Election date set for May 3 as Albanese kicks off official campaign

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that Australia’s federal election will be held on May 3, 2025, initiating a five-week campaign. 

He visited Governor-General Samantha Mostyn earlier today to request the dissolution of Parliament, officially commencing the election period. 

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This announcement follows the recent federal budget and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton‘s budget reply speech. 

Albanese emphasised Labor’s focus on Medicare, cost-of-living relief, and support for Australian businesses. 

“At this election, I’m asking for the support of the Australian people to keep building on the hard work that we have done and the strong foundations that we have laid,” Albanese said. 

He also addressed concerns about misinformation during the campaign, stating, “Anyone who tries that, I say back off”.

“We have an extraordinary capacity to look after our nation.”

Recent polls suggest a tight race, with Labor and the Coalition neck-and-neck. 

Dutton has criticised Labor’s economic management, highlighting issues like inflation and rising living costs. 

He has pledged to halve the fuel excise for 12 months if the Coalition wins government.

Despite Dutton not directly responding to the announcement, the Liberal Party’s official Instagram page posted an image with the caption, “On May 3rd, you can vote to get Australia back on track:.

Both parties are expected to focus heavily on economic issues, including energy prices and healthcare, as Australians head to the polls on May 3.

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