This is a voting day for Australia for the 2025 federal election following a campaign dominated by delays and global distractions. Originally due on April 12, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delayed the vote because of a cyclone that disrupted government plans.
This year’s campaign season struggled to get noticed. International headlines, such as US President Donald Trump’s wide-ranging tariff declarations and the passing of Pope Francis, took center stage. Easter holidays and long weekends also gave little space for election momentum.
“It has been difficult to break through… but the two major parties have lost the confidence of the voters, which has magnified their issues of communications,” according to John Warhurst, Emeritus Professor at the Australian National University’s School of Politics, quoted by the BBC. “The government has been cowardly and the opposition has been chaotic.”
The Leaders in the Race
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, representing the center-left Australian Labor Party (ALP), seeks re-election after first gaining office in 2022. A seasoned lawmaker with nearly 30 years in Parliament, Albanese now faces backlash over his response to hot-button topics such as housing, Indigenous affairs, and religious tensions.
Standing against him is Peter Dutton, head of the conservative Liberal-National Coalition. A former home affairs and defence minister, Dutton is running for his first election as opposition leader. Although his political experience is a plus, his tough stances on immigration and social policy have made him a divisive character.
Key Issues Shaping the Vote for Australia
Cost of Living Crisis
Inflation is a major worry for voters. Basic commodities have increased dramatically—for example, eggs were up 11% over the last year. Rent hikes continue to put pressure on household budgets. While inflation is slowly coming down, Australians are feeling the Albanese government hasn’t acted enough to ease pressure.
Housing Affordability and Healthcare Pressure
Housing is still a pressing concern since Australian cities are among the least affordable in the world. Although both major parties have put forward reforms, their implementation plans are vastly different.
Australia’s universal healthcare system is under tremendous pressure. With shortages of staff and increasing costs, many Australians are putting off or skipping treatment. Both Labor and the Coalition have committed substantial funding to enhance the system.
Climate Policy and Energy Transition
Energy policy deeply polarizes the ALP and the Coalition. Both parties have different approaches as Australia attempts to move beyond fossil fuels. Climate change and renewable energy continue to be election-defining themes.
Foreign Policy: China and U.S. Dynamics
The incoming government will be confronted by a fraught global environment. China is Australia’s biggest trade partner, but is increasingly seen with strategic distrust. Add to that Donald Trump’s recent reversion to protectionist economic policy.
Compulsory Voting and Democracy Sausages
Voting is compulsory in Australia. Those who don’t vote without a good reason will get a $ 20 penalty. This practice, instituted in 1924, guarantees voter turnout of more than 90% typically.
Elections have long been held on Saturdays. Employers must give time off work to vote. One of the characteristics of Australian elections is the “democracy sausage,” a barbecued snack offered at polling booths as part of community fundraising.
Australia has a preferential voting system. Voters list candidates in order of preference. No candidate receives more than 50% of the first-choice votes. The least popular candidates are eliminated, and their votes are redistributed until a candidate achieves a majority.
Parliamentary Breakdown and What’s at Stake
All 150 House of Representatives and 40 of 76 Senate seats are contested. A party needs to win 76 seats to have a majority.
Labor has 78 seats, but the loss of one seat in redistricting means that losing only two seats could lead to a minority government. The Coalition has 57 seats and will need to overturn at least 19, most of which were won by independents in 2022.
When to See Results
Counting of votes commences as soon as polls close tonight. Up-to-date information will be available on the Australian Electoral Commission’s (AEC) website. Unofficial outcomes are usually clear by nightfall, although conclusive certification may take a few days because the counting is done manually for almost 18 million votes, including overseas votes.
