Albanese wins re-election as Labor secures majority, Dutton out

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
3 May 2025 17:59

The election campaign was dominated by domestic issues such as the rising cost of living and energy policy.

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, his partner Jodie Haydon and son Nathan react as they meet the party faithful after winning a second term following the general election in Sydney, Saturday, May 3, 2025 (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Australian news outlets on Saturday reported that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese secured a decisive victory in the 2025 federal election, marking a historic second consecutive term for the Labor Party. This achievement makes Albanese the first Australian leader in over two decades to win back-to-back three-year terms, a feat last accomplished by John Howard in 2004.

Labor is projected to hold 86 seats in the 150-member House of Representatives, surpassing the 76 needed for a majority government. The party’s success was bolstered by significant gains in traditionally conservative regions, including Queensland and Tasmania, where they captured key electorates such as Bonner, Leichhardt, Bass, and Braddon.

In a notable development, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton lost his seat of Dickson to Labor candidate Ali France, marking the first time since 2007 that a major party leader has been unseated in their own electorate. Dutton conceded defeat on election night, acknowledging the Coalition’s shortcomings during the campaign.

The election campaign was dominated by domestic issues such as the rising cost of living and energy policy. Labor’s emphasis on renewable energy and social equity resonated with voters, while the Coalition faced criticism for its alignment with US President Donald Trump’s policies.

Thank you, Australia. pic.twitter.com/GTjL6QwPzV
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) May 3, 2025

In his victory speech, Prime Minister Albanese expressed gratitude to his supporters and reaffirmed his commitment to governing for all Australians. "Serving as your Prime Minister is the greatest honour of my life," he said. "And it is with a deep sense of humility and a profound sense of responsibility that the first thing I do tonight is to say thank you to the people of Australia."

He called for national unity, stating: "Let all of us work together to build our national unity on the enduring foundations of fairness, equality, and respect for one another." Emphasizing a self-reliant national identity, he added, "We do not seek our inspiration overseas. We find it right here in our values."