In an election focused on wage growth and cost-of-living pressures, opposition leader Anthony Albanese failed to answer questions about unemployment numbers and interest rates as the campaign for the May 21 election began. Prime Minister Morrison criticized the Labour Party's ability to manage money and lack of economic plan while promoting economic opportunities post-pandemic. Polls showed the Labour Party ahead of Morrison's coalition, although Morrison remained the preferred leader. Albanese apologized for his mistakes and was in damage control mode. He quoted Taylor Swift by saying he will "Shake it off" in response to reporters asking about the potential impact of a slip on Labor's chances of winning the election. Albanese emphasized taking responsibility for his actions and owning up to any mistakes he may make. Morrison highlighted his government's successes in lowering the unemployment rate despite facing various challenges such as fires, floods, a pandemic, a global recession, economic coercion from China, and a war in Europe. Initially, Albanese believed the current unemployment rate was around 5.4%. Morrison referred to the runs on the board in cricket as a metaphor for having a solid foundation. The government has plans to boost job creation to pre-pandemic levels, aiming for a stronger economy. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg mentioned that the new jobs would be spread across various sectors. Australia's unemployment rate is expected to drop below 3% sooner than predicted by the central bank, with some economists even forecasting it to go below the budget estimate of 3.75%. Wage growth is expected to increase, but not enough to keep up with inflation, leading to a decrease in real incomes this year. To appease upset voters, the budget in March raised a tax break for 10 million low- and middle-income earners and provided one-time cash payments for pensioners, as well as a temporary reduction in fuel taxes.