Australia’s Anthony Albanese won a historic second term in Australia on Saturday (May 3), marking the first time in 21 years that an Australian prime minister has won a second consecutive term. His centre-left LaborParty is poised to retain its majority government, with projections from the Australian Electoral Commission showing the Labor Party holding 70 seats. 
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Peter Dutton, leader of the conservative Liberal party, conceded defeat and lost his own seat - similar to the fate of Canada's conservatives and their leader whose election loss days earlier was also attributed to a Trump backlash. Dutton conceded defeat, saying, "We didn’t do well enough during this campaign, that much is obvious tonight, and I accept full responsibility for that." "Earlier on, I called the prime minister to congratulate him on his success tonight. It’s an historic occasion for the Labor Party and we recognise that," he added.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Albanese on his victory and said that he is looking forward to strengthening India-Australia ties.

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In 2007, Albanese became a senior minister when Labor swept to power and remained an influential figure. He also served as Deputy PM in Kevin Rudd’s brief second stint as prime minister, then ran for opposition leader in 2013. In 2019, he became the leader of a demoralised Labor Party after its unexpected election defeat.  He became the PM in 2022, ending a decade of rule by the Liberal-National coalition.

Read More | Australians vote in election overcast by prices, Trump tariffs

Australian Election campaign

The 36-day campaign was largely based on issues regarding high living costs and US President Donald Trump's tariffs but there were a few moments of unscripted levity. Albanese tumbled backwards off the stage at a heaving campaign rally, while Dutton drew blood when he hit an unsuspecting cameraman in the head with a stray football.  

Economic concerns have dominated the contest for the many Australian households struggling to pay inflated prices for milk, bread, power and petrol. A few important issues of this election are:

  • A primary concern for voters was the soaring cost of living. Inflation has driven up prices of essentials—eggs rose 11% last year according to AP data, and rent increases are biting hard. 
  • Housing affordability remained a flashpoint, with multiple Australian cities ranking among the world’s least affordable. Both major parties have proposed housing reforms 
  • Energy policy and Australia’s transition from fossil fuels was another point of difference between two parties
  • Trump and his policies were also a major issue. The next government must navigate an increasingly unstable geopolitical reality. China remains Australia’s top trading partner, but Donald Trump’s threat also looms.