Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition Coalition leader Peter Dutton crisscrossed the nation Friday in a last-ditch effort to rally voters ahead of Saturday’s closely watched federal election. With polls suggesting a potential Labor victory, both leaders emphasized starkly different visions for Australia’s future.
Campaign Trail Intensity
Albanese, seeking to become the first prime minister in two decades to secure back-to-back terms, focused on Queensland, Victoria, and Tasmania. He criticized the Coalition’s platform during a Brisbane press conference, stating, 'Australia deserves better.' Meanwhile, Dutton campaigned in South Australia and Western Australia, invoking the Coalition’s 2019 comeback to argue that polls could underestimate conservative support. 'Life will be cheaper under us,' he pledged in Perth.
Polling and Projections
Surveys unanimously favor Labor, though uncertainty remains over whether the party will secure the 76 seats needed for a majority. Analysts suggest the Greens, holding four seats, could play kingmaker in a hung parliament. A record 5.6 million early votes—with more expected—highlight heightened voter engagement, according to the Australian Electoral Commission.
Top Concerns: Cost of Living to Climate
The ABC’s Vote Compass survey reveals cost of living as the dominant issue, followed by economic management and climate change. Over 90% of respondents believe homeownership has grown harder for younger generations, while nearly half support reduced immigration—a shift from 2022 sentiment. These findings underscore the complex challenges awaiting Australia’s next leader.
