Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made history as the first Australian leader in 21 years to secure a second consecutive three-year term.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton conceded defeat following Saturday’s election, admitting, “We didn’t do well enough during this campaign—that much is obvious tonight—and I accept full responsibility for that.”
He continued, “Earlier on, I called the prime minister to congratulate him on his success tonight. It’s a historic occasion for the Labor Party, and we recognise that.”
According to projections from the Australian Electoral Commission, Albanese’s centre-left Labor Party won 70 seats, while the conservative opposition coalition secured 24 in the 150-member House of Representatives.
Minor parties and independents, not aligned with either major bloc, appeared set to claim 13 seats.
Election analyst Antony Green, from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, predicted Labor would end up with 76 seats, the coalition 36, and unaligned members 13.
Green concluded that Labor would be in a position to form either a majority or minority government, whereas the coalition had no viable path to power.
Energy policy and inflation dominated the campaign, with both parties acknowledging that the country is in the grip of a cost-of-living crisis.
Dutton was mocked with the nickname “DOGE-y Dutton” by opponents.
The Liberal Party blamed government overspending for driving up inflation and interest rates and pledged to eliminate over 20% of public service jobs to curb expenses.
While both major parties support reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, Dutton promoted nuclear power over renewables like wind and solar to reduce energy costs.
Labor accused Dutton’s camp of importing Trump-style politics, even comparing his Department of Government Efficiency plans to those of the former U.S. president.
They warned that his nuclear agenda would come at the cost of essential public services.
Albanese criticised what he described as divisive, U.S.-inspired political tactics that do not reflect Australian values.
He also pointed to improved ties with China under his leadership, highlighting the removal of trade barriers that had previously cost Australia AU$20 billion annually since Labor’s 2022 victory.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended congratulations to Albanese on his re-election.
He affirmed the strong U.S.–Australia alliance, saying their shared democratic values are the foundation of lasting cooperation.
Rubio expressed hope for deeper ties to promote peace and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
The election occurred during what both sides described as a cost-of-living crisis and a period of generational transition.
Foodbank Australia revealed that 3.4 million households faced food insecurity last year in a nation of 27 million.
Many Australians skipped meals, ate less, or worried about running out of food before they could afford more.
In response to the financial strain, the central bank cut its benchmark cash rate to 4.1% in February, signalling that the worst might be over.
Further rate cuts are expected at the next board meeting on May 20, aimed at spurring investment amid global economic uncertainty, including from Trump-era tariffs.
Both parties tailored their campaigns to a younger electorate, with Baby Boomers now outnumbered by younger generations for the first time.
Each proposed initiatives to help first-time home buyers enter a property market that has become increasingly unaffordable.
Prior to the election, Labor held a slim majority with 78 seats in the 151-seat House of Representatives, which will now return to 150 due to boundary redistributions.
Losing more than two seats could force Labor to negotiate with independents to remain in power.
Australia last had a minority government following the 2010 election; before that, during World War II.
That 2010 result led to 17 days of negotiations before key independents agreed to support Labor in forming a government.
