Australia Federal Elections 2025: Dates, key candidates and all you need to know

Australia will head to the polls soon to elect a new government amid rising global uncertainty. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is seeking re-election, with around 18 million voters expected to participate in the process.

When is the election, and what is the process?

Australia’s federal election will take place on 3 May 2025. Voting is compulsory for all citizens over the age of 18.

Voters will elect 150 members of the House of Representatives and 40 of the 76 seats in the Senate. It uses a preferential voting system, where voters rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate wins more than 50% of the first-preference votes, lower-ranked votes are redistributed until someone secures a majority.

The leader of the party that wins the most seats in the House of Representatives becomes the prime minister, not through a separate vote, but based on party control of the lower house.

Who are the main candidates?

Prime minister Anthony Albanese of the Labor Party is seeking a second term. He came to power in 2022 and initially enjoyed high popularity. But according to BBC, his handling of sensitive issues like housing, indigenous rights, antisemitism, and islamophobia has drawn criticism.

He is being challenged by Peter Dutton, leader of the Liberal-National Coalition. Dutton, known for his conservative views and past roles in defence and home affairs, is contesting his first election as opposition leader.


What are the key issues?

Cost of living is voters’ top concern. Inflation has driven up the cost of groceries and utilities, although it is now slowing. The Albanese government has rolled out tax cuts, energy rebates, and rental assistance, but voters remain worried.

Housing affordability is another major issue, with Australian cities ranking among the most expensive globally. The universal healthcare system is also under pressure, with long wait times and staff shortages.

On the global stage, voters are watching the policies of Donald Trump in the US, which is fuelling uncertainty amid trade war with China and Western nations.

What do opin ion polls say?

According to Reuters, most final-stage opinion polls show Labor slightly ahead, but the numbers suggest no clear majority.

Guardian Australia’s poll tracker reports that Labor has overtaken the Coalition on a two-party-preferred basis. A hung parliament appears likely, with Labor best placed to form a minority government.