Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has officially called a federal election for 3 May, giving Australians just over five weeks to decide the next parliament.
The process began early Friday morning when Mr Albanese was seen departing The Lodge, his Canberra residence, to request the dissolution of parliament from Governor-General Sam Mostyn.
Addressing the media later on Friday, Mr Albanese positioned the election as a clear-cut choice, declaring it a decision between “Labor’s plan to keep building or Peter Dutton’s promise to cut.”
He described Labor’s first term as one focused on easing cost-of-living pressures while investing in the future: “Because of the strength and resilience that our people have shown, Australia is turning the corner.”
Mr Albanese also framed Labor as the unifying force for the country, contrasting his government’s vision with that of the opposition: “Now is not the time for cutting and wrecking, for aiming low, punching down or looking back. This is a time for building.”
He argued that while much had been achieved, a second term was necessary: “In challenging times, we have laid very strong foundations. We want to keep building. The Liberals, the Nationals, just want to start cutting.”
Meanwhile, opposition leader Peter Dutton has gained momentum in the polls, pledging to halve fuel excise for a year—a saving of approximately $750 per car—compared to Labor’s $5-a-week tax cuts due to begin in July 2026.
Labor’s cost-of-living relief package passed swiftly through parliament, but the Coalition has threatened to repeal it if they form government.
Current polling suggests a close contest, with the latest Newspoll showing the Coalition edging ahead 51–49 on a two-party preferred basis. However, Albanese remains preferred Prime Minister, leading Dutton 47 to 38.
Australia is facing the prospect of a hung parliament, especially with boundary redistributions affecting more than half the seats. Labor holds 77 seats after the abolition of Higgins, while the Coalition, currently on 55, needs 21 more to reach a majority in the 150-seat House.
The 19-member crossbench includes Greens, independents—seven of whom are Teals—and representatives from minor parties, making post-election negotiations highly likely.
In the Senate, only half the seats are up for grabs. Labor holds 25, the Coalition 30, with a diverse crossbench of 21, including prominent figures such as Pauline Hanson, Jacqui Lambie, and Lidia Thorpe. Retirements and redistributions will further shape the political landscape.
With a housing crisis and cost-of-living pressures dominating voter sentiment, both major parties face formidable challenges as the campaign begins.
Source: Daily Telegraph
