Australia’s Anthony Albanese secured a historic second-term victory as prime minister in a surprising resurgence, defeating the previously surging conservatives. The win was fueled by voter worries over the impact of President
Donald Trump
.
Peter Dutton, the head of Australia’s Conservative Liberal Party, admitted defeat and lost his parliamentary seat — similar to what happened to Canada’s Conservatives and their leadership.
election losses
Days prior were also linked to a Trump backlash.
As Albanese declared victory at Labor’s election celebration in Sydney, supporters erupted with cheers and embraced one another, confident that his party was set to form a majority government.
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“Our administration will adopt the Australian approach, as we are proud of our identity and everything we’ve constructed collectively in this nation,” Albanese stated to his supporters.
There’s no need for us to plead, acquire loans, or replicate ideas from elsewhere. Our motivation doesn’t come from foreign lands. It originates within our principles and among our citizens.
Albanese is the first Australian prime minister to secure back-to-back terms in office within the last twenty years. He stated that Australians had cast their votes for equity and “the resolve to exhibit bravery during tough times and compassion towards those facing difficulties.”
The Australian Electoral Commission website indicated that Labor was set to secure 80 out of 150 seats in the House of Representatives, thereby expanding its lead, as 90% of voting stations had been tallied.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has forecasted 85 seats for Labor, 41 for the Liberal and National Coalition, with nine going to independents and an additional 15 still too close to predict.
Dutton – whose Liberals were topping the opinion polls up until February before he started being constantly compared to Trump – stated that he called Albanese to offer his congratulations.
In tonight’s broadcasted address, Dutton stated, ‘Our performance throughout this campaign was not satisfactory. This is clear now, and I take complete accountability for our shortcomings.’
Dutton, previously a police officer with
a reputation
For taking a hard stance on crime and immigration, he mentioned that he had conversed with the Labor Party’s candidate in the constituency of Dickson, which he had represented for twenty years, and he applauded her victory.
We have been characterized by our adversaries in this election, but that isn’t the real narrative of what we stand for,” Dutton stated, vowing that the party will reconstruct itself.
‘The Trump factor’
Cost-of-living challenges and worries regarding Trump’s unpredictable trade and various other policies were among the primary concerns for voters, according to opinion polls.
“If enough mud is thrown, some of it will stick,” stated Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, the Liberal senator representing the Northern Territory. Her remarks about her party aiming to “make Australia great again” drew parallels with Trump’s signature phrase, “Make America Great Again.”
“She stated on ABC News that you turned everything into a discussion about Trump.” Dutton mentioned he would assign Price to a ministry focused on improving government efficiency, which mirrors several of Trump’s policy initiatives.
“His departure means losing Peter Dutton is a significant blow,” she remarked.
A number of political commentators sharply criticized the Liberal Party’s campaign, stating that insufficient groundwork on policies was conducted. They also pointed out errors committed by Dutton, such as implementing a brief initiative to prohibit public servants from telecommuting.
Senator James Paterson, a spokesperson for the Liberal Party, supported the conservative campaign, stating that it had been adversely impacted by what he referred to as “the Trump factor.”
“The impact on Canadian conservatives was heartbreaking… I believe this has played a role here; exactly how significant this role will be decided in a matter of hours,” he previously stated to ABC.
The Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, released a statement commending Albanese, indicating that Australia is “a respected ally, partner, and friend of the United States.”
“The foundation of our lasting partnership and strong connections among our citizens rests upon our common principles and democratic heritage,” stated Rubio.
The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, likewise extended his congratulations to Albanese and noted that defense cooperation between their nations—including initiatives like AUKUS—and support for Ukraine will expand.
“Despite the distance, the bond between the UK and Australia remains unbreakable — proving that long-distance friendships often turn out to be the most resilient,” Starmer stated on social media platform X.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to Albanese via a post on X: “This clear endorsement reflects the lasting trust of the Australian people in your leadership.”
Previously, when voting began, Labor Treasurer Jim Chalmers stated that the government was “in considerable difficulty” towards the end of 2024 but managed to regain momentum due to Albanese’s robust campaigning, along with policies aimed at tackling issues related to the cost of living.
Trump effect
.
As the outcomes began to surface, he informed ABC that the predicted triumph was “a historic win.” Albanese “has achieved one of the most significant political successes since federation,” he stated.
The outcomes were “truly astonishing,” Labor backer Melinda Adderley, 54, remarked tearfully at the election celebration.
(Reported by Kirsty Needham, Christine Chen, and Alasdair Pal in Sydney; edited by Edmund Klamann, Andrew Heavens, and Mark Heinrich)
The article was initially published on USA TODAY.
The Australian prime minister has claimed an election win in a stunning turnaround, capitalizing on the anti-Trump sentiment.
