PM Albanese Wins, Returns to Second Term

Sydney, Saturday – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has won the Australian election, becoming the first prime minister to serve two consecutive terms in 21 years.

"Australia has chosen to face global challenges in an Australian way, looking after one another while building the future," said Albanese in his victory speech before his supporters in Sydney, Saturday (3/5/2025).

"We do not need to beg or borrow, or imitate from elsewhere. We do not seek inspiration abroad. We find it here, in our values and within our people," he added.

Albanese from the center-left Labor Party successfully defeated his opponent, the conservative Liberal Party. The Labor Party achieved a narrow victory with 78 seats in the parliament, which consists of 151 members.

The Australian government is typically elected for two terms, each lasting three years. However, they often lose power in the second election. Nevertheless, the Labor Party is on track to increase its majority in this second term.

During the campaign period, both parties emphasized two main issues, namely energy policy and inflation. They both agreed that Australia is facing a cost of living crisis.

Albanese has promised to embrace renewable energy, address the worsening housing crisis, and inject funds into the healthcare system. Meanwhile, Dutton aims to cut immigration, crack down on crime, and lift the long-standing ban on nuclear power.

Opposition leader, Peter Dutton, acknowledged that the conservative party alliance lost in the election. He also lost the seat in parliament that he had occupied for 24 years.

The Australian election this time is overshadowed by the impact of tariffs imposed by United States President Donald Trump. Voters, especially young voters, are concerned about the effects of import tariffs on inflation and recession. One of the issues is the stagnation of the transition to renewable energy.

In this regard, Albanese promised the construction of more solar and wind power plants. He aims for Australia to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Conversely, Dutton wants to build nuclear power plants. According to him, nuclear power plants are cheaper and not dependent on natural conditions.

According to analysts, Albanese's leadership is slow but steady. This sentiment resonates during global upheaval, with voters turning away from the opposition leader. "In times of instability, we hope that people will return to some form of stable incumbent," said political lecturer at the University of Sydney, Henry Maher.

Dutton's policy proposal to cut public services has frustrated many people. This is because similar cuts in the US, led by Elon Musk, have caused chaos in the country.

"We did not perform well enough during the campaign. That is very clear tonight and I take full responsibility," said Dutton to his supporters in a concession speech.

Several polls before the vote indicated that Dutton was losing support for praising Trump. He referred to Trump as a "great thinker" with global appeal. Albanese condemned Trump's tariffs as economically self-destructive actions and not the actions of a friend.

Economic concerns dominate the issues for many Australian households struggling to pay for soaring prices of milk, bread, electricity, and gasoline. "The cost of living is very high right now, so taxes are also a significant matter. Fuel prices, all basic necessities," said Robyn Knox, a manager in Brisbane.

A similar statement was made by small business voter, Jared Bell. “(Prices) at our grocery stores have become much more expensive than a few years ago,” he stated. (AP/AFP)