Anthony Albanese says improving voters’ lives best way to fight rightwing populism and Pauline Hanson

Anthony Albanese: ‘I think governments need to not stray from the central focus of making a positive difference to people’s lives.’ Photograph: Eugene Hyland/The Guardian

Anthony Albanese says the budget chaos caused by the war in Iran will not diminish his determination to establish a universal childcare system in Australia, describing meaningful improvements to the lives of average voters as the best way to fight rising rightwing populism and Pauline Hanson.

In an interview ahead of Sunday’s first anniversary of his landslide 3 May reelection, the prime minister told Guardian Australia he remained committed to delivering the major reform while in office, despite spending cuts coming in the budget hitting the national disability insurance scheme and public service departments.