batts, border protection failures. Welfare blowouts and rorting. You know, Labor's appetite for big spending always exceeds their competency to spend it wisely or properly."

He says he will not get into a "spend-a-thon" with Labor.

"They're welcome to it. Reckless spending is not a vision ... It's a burden on current and future generations."

Incidentally, here's our spendometer tallying the spending promises made this election campaign. It's being updated as the campaign progresses. Currently, it's showing Labor only slightly ahead.

12.00pm on May 12, 2019

Morrison: Australia is a promise

Morrison rattles off a lot of the ordinary Australians he has met recently.

He talks about people who have been working and saving, who have severe medical conditions and people affected by drought.

The PM says these people helpd him understand why Australia is the best country in the world.

"I believe that Australia is a promise to everyone who has the great privilege to call themselves an Australian. And you know what that promise is?

"It's the promise that allows Australians quietly going about their lives to realise their simple and honest aspirations. Quiet, hard-working Australians."

He says that promise is entrusted to the person who is elected prime minister.

Turning to the policy agenda, he says all the things a government does for citizens depend on a strong economy.

"The economy is what people live in. It's real. You know, countries with weak economies do not have good hospital systems. They do not have a reliable pension. They do not have affordable medicines. They do not have Medicare. They do not have Headspace," he says.

He also points to spending on schools, the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the age pension and policies to support small business and job creation.

Scott Morrison lays out the Coalition agenda on Sunday.Dominic Lorrimer

11.50am on May 12, 2019

Morrison: Life's about what you contribute

A heavy personal focus from Morrison as he opens his speech.

The PM goes through his childhood and what his parents taught him.

He says the lesson was: "Life's about what you contribute. Not what you accumulate ... It's about serving others, because in life, it's people that matter."

He says the story of his family is like many others, about "simple, decent, honest" aspiration and sacrifice.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison.Dominic Lorrimer

11.41am on May 12, 2019

Personal focus on Scott Morrison and his wife Jenny

There is now a very personal focus on Morrison and his family.

Over about five minutes, there is a video looking at his history with his wife Jenny, including their engagement and struggle to have children.

He then talks about his brother-in-law Gary, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis years ago.

Morrison's family, including his wife, mother and children, have now come out on stage to introduce him.

"Aren't they fantastic? How good's mum? How good's Jenny?" Morrison says.

"They're the women in my life. I couldn't love them more if I tried."

He says Happy Mother's Day to his wife and mum.