Anthony Albanese has secured a second consecutive three-year term as Australia’s prime minister, becoming the first leader to do so in 21 years, in a victory hailed as historic for the center-left Labor Party.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton conceded defeat following Saturday’s tightly contested general election, acknowledging his party’s shortcomings:
“We didn’t do well enough during this campaign, that much is obvious tonight, and I accept full responsibility for that,” he said.
“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.”
According to projections from the Australian Electoral Commission, Labor secured 70 seats, while the conservative opposition coalition won just 24 in the 150-seat House of Representatives. Thirteen seats are expected to go to independents and minor parties.
Renowned election analyst Antony Green, speaking on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, predicted Labor would ultimately secure 76 seats — enough to form a majority government — while the coalition would take only 36.
Campaign Themes:
Key campaign issues included the rising cost of living, inflation, and energy policy. While both major parties support a 2050 net-zero emissions target, their approaches differ sharply.
Dutton’s Liberal Party promoted nuclear power as a solution to high energy costs and blamed government spending for rising inflation. It also proposed eliminating over 20% of public service jobs.
Labor countered that plan, accusing the opposition of mimicking U.S. President Donald Trump’s governance style. The party labeled Dutton “DOGE-y Dutton” — a jab at his proposed Department of Government Efficiency, which critics say would lead to deep service cuts.
“We’ve seen the attempt to run American-style politics here of division and pitting Australians against each other, and I think that’s not the Australian way,” said Albanese.
Foreign Policy and Trade:
Albanese also highlighted the restoration of relations with China during his first term. Since Labor came to power in 2022, Beijing has removed several trade barriers that previously cost Australian exporters AU$20 billion ($13 billion) annually.
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U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Moscow for peace talks on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, two people familiar with the matter said. They were met by Russian Presidential Envoy Kirill Dmitriev.
U.S. efforts to squeeze Iran’s economy through an oil blockade and sanctions are becoming increasingly difficult for Tehran to withstand, according to three senior Iranian sources. Washington is escalating pressure in hopes of securing concessions in future negotiations.
An Iranian tanker was hit by U.S. forces on Saturday near Iran's key oil export hub, Kharg Island, in the Gulf, the semi-official Iranian news agency Tasnim reported.
Two people have been rescued alive from a tunnel in Nepal, nine days after catastrophic floods devastated the country, as rescuers continue searching for survivors.
Two Greek military pilots were killed on Saturday when an F-4 Phantom fighter jet crashed during an air show at Tanagra air base, north of Athens, officials said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held more than three hours of talks with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow on efforts to end the Ukraine war.
U.S. ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told reporters on Saturday that there is no plan underway to force Palestinians out of Gaza, following Israel's government proposal on relocation plans for people in Gaza.
A Chinese national was pulled alive from a tunnel in Nepal on Saturday, authorities said, 10 days after a wall of ice, rock and mud tore through a Himalayan valley, killing more than 1,300 people and leaving more than 5,600 missing.
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Moscow for peace talks on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, two people familiar with the matter said. They were met by Russian Presidential Envoy Kirill Dmitriev.
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