Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has made his first pitch to voters in this election year with a campaign-style rally in Melbourne.

The Coalition is ahead in most published polls but would require a historic swing to retake power.

Dutton launched his election bid with a rally today.

“Weak leaders create hard times. But strong leaders create better times,” he said.

The new year brings a new three-word slogan: “Back on track.”

It’s a phrase successful across the ditch in New Zealand, where it’s used by the National Party.

With a smattering of protests outside, Dutton’s speech outlined priorities rather than policies.

They include nuclear power, migration reform, boosting small business and housing affordability.

“For so many Australians aspiration has been replaced by anxiety. Optimism has been replaced by pessimism for too many Australians,” Dutton said.

The speech sparked criticism from political rivals.

“This is the man that wants to be prime minister of Australia but not one new idea,” Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones said.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young called out an “attack on casuals, attack on the renewable energy industry, attack on public servants, on the environment”.

With Dutton’s Melbourne appearance and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s trip to Queensland last week, both leaders started the year in their most challenging state.

Labor sources said internal polling painted a grim picture of Dutton’s standing among Victorians, ensuring the election would be about priorities, policies and personal attacks.

The Coalition had a pre-emptive defence today.

“I trust Peter Dutton. “I can look the bloke in the eye, I can shake his hand and I know that it’s a deal,” Nationals leader David Littleproud said today.

The federal election must be held by mid-May but could take place much earlier.