Labor has won re-election in Australia following a resurgence against conservative opposition with voters thanks to the “Trump factor,” says a key opposition figure.
Early in the campaign, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Albanese’s center-left Labor Party was lagging behind the opposition in polls, reflecting frustration with a deepening cost-of-living crisis and ever-increasing housing prices.
Conservative Peter Dutton, who led the Liberal-National Coalition opposition, had blamed government waste for fueling inflation and pledged to ax more than one in five public service jobs. His opponents labeled him “DOGE-y Dutton” and accused his Liberal party of mimicking U.S. President Donald Trump and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
An opposition spokesperson conceded the conservative campaign was negatively affected by the American president, adding: “I think it has been a factor here.”
“It was devastating in Canada for the conservatives … I think it has been a factor here, just how big a factor will be determined in a few hours’ time,” Senator James Paterson told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation shortly before results emerged.
“Trump had a massive effect in changing people’s perception of risk,” election analyst Tony Barry told ABC.
Dutton, who lost his own seat of 24 years, said he accepted “full responsibility” for the defeat.
Why It Matters
Australia’s 2025 election results will shape the country’s direction on critical issues such as the cost of living, climate policy, housing, and immigration. All 150 seats in the House of Representatives and 40 of the 76 seats in the Senate are being contested.
Political commentators are monitoring the election to see if U.S. President Trump’s tariff policies would hinder conservatives, as occurred in Canada with the election of Mark Carney as prime minister.
What To Know
Labor has won the election and will form the next government—as a majority—according to Australia’s national broadcaster, the ABC.
The result means Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will become the first Australian premier to win a second consecutive 3-year term in 21 years. It is currently unclear if Albanese’s Labor party will win a majority. Official vote counting won’t finish for days.
“Today, the Australian people have voted for Australian values: for fairness, aspiration and opportunity for all; for the strength to show courage in adversity and kindness to those in need,” Albanese said.
Coalition leader Peter Dutton, who lost his own seat of 24 years, said he accepted “full responsibility” for his party’s loss and apologised to his MP
According to ABC, Labor is projected to win 86 seats, while the Liberal-National Coalition is projected to win about 40, while 9 seats will go to independents and other parties. Seventy-six seats are needed to win and form a government; however, the results for 17 seats are still in doubt.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) after winning the general election at the Labor Party election night event in Sydney on May 3. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton concedes defeat during a Liberal Party election night…
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) after winning the general election at the Labor Party election night event in Sydney on May 3. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton concedes defeat during a Liberal Party election night event at W Hotel in Brisbane.
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SAEED KHAN/Dan Peled/AFP/Getty Images
The Australian Electoral Commission’s projections gave Albanese’s ruling center-left Labor Party 70 seats and the conservative opposition coalition 24 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives, the lower chamber where parties need a majority to form governments. Unaligned minor parties and independent candidates appeared likely to win 13 seats.
Meanwhile, Liberal-National Coalition leader Peter Dutton has lost his seat of Dickson, in Brisbane, to Labor’s Ali France.
“We didn’t do well enough in this campaign… I accept full responsibility for that. Earlier on I congratulated the Prime Minister and wished him all the very best. He should be proud of what he’s achieved,” he said in his concession speech.
He also acknowledged Labor Party’s Ali France. “She will do a good job as a local member,” he said.
“It’s been a great honor to be leader of this amazing party for these past three years. There are good members, good candidates who have lost their seats and their ambitions. I’m sorry for that. We have an amazing party. It will rebuild.”
What Are the Key Issues for Voters?
The cost of living emerged as the dominant issue for voters, with 81 percent of Australians saying it would influence their decision at the ballot box, according to a February 2025 Mood of the Nation survey. Rising prices on essentials such as groceries, energy, and fuel have placed mounting pressure on households across the country.
Closely tied to cost pressures is housing affordability, as property prices continue to soar and rental shortages persist. For many Australians, especially younger and lower-income voters, the dream of homeownership has become increasingly out of reach.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, gestures during his TV debate with Opposition leader Peter Dutton in Sydney, Australia, Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, gestures during his TV debate with Opposition leader Peter Dutton in Sydney, Australia, Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
Jason Edwards/AP
Healthcare also remains a pressing concern, with voters highlighting long hospital wait times, overcrowded facilities, and rising out-of-pocket expenses. These challenges have underscored public demand for increased funding and meaningful reform to ensure access and equity in the health system.
Though less dominant, immigration and population growth have gained traction as concerns, particularly in relation to housing and infrastructure stress. While not a top-tier issue for most, its growing salience suggests it could influence outcomes in marginal electorates.
On energy and climate policy, both major parties support achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, but differ sharply on how to get there. Labor has pledged to reach 82 percent renewable energy by 2030, while the Coalition has proposed building seven government-owned nuclear power plants by the mid-2040s, setting up a stark policy divide.
Meanwhile, Dutton had proposed slashing the federal education department as part of his pledge to sack 41,000 public servants, a move Labor has described as being pulled “from the DOGE playbook”.
What Happens Next
Official results are yet to be declared. So far, 41 percent of votes have been counted, according to ABC.
Update 3/5/25, 10:47 a.m. ET: This article has been updated to reflect that ABC expects Labor to win a majority.