On May 3, 2025, Australians voted in a federal election that resulted in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s center-left Labor Party securing a second consecutive term. Labor won 86 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives, an increase from 77 seats in the previous election, ensuring a clear majority. This marks the first time since 2004 that a sitting Prime Minister has been re-elected for a second term.

A significant development in the election was the defeat of opposition leader Peter Dutton, who lost his seat of Dickson to Labor candidate Ali France. This is the first time since 2007 that a major party leader has lost their seat in a federal election.

Key issues influencing the electorate included rising living costs and global economic uncertainty, particularly concerns stemming from U.S. President Donald Trump’s volatile tariff policies, which have affected Australian exports despite the close U.S.-Australia alliance. Albanese campaigned on improving housing affordability and healthcare, while Dutton advocated reducing immigration and cutting public service jobs. Labor sought to portray Dutton as a “Trump-lite” figure, leveraging public unease about Trump to sway voters.

With the election concluded, Prime Minister Albanese is expected to focus on domestic priorities such as housing and healthcare, while also managing international relations, particularly with the United States, amid ongoing global economic challenges.

Source: Reuters