SYDNEY: Australia’s left-leaning Prime Minister Anthony Albanese triumphed on Saturday in national elections, crushing his conservative rival in a contest swayed by economic upheaval and Donald Trump.

Albanese’s slow-but-steady leadership resonated at a time of global tumult, analysts said, with voters deserting hard-nosed opposition leader Peter Dutton in droves. Not only was Albanese’s Labour Party on track for an unexpectedly large parliamentary majority, but former police officer Dutton endured the rare humiliation of losing his seat.

Projections by national broadcaster ABC pointed to a landslide, with Labour taking 85 seats so far in the 150-member parliament. Dutton’s coalition had 41, other parties nine, and another 15 were in doubt.

“Today the Australian people have voted for Australian values. For fairness, aspiration and opportunity for all,” Labor leader Albanese told a raucous crowd in his victory speech. “In this time of global uncertainty, Australians have chosen optimism and determination,” he added.

Albanese’s win being seen as ‘dramatic comeback’ against conservatives amid concerns over Trump’s harsh global measures

Elated Labor supporters swigged craft beers emblazoned with Albanese’s face at an election party in Sydney, chanting his “Albo” nickname as results were declared on TV.

Albanese has promised to embrace renewable energy, tackle a worsening housing crisis, and pour money into a creaking healthcare system. Dutton wanted to slash immigration, crack down on crime and ditch a longstanding ban on nuclear power.

Congratulations for Albanese came from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who called Australia a “valued ally, partner, and friend of the United States”.

‘Mad as a cut snake’

Hungry voters munched on barbecued “democracy sausages” after casting their ballot — a polling day rite of passage — while others in bright swimwear crammed into voting booths after taking an early morning plunge.

Before the first vote was even counted, speculation was already mounting over whether Dutton could survive an election loss. “We didn’t do well enough during this campaign. That much is obvious tonight and I accept full responsibility,” Dutton told supporters in a concession speech.

Some pre-vote polls showed Dutton leaking support because of Trump, who he praised this year as a “big thinker” with “gravitas” on the global stage. “I mean, Donald Trump is as mad as a cut snake, and we all know that,” said voter Alan Whitman, 59, before casting his ballot on Saturday.

High prices

As Australians soured on Trump, both Dutton and Albanese took on a more pugnacious tone. “If I needed to have a fight with Donald Trump or any other world leader, to advance our nation’s interest, I’d do it in a heartbeat,” Dutton said in April.

Albanese condemned Trump’s tariffs as an act of “economic self-harm” and “not the act of a friend”.

Economic concerns have dominated the contest for the many Australian households struggling to pay inflated prices for milk, bread, power and petrol. “The cost of living — it’s extremely high at the moment. So, taxes as well, is also another really big thing. Petrol prices, all the basic stuff,” human resources manager Robyn Knox said in Brisbane.

Campaign stumbles

Albanese’s government has embraced the global push towards decarbonisation, warning of a future in which iron ore and polluting coal exports no longer prop up the economy.

Albanese tumbled backwards off the stage at a heaving campaign rally, while Dutton drew blood when he hit an unsuspecting cameraman in the head with a stray football.

Rubio said that Washington “looks forward to deepening its relationship with Australia to advance our common interests and promote freedom and stability in the Indo-Pacific and globally.”

This was echoed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and by India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said he was keen to “advance our shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific”.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv “sincerely values Australia’s unwavering support and its principled stance on ending Russia’s war”.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2025