 "Anthony Albanese says Australians chose 'optimism' as Labor secures landslide victory")
In Australia’s federal elections, Anthony Albanese, the left-leaning prime minister, secured a crushing victory in Saturday (May 3) elections, defeating his conservative opponent. The election outcome was largely influenced by economic instability and the political climate surrounding US President Donald Trump.
Political analysts suggested that Albanese’s consistent and measured approach resonated with voters during a period of global turbulence. This led to a substantial loss of support for the opposition leader, Peter Dutton.
The Labor Party, led by Albanese, was on track to achieve a surprisingly large majority in parliament. Furthermore, Dutton, a former police officer, suffered the unusual defeat of losing his own parliamentary seat.
How many seats are won by parties?
According to projections by the national broadcaster ABC, Labor was on course for a landslide victory, having secured 85 seats out of the 150 in parliament. Dutton’s coalition had won 41 seats, other parties nine, and the outcome for 15 seats remained uncertain.
In his victory speech, Albanese addressed a jubilant crowd, stating, “Today, the Australian people have voted for Australian values. For fairness, aspiration and opportunity for all.” He added, “In this time of global uncertainty, Australians have chosen optimism and determination.”
Labor supporters celebrated at an election party in Sydney, drinking craft beers featuring Albanese’s image and chanting his nickname, “Albo,” as the election results were announced on television.
Albanese lists his priorities
Albanese has vowed to prioritise renewable energy, address the growing housing crisis, and invest in the strained healthcare system.
In contrast, Dutton’s platform included proposals to significantly reduce immigration, implement stricter measures against crime, and overturn the long-standing prohibition on nuclear power.
The policies and impact of the US president’s administration cast a notable shadow over the six-week election campaign. This generated international interest in whether the economic instability resulting from his tariffs would affect the Australian election outcome.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered his congratulations to Albanese, describing Australia as a “valued ally, partner, and friend of the United States.”
Dutton’s policy of cutting public services was unpopular with many, especially as similar cuts, spearheaded by Elon Musk, had led to disruption in the United States. His key proposal to build nuclear reactors across the country was also widely considered a disadvantage.
Hungry voters munched on barbecued “democracy sausages” after casting their ballot – a polling day rite of passage – while others in bright swimwear crammed into voting booths after taking an early morning plunge.
Before the first vote was even counted, speculation was already mounting over whether Dutton could survive an election loss.
“We didn’t do well enough during this campaign. That much is obvious tonight and I accept full responsibility,” Dutton told supporters in a concession speech.
Some pre-vote polls showed Dutton leaking support because of Trump, who he praised this year as a “big thinker” with “gravitas” on the global stage.
“I mean, Donald Trump is as mad as a cut snake, and we all know that,” said voter Alan Whitman, 59, before casting his ballot on Saturday.
“And we’ve got to tiptoe around that.”
Voting is compulsory, enforced with fines of Aus$20 (US$13), leading to turnouts that top 90 percent.
High prices
As Australians soured on Trump, both Dutton and Albanese took on a more pugnacious tone.
“If I needed to have a fight with Donald Trump or any other world leader, to advance our nation’s interest, I’d do it in a heartbeat,” Dutton said in April.
Albanese condemned Trump’s tariffs as an act of “economic self-harm” and “not the act of a friend”.
Economic concerns have dominated the contest for the many Australian households struggling to pay inflated prices for milk, bread, power and petrol.
“The cost of living – it’s extremely high at the moment. So, taxes as well, is also another really big thing. Petrol prices, all the basic stuff,” human resources manager Robyn Knox told AFP in Brisbane.
Campaign stumbles
Albanese’s government has embraced the global push towards decarbonisation, warning of a future in which iron ore and polluting coal exports no longer prop up the economy.
The 36-day campaign was a largely staid affair 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.
Rubio said that Washington “looks forward to deepening its relationship with Australia to advance our common interests and promote freedom and stability in the Indo-Pacific and globally.”
This was echoed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and by India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said he was keen to “advance our shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific”.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv “sincerely values Australia’s unwavering support and its principled stance on ending Russia’s war”.
(With inputs from AFP)
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