On the eve of Australia’s general election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton dashed across the country with final pitches to voters.
Albanese toured Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania aiming to become the first leader of a major party to win back-to-back terms since 2004. Speaking in Brisbane, he challenged his rivals on readiness for government. "Australia deserves better and I’ll give them better," he declared, arguing that the conservative Coalition was unprepared to take charge.
Despite polls favoring Labor for a second term, forecasts diverge on whether Albanese will secure a clear majority of the 150-seat lower house or need support from minor parties and independents.
Trailing in the polls, Dutton campaigned in South Australia and Western Australia, drawing on the 2019 surprise victory when the Coalition defied expectations. "I think there will be some big surprises on election night," he told ABC radio, promising that life under a Coalition government would be "cheaper" for Australians.
With neither major party guaranteed a majority, the left-wing Greens—holding four seats—could tip the balance of power in a hung parliament.
Voting data from the Australian Electoral Commission shows a record 5.6 million pre-poll votes and 1.5 million postal ballots cast before election day, the highest early turnout in history and still rising with Friday’s peak expected.
Insights from the Vote Compass survey reveal that cost of living, the economy, government effectiveness, climate change and housing top voter concerns. Over 90% say it’s tougher for young Australians to buy a home, while migration remains divisive: 49% want many or somewhat fewer migrants, and 16% favor higher intake.
As countdown to polls wraps up, young global citizens and business leaders alike will be watching Australia’s verdict on leadership and policy priorities that could shape the nation’s path—and its role in global markets.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
