Melbourne: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese secured a landmark second consecutive term in the national elections, becoming the first leader in over two decades to achieve such a feat. Defying expectations, his Labor Party is poised to expand its parliamentary majority, according to AFP.
In a triumphant speech in Sydney, Albanese framed the win as a reaffirmation of Australian values and self-reliance. “Australians have chosen to face global challenges the Australian way… We do not seek our inspiration overseas,” he said.
Labor’s campaign capitalized on growing discontent with Trump-style politics, branding opposition leader Peter Dutton as “DOGE-y Dutton” and accusing the Liberal Party of mimicking hard-right tactics. Dutton conceded defeat and also lost his seat of 24 years.
Both major parties focused on Australia’s cost-of-living crisis. The Liberals blamed government spending for inflation and proposed slashing over 20% of public service jobs. Meanwhile, Labor championed social spending and renewable energy, rejecting the opposition’s plan to build nuclear power plants.
Economic pressures remain high, with 3.4 million households facing food insecurity. The Reserve Bank recently cut interest rates and is expected to do so again later this month amid global uncertainty, including fallout from revived U.S. tariffs under Donald Trump.
The election was also historic demographically—young voters outnumbered Baby Boomers for the first time, prompting both parties to offer relief for first-time homebuyers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Albanese on the emphatic win, calling it a testament to the Australian people’s faith in his leadership. Modi expressed hope for further strengthening the India-Australia strategic partnership, especially in the Indo-Pacific.
