Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is prioritising housing and cost of living as he prepares for the upcoming election. With new legislation passed, he aims to address the challenges facing Australians, including rising housing costs and inflation.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has shifted into election mode, aiming to regain voter trust that his government can address high living costs, particularly housing, after passing a flurry of legislation.
The 31 laws enacted during a midnight session on Thursday—including a world-first social media ban for children—have led to speculation that Albanese may call a national election before February. His centre-left Labor government, which assumed power in 2022, faces a tough race against the conservative Liberal-National coalition in an election that must take place by May 17.
Albanese’s public approval has dropped in opinion polls as households face the strain of soaring housing, energy, and food costs amid global inflation.
"We know that we have more work to do on cost of living, but we're making progress," Albanese said at a press conference on Friday. "We understand the pressure that people are under as a result of the global inflation surge." He added that the message to parents from the social media ban is: "We've got your back."
While Australian governments typically avoid election campaigns during the summer holiday from December to Jan. 26, Albanese has instructed lawmakers to begin soft campaigning.
His political standing is considered "perilous" after two years of high inflation and rising interest rates, which have increased mortgage costs, according to Mark Kenny, director of the Australian Studies Institute at the Australian National University. The central bank’s governor said on Thursday that core inflation is too high to allow for rate cuts in the near future, ruling out relief for borrowers at its next policy meeting in December.
"The government has been under extreme political pressure over the cost of living and the election will see no let-up on that," Kenny remarked. "However, Anthony Albanese ends the parliamentary year with several key wins on important pieces of legislation – most notably on social and affordable housing."
Australia is facing the continued emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants more than five years after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have both pledged to defend the country’s national interests as the United States signals possible tariffs targeting Australian beef exports.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday he expects to have a one-on-one discussion with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding tariffs, as Washington prepares to announce new trade measures on April 2.
A pilot was seriously injured on Friday after his aircraft crashed while performing aerobatic maneuvers during an airshow in southeastern Australia.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called a national election for May 3, kicking off a tight five-week campaign dominated by cost-of-living concerns. With polls neck-and-neck, both leaders are focusing on tax cuts, energy costs, and healthcare in their bid to win over voters.
UK set to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as FIFA confirms sole bid. The joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales & NI stands uncontested, marking a major milestone for women’s football. Final approval pending, but preparations for a historic event are underway.
The first-ever summit between the European Union (EU) and the five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - began today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Severe storms across the southern and Midwestern US have caused "generational" flooding and tornadoes, leaving over 400,000 without power. With up to 15 inches of rain expected and more tornadoes, officials warn of catastrophic damage and life-threatening conditions.
Eight OPEC+ countries meeting on Thursday will focus debates on how to convince Kazakhstan to stop exceeding its output quota and its plans to compensate for overproduction as the group steps up gradual production hikes.
During a high-level meeting, officials from Kyrgyzstan and Russia emphasized the growing economic partnership between the two nations, highlighting a 14.5% increase in mutual trade and reaffirming their commitment to further expansion.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
UK set to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as FIFA confirms sole bid. The joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales & NI stands uncontested, marking a major milestone for women’s football. Final approval pending, but preparations for a historic event are underway.
Severe storms across the southern and Midwestern US have caused "generational" flooding and tornadoes, leaving over 400,000 without power. With up to 15 inches of rain expected and more tornadoes, officials warn of catastrophic damage and life-threatening conditions.
Seven migrants, including a child, died when their boat sank off Lesbos. 23 survivors were rescued, but the search continues. Greece remains a crucial entry point for migrants, underscoring the perilous sea journey many undertake in search of safety and a new life.
The Hungarian government has decided to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), marking a significant shift in the country's international stance.
Belgium has warned that newly announced U.S. import tariffs could weaken its economic growth, even as Washington presses allies to ramp up defence spending.
UK set to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as FIFA confirms sole bid. The joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales & NI stands uncontested, marking a major milestone for women’s football. Final approval pending, but preparations for a historic event are underway.
The first-ever summit between the European Union (EU) and the five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - began today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Severe storms across the southern and Midwestern US have caused "generational" flooding and tornadoes, leaving over 400,000 without power. With up to 15 inches of rain expected and more tornadoes, officials warn of catastrophic damage and life-threatening conditions.
Eight OPEC+ countries meeting on Thursday will focus debates on how to convince Kazakhstan to stop exceeding its output quota and its plans to compensate for overproduction as the group steps up gradual production hikes.
During a high-level meeting, officials from Kyrgyzstan and Russia emphasized the growing economic partnership between the two nations, highlighting a 14.5% increase in mutual trade and reaffirming their commitment to further expansion.
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