Australia goes to the polls today in what has turned out to be one of the most heated and closely observed elections in recent memory. The race between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has been watched nationally and internationally, with key issues such as housing affordability, the inflationary cost of living, and climate policy dominating the agenda.
More than half of the voters have cast their ballots already, and hopes are high as millions of Aussies troop to the polling centers to cast their votes. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs has enabled a record number of 111 voting sites in 83 countries, ranging from Japan to Bali, as well as Europe’s major cities, to aid those abroad voting.
Major Issues and Party Promises for Australia Polls
The Labor Party, under the leadership of Anthony Albanese, has campaigned on policies of affordable housing, enhanced Medicare funding, and a very strong emphasis on renewable energy. Peter Dutton’s coalition, on the other hand, has focused on economic relief in the form of fuel excise reductions, tax incentives, and a contentious long-term nuclear energy policy.
Both the major parties have also committed to reducing prescription medicine prices and limiting foreign home ownership—steps to alleviate household budgetary pressures.
Minor parties, especially the Greens, have given the campaign an added boost with their militant climate policies and renters’ rights campaigning. Their increasing popularity has seen them become a major factor in deciding the result in marginal seats.
When to Expect Results
A result might be called as early as 7:30 PM AEST, says ABC’s long-time election expert Antony Green. Yet, if the race remains close, vote counting could continue late into the evening. This is Green’s last on ABC’s election reporting, so it’s a historic night for Australian political observers.
Full Media Coverage
Major TV networks are providing wall-to-wall coverage of the election returns:
- ABC commences at 5:30 PM AEST with David Speers and Sarah Ferguson, along with Antony Green.
- 7NEWS commences at 4 PM with Michael Usher and Natalie Barr, and includes political editor Mark Riley.
- Nine Network starts coverage at 5 PM, with Ally Langdon and Peter Overton presenting.
- Sky News Australia provides all-day updates, with Kieran Gilbert hosting the evening panel at 5 PM.
- Network 10 starts at 6 PM with Sandra Sully, Hugh Riminton, and Ashleigh Raper.
- SBS and NITV broadcast live at 6:30 PM with Janice Petersen and Anna Henderson, with Indigenous coverage.
As Australia votes today, the result will determine the tone of the country’s economic recovery, climate agenda, and healthcare future in an increasingly changing global landscape.
