(Australia, May 4) – Australia held its federal election on May 3. At around 8:20 PM local time, the Australian Electoral Commission released data predicting that the Labor Party would secure more than 75 of the 150 seats in the House of Representatives.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation subsequently announced that the Labor Party would gain a majority in the 48th Federal Parliament’s House of Representatives, winning the 2025 federal election.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be re-elected, becoming the first Australian prime minister to achieve re-election since John Howard in 2004.
This federal election will determine the composition of the new House of Representatives. A minimum of 76 seats is required to form a government. If no single party secures a majority, coalitions with other parties or independents will be necessary, resulting in a "hung parliament." The election will also select 40 members of the Federal Parliament’s Senate.
Albanese declared the Labor Party’s victory and vowed to lead the nation through a globally uncertain and challenging period.
Speaking in Sydney, Albanese told his supporters: "Thank you to the Australian people for giving us the opportunity to continue serving the greatest country in the world."
He emphasized that the Labor Party does not take the voters' trust "for granted." Albanese stated that his administration would carry out its responsibilities "with renewed hope, confidence, and determination."
Liberal/National Coalition leader Peter Dutton conceded defeat, saying he had already called Albanese to congratulate him.
Dutton stated: "I called the Prime Minister earlier to congratulate him on his victory. Our performance in this campaign was not strong enough, and tonight it is evident. I take full responsibility for this outcome."
Dutton also acknowledged losing his own seat in his electorate. This makes him the first opposition leader to lose his seat in a federal election.
In the previous 2022 federal election, the Labor Party won 77 of the 151 seats in the House of Representatives to regain power, while the Liberal/National Coalition secured only 58 seats, losing their hold on government.