Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has secured a rare second term, becoming the first leader to win consecutive elections in over two decades. His center-left Labor Party expanded its majority in the House of Representatives, winning at least 85 of the 150 seats.
Albanese emphasized self-reliance and Australian values, stating that Australians had voted “for fairness, aspiration and opportunity for all.” The election was dominated by economic issues, particularly inflation and soaring living costs. Labor campaigned on policies supporting renewable energy, assisting first-time home buyers, and protecting social services.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton, head of the conservative Liberal Party, was soundly defeated after losing his own parliamentary seat. The party had advocated to cut over 41.000 public sector jobs and introduce nuclear power, a stance that failed to resonate with voters.