Australian PM wins second term with increased majority

Labor's Anthony Albanese has defied the so-called "incumbency curse" to be re-elected Australia's prime minister in a landslide.

Official vote counting won't conclude for days, but Albanese's centre-left government is set to dramatically increase its majority after the Liberal-National coalition suffered a thumping defeat nationwide.

Albanese stated, "Today, the Australian people have voted for Australian values: for fairness, aspiration, and opportunity for all; for courage in adversity and kindness to those in need." Coalition leader Peter Dutton – who lost his own seat of 24 years – said he accepted "full responsibility" for his party's loss and apologised to his MPs.

For a second-term government in Australia, Labor has seen swings in their favor in almost every area, making Albanese the first prime minister in over 20 years to win back-to-back elections. A trend of voters abandoning the two major parties, which was the main story of the last election in 2022, has also been dampened by the party's success. Labor is on track to finish with 86 seats, the Coalition with 39, and the Greens Party with one or two, according to projections by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Other minor parties and independent are ahead in 10 seats.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Labor Party won a second term in office in the recent federal election in Australia, exceeding expectations with a larger majority. With a platform that focused on addressing issues like climate change, affordable housing, and healthcare, Albanese, who took office in May 2022, led the party to victory by building on his government's first-term accomplishments. The victory of Labor, which came after years of Liberal Party leadership changes and political instability, signals a shift in Australia's political landscape. Albanese's leadership style was characterized by a steady and pragmatic approach, which contributed significantly to his personal popularity. Many voters, particularly in urban and suburban areas, were impressed by his government's focus on national issues like reducing the cost of living and advancing social justice reforms. Furthermore, the Liberal Party's opposition, led by Peter Dutton, failed to significantly advance. In particular in urban areas where voters desired change, Dutton's leadership was frequently viewed as lacking the broader appeal necessary to win back key electorates. Even though climate change and progressive social policies dominated public discourse, the Liberals' emphasis on economic conservatism and a more traditional approach to governance did not resonate with voters. Independents and smaller parties gained ground in the parliament as a result of the election results, which also reflected a growing trend of dissatisfaction with major parties. Despite this, Albanese's Labor Party was able to gain more ground, indicating a widespread support for their policies and a desire for government continuity and stability. Overall, Albanese's victory is a significant political accomplishment that gives his government a strong mandate to carry out its agenda.

It's a remarkable turnaround from the start of the year, when polling put Albanese's popularity at record lows after three years of global economic pain, tense national debate, and growing government dissatisfaction.

Australia's 2025 election

Albanese's victory also highlights the increasing importance of key issues such as climate change, Indigenous rights, and social equity in Australian politics. The Labor Party's stance on ambitious climate goals, such as transitioning to renewable energy, resonated with younger voters, particularly in regions affected by climate-related disasters. Additionally, Labor's focus on creating more inclusive policies for marginalized groups, including Indigenous Australians, gained significant support.

The win further emphasizes a shift toward a more progressive political climate in Australia, with voters choosing a government that promises reforms that address both environmental sustainability and social justice issues. Albanese’s strong mandate positions him to continue shaping Australia’s future with policies reflecting these priorities.