Albanese secures second consecutive term as Australian PM

Anthony Albanese has made history by becoming the first Australian prime minister in 20 years to win a second consecutive three-year term, after his Labor Party delivered a surprise landslide in a general election shaped by soaring living costs and economic pressure.

Projections from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation showed Labor was set to win 85 seats in the House of Representatives — comfortably surpassing the 76 needed to form a majority government.

Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton conceded defeat on Saturday evening, acknowledging the election as a “historic occasion” — albeit for the wrong reasons for his party. He also lost his own seat of Dickson to Labor challenger Ali France, a disability advocate and former journalist.

In a victory speech in Sydney, Albanese called on Australians to stay united in the face of global instability.

“Australians have chosen to face global challenges the Australian way, looking after each other while building for the future,” he said to a cheering crowd. “We do not need to beg or borrow or copy from anywhere else. We do not seek our inspiration overseas. We find it right here in our values and in our people.”

He framed the victory as a mandate for fairness and shared opportunity, telling supporters, “In this time of global uncertainty, Australians have chosen optimism and determination.”

Labor’s campaign focused heavily on easing cost-of-living pressures, including pledges to lower student debt, reduce medicine prices, and invest in healthcare, education, and housing affordability — key concerns among voters, especially younger Australians.

The Senate outcome remains uncertain, and while Labor may pick up additional seats, it could still require support from minor parties or independents to pass legislation.

Dutton’s defeat marked a significant blow to the conservative coalition, which has long portrayed itself as the more competent economic steward — a position undermined in this election by voter discontent over inflation, housing, healthcare, and energy policy.

Liberal Senator James Paterson suggested that “the Trump factor” had played a role in shaping voter sentiment, referencing global economic instability and divisive politics in the US.

The win cements Labor’s position in government following its return to power in 2022 after nearly a decade in opposition.