Sydney: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has secured a second term in a dramatic election victory, overcoming a conservative resurgence led by Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton. The outcome, described by many as historic, was fueled in part by growing concerns among Australian voters about the influence of former U.S. President Donald Trump and the global ripple effects of his politics.
Labor supporters erupted in cheers at the party’s celebration in Sydney as Albanese declared victory and announced that his party would form a majority government.
“Our government will choose the Australian way, because we are proud of who we are and all that we have built together in this country,” Albanese said in his victory speech.
“We do not need to beg or borrow or copy from anywhere else. We do not seek our inspiration from overseas. We find it right here in our values and in our people.”
Albanese’s re-election marks the first time in two decades that an Australian prime minister has secured consecutive terms. He emphasized that Australians had cast their votes for fairness, resilience, and compassion.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that Australians voted for ‘Australian values’ while claiming a historic consecutive victory in elections https://t.co/xHLlRYl4QZ pic.twitter.com/XKkqo4Xt45
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 3, 2025
Preliminary projections from the Australian Electoral Commission indicated that Labor would secure 80 out of 150 seats in the House of Representatives, with 90% of polling locations reporting. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) projected Labor to win 85 seats, compared to 41 for the Liberal-National coalition, while independents secured nine, and 15 seats remained undecided.
Peter Dutton conceded defeat in a televised address, acknowledging not only his party’s overall loss but also the personal blow of losing his long-held seat of Dickson.
“We didn’t do well enough during this campaign. That much is obvious tonight, and I accept full responsibility for that,” Dutton said.
“We have been defined by our opponents in this election which is not the true story of who we are.”
The defeat represents a significant setback for the Liberals, with many analysts pointing to the so-called “Trump factor” as a major contributor.
The Trump Factor and Strategic Missteps
Cost-of-living pressures and unease over Trump’s erratic foreign policy were major concerns for voters, as reflected in multiple opinion polls throughout the campaign.
“If you sling enough mud it will stick,” said Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, referencing the media’s focus on her Trump-style slogan, “make Australia great again.”
“You made it all about Trump,” she added on ABC.
Price was expected to take on a cabinet role focused on government efficiency had the Liberals won—another policy move seen as echoing Trump’s administration.
Political analysts criticized the Liberal campaign for its lack of clear policy direction and strategic blunders, including Dutton’s widely criticized proposal to ban public servants from working remotely—a policy that was swiftly withdrawn.
Liberal spokesman Senator James Paterson defended the campaign but acknowledged the impact of international politics.
“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,” Paterson said on ABC.
International Reactions and Messages of Support
Albanese’s re-election drew swift international praise.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a statement calling Australia “a valued ally, partner and friend of the United States.”
“Our shared values and democratic traditions provide the bedrock for an enduring alliance and for the deep ties between our peoples,” Rubio said.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also extended his congratulations, noting the continued importance of defense cooperation, particularly under the AUKUS pact and support for Ukraine.
“The UK and Australia are as close as ever – which goes to show that long-distance friendships can be the strongest,” Starmer wrote on X.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Albanese’s mandate.
“This emphatic mandate indicates the enduring faith of the Australian people in your leadership,” Modi posted on X.
Congratulations @AlboMP on your resounding victory and re-election as Prime Minister of Australia! This emphatic mandate indicates the enduring faith of the Australian people in your leadership. I look forward to working together to further deepen the India-Australia…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 3, 2025
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Comeback Campaign
Treasurer Jim Chalmers reflected on the uphill battle Labor faced at the end of 2024, describing it as a turnaround driven by Albanese’s leadership and policies focused on easing cost-of-living pressures.
“A win for the ages,” Chalmers told ABC. “Albanese has pulled off one of the great political victories since federation.”
Labor supporters were visibly emotional at the Sydney event.
“The results were absolutely unbelievable,” said Melinda Adderley, 54, through tears.
With a strengthened mandate and renewed confidence, Albanese is now poised to lead a majority government and solidify his place in Australia’s modern political history.
