Anthony Albanese Re-Elected as Australian PM for Second Term, Labour Set to Hold Majority

Report By Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been re-elected for a second three-year term following a strong showing by the centre-left Labour Party in Saturday’s general election. Preliminary results indicate that Labour is on track to maintain a majority in the 150-seat House of Representatives.

In a triumphant speech delivered in Sydney alongside his partner Jodie Haydon and son Nathan, Albanese stated, “Australians have voted for fairness, aspiration, and opportunity. This victory reflects our shared values and commitment to a stronger, kinder nation.”

Liberal Leader Peter Dutton Concedes and Loses Seat

Opposition leader Peter Dutton, who headed the conservative Liberal Party, conceded defeat after also losing his own parliamentary seat. He accepted full responsibility for the outcome, acknowledging the party’s underperformance during the campaign.

“We didn’t meet expectations. I take full responsibility for the result tonight,” Dutton said, addressing his supporters.

Labour Positioned to Retain Majority

Before the election, Labour held a slim majority with 78 seats in the 151-member parliament. Due to electoral boundary changes, the new parliament will have 150 seats. Labour’s ability to hold more than 75 seats secures its majority and avoids reliance on crossbench support.

Major Campaign Issues

• Cost of Living Crisis:
  Inflation and rising living costs dominated the campaign. Labour defended its spending measures, while the Liberals blamed inflation on government waste and proposed slashing 20% of public service jobs to cut costs.
• Energy and Climate Policy:
  Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. However, the Liberals advocated for nuclear energy as a more affordable solution, a significant departure from Labour’s renewable energy strategy.
• Housing Affordability:
  Labour and the Liberals both pledged new support for first-time homebuyers, addressing growing frustration with Australia’s inaccessible housing market.
• Foreign Relations:
  Labour touted its success in mending ties with China, leading to the removal of trade restrictions that had previously cost Australian exporters up to AUD 20 billion annually.

Controversial Campaign Moments

The Labour campaign coined the nickname “DOGE-y Dutton” for the opposition leader, mocking his public service cut plans as echoing US President Donald Trump’s cost-reduction strategy led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk.