Labor leader Anthony Albanese has described Scott Morrison as a prime minister who has "gone missing" between elections, pointing to Solomon Islands' recent security pact signing with China and a failed promise to introduce an anti-corruption body.
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The strong offensive marks a switch in the opposition's campaign strategy after a shaky first week, which resulted in a drop in the polls.
Mr Albanese used a Thursday morning press conference on the NSW South Coast to slam his opponent, warning a Coalition re-election could also hurt wage growth.
Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare confirmed to the nation's parliament on Wednesday a security deal had been signed with China a few days ago, and could open the door for a Chinese security base being built on the archipelago just 2000 kilometres from the mainland.
It comes a week after Pacific Development Minister Zed Seselja visited the island's capital, Honiara, in an attempt to relay the Morrison government's concerns about the possible partnership.
"We know that the United States very much relies on Australia and sees Australia has played that role of partners in the Indo Pacific and that Australia and Scott Morrison has just gone missing," Mr Albanese said.
"We've sent a junior person [Senator Seselja] across there for what is a really serious matter.
"It's beyond my comprehension that, in spite of all of the speculation that has occurred, there's been no action."
The Prime Minister defended against the claims his government had failed its role in the region, adding a Labor government would have been even softer.
Mr Morrison has been quizzed over when exactly his government became aware of a potential deal between China and the Solomon Islands.
Labor foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong alleged government ministers would have been made aware of the possible deal in August last year when the Solomon Islands' opposition leader foreshadowed it.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne said it was not her understanding, and that it was not raised at a meeting in May between the countries.
Mr Morrison reaffirmed Senator Payne's comments saying while the issue had been "flagged for weeks", his government was not made aware of an imminent deal until it was leaked through the media.
Undermining the Coalition's stance, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce on Thursday warned the Solomon Islands could become a "little Cuba" and would be a "very bad day" for the country.
The "gone missing" attack also targeted Mr Morrison's 2019 election election promise of a federal integrity commission, which he failed to introduce during his term.
Stagnant wages were also a major focus of the Labor leader's charge on Thursday, cautioning pay cuts could be on the cards if the Coalition is elected for a fourth term.
Mr Albanese, Labor industrial relations spokesman Tony Burke and local MP Fiona Phillips toured the Shoalhaven Starches factory on the outskirts of Nowra on Thursday morning.
The ethanol distillery, run by Manildra Group, is the largest facility of its kind in the region.
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It was the Labor leader's first campaign stop on Thursday, following Wednesday night's leaders debate in Brisbane.
Labor is desperate to hold on to Ms Phillips' seat, with defeat in Gilmore meaning it would have to find nine extra seats to form government in its own right.
Ms Phillips holds the seat on a thin 2.6 per cent margin as former NSW transport minister, Andrew Constance, looking to snatch the electorate for the Coalition this election.
Mr Albanese stopped in for tea and biscuits at an independent living home in Nowra.
It was a largely warm welcome for the Labor leader, who chatted with residents about the campaign.
But not all of the residents were fans.
Marlene, a former nurse, has questioned how Labor is going to find the staff to meet its promise to have a registered nurses on site 24/7 at every aged care home.
"People are retiring and leaving by the droves, where are they all going to come from?" she told The Canberra Times.
Marlene wasn't impressed by Mr Albanese, who she said repeatedly contradicted himself.
"One day he's telling you this, the next day he's telling you that."