Key Points
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor Party secures at least 83 seats in Australia’s 150-seat parliament, clinching a landslide victory.
- Opposition leader Peter Dutton’s Liberal-National coalition wins only 38 seats, with Dutton losing his own seat in a historic defeat.
- Albanese promises a “disciplined, orderly” government to address cost-of-living pressures and global economic uncertainty.
On May 3, 2025, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese celebrated a sweeping election victory at the Labor Party’s election night event in Sydney, joined by his partner Jodie Haydon and son Nathan. The left-leaning leader pledged to guide the nation through economic challenges with a steady hand. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP)
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reveled in a landslide election win on May 3, 2025, promising a “disciplined, orderly” government to tackle soaring living costs and global trade uncertainties. The Labor Party is projected to secure at least 83 seats in the 150-member parliament, according to partial results, while the conservative Liberal-National coalition, led by Peter Dutton, managed only 38 seats. Twelve seats went to other parties, with 17 still undecided.
The 62-year-old Albanese, greeted by cheering residents, visited Cafe Italia in inner Sydney with his fiancée Jodie Haydon on May 4, a nostalgic spot from his past. Surrounded by journalists, he scooped ice cream—a nod to his late mother’s memory—and later stopped by Willie the Boatman brewery, known for its “Albo Pale Ale.” Albanese vowed to work tirelessly, saying, “We’ll deliver stability and progress every day.”
Peter Dutton, the opposition leader dubbed “Trump-lite” for his hardline policies, faced a crushing blow, losing his own seat in a rare electoral humiliation. His platform, which included slashing immigration, lifting the nuclear power ban, and cutting civil service jobs, failed to resonate. In a somber concession speech, Dutton accepted “full responsibility” for the coalition’s poor performance.
Economic pressures, including inflated prices for essentials like milk, bread, and petrol, dominated the campaign. “The cost of living is extremely high,” said Robyn Knox, a Brisbane human resources manager, echoing widespread voter concerns. Analysts, including University of Sydney lecturer Henry Maher, pointed to U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs as a factor amplifying global instability, pushing voters toward the incumbent Labor Party for continuity.
The scale of Labor’s victory stunned even its leaders. Treasurer Jim Chalmers called it “one for the ages,” telling the ABC, “This exceeded our wildest expectations.” He emphasized humility, noting that Australians seek stability amid uncertainty. Albanese’s agenda includes boosting renewable energy, cutting taxes, addressing the housing crisis, and strengthening healthcare.
The 36-day campaign saw moments of levity, including Albanese’s tumble off a rally stage and Dutton accidentally striking a cameraman with a football. Despite the lighthearted incidents, the election underscored serious voter concerns about economic survival.
International leaders congratulated Albanese, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling Australia a “valued ally” and expressing hopes for collaboration in the Indo-Pacific. China’s foreign ministry signaled readiness to work with the new government, while Albanese noted warm messages from leaders in Britain, France, and beyond. He reaffirmed support for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, stating, “That’s my government’s position, and it remains unchanged.”
Albanese’s decisive mandate positions him to lead Australia through turbulent times, balancing domestic priorities with a complex global landscape.
