Early vote counting in Australia’s general election suggests a narrow path to victory for the ruling center-left Labor Party, which appears on track for a second term—though a final result may take days or even weeks. The Australian Electoral Commission projected Labor with 70 seats, ahead of the conservative opposition coalition at 24, out of 150 total seats in the House of Representatives.
Independent candidates and minor parties captured at least 13 seats, raising the possibility of a minority government. A party needs at least 76 seats to claim a clear majority. The election has been shaped by concerns over energy policy, inflation, and a nationwide cost-of-living crisis.
Opposition Sen. James McGrath said Saturday’s results left the race “too close to call.” Senior Labor official Jim Chalmers pointed to “volatility” in contests across the country. Both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton were scheduled to speak to supporters late Saturday, but neither was expected to declare victory or concede.
Dutton’s conservative Liberal Party has blamed Labor’s government spending for rising inflation and proposed cutting 20% of public service jobs. Dutton also wants to shift the country’s energy strategy toward nuclear power, claiming it would reduce electricity costs. Labor attacked the plan as risky and accused Dutton of pushing “American-style politics,” drawing comparisons to President Donald Trump’s efficiency agenda.
Albanese defended his record, citing improved trade relations with China and stable economic performance amid global uncertainty. He also noted his government’s focus on fairness and inclusion, while warning that the opposition’s cost-cutting would slash essential services.
The election reflects a generational shift in the electorate. For the first time, Baby Boomers were outnumbered by younger voters. Both parties proposed housing measures to help first-time buyers navigate Australia’s high-cost real estate market.
Food insecurity has emerged as a pressing issue, with Foodbank Australia reporting that 3.4 million households experienced hunger or financial stress in 2023. The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to lower interest rates further at its next meeting on May 20, responding to ongoing economic uncertainty—including global ripples from Trump’s aggressive tariff policies.
Labor entered the election with 78 seats. If it loses more than two, it may be forced to form a minority government, echoing the 2010 election that required weeks of negotiations.
