Voters will pass judgment at the ballot box based on what the federal government offers, not on what it has done.
That is Anthony Albanese's view as he reflects on his first term in office, highlighting a reduction in inflation, low unemployment, and two budget surpluses.
He backs Labor's record but knows "no government is perfect".
"I'm happy to stand in support of the record that we have, but also to say that's not enough - that's not how you win a second term," he told the National Press Club on Friday.
"You win a second term through ... the offer for the second term."
Mr Albanese has previously used his January press club addresses to make significant announcements and set the tone for the year ahead.
During his 2024 speech, the prime minister revealed he would rejig stage-three tax cuts to provide more for middle-income earners after promising to deliver the former coalition government's original plan.
With voters due to vote by May 17, Mr Albanese used his latest speech to promote his infrastructure commitments and draw a clear distinction between himself and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.
"The choice facing Australians is crystal clear," he said.
"There is Labor - strengthening Medicare, investing in education, building Australia's future - or there is Peter Dutton, his nuclear reactors and cuts to everything else to pay for them."
Polling suggests that the cost of living is turning Australians off Labor despite its investments in relief measures.
Many are expected to vote for independents and minor parties, increasing the likelihood of a minority government.
During his speech, Mr Albanese unveiled a $626 million expansion of an apprentice incentive program to strengthen the construction workforce.
From July, eligible apprentices in housing construction or clean energy will receive $10,000, paid in $2000 instalments at the six, 12, 24 and 36-month milestones, and upon completion.
The announcement received broad support from the Australian Council of Trade Unions and business and property groups, but there are concerns it does not go far enough.
Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black said that more needs to be done to motivate employers.
"A new approach is needed to reflect the real cost of taking on a young trainee," he said.
It is not clear if the program would attract more workers.
The announcement expands an incentive for apprentices in renewable energy, but less than 20 percent of spots have been filled a year after it was unveiled.
The Housing Industry Association welcomed the incentives, but managing director Jocelyn Martin noted they were "one tool in the toolkit" and said the government's focus on fee-free TAFE was "distracting from the real issue facing the supply of housing."
Property Council chief executive Mike Zorbas said boosting apprenticeship numbers was essential to solving the housing supply puzzle.
Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn insisted there was "no better time to pick up the tools and become a tradie".
Mr Dutton said the government should have made the announcement sooner.
"We support it in terms of what we've seen, and I want to make sure that the building sector is viable again," he said.
With AAP.
