Albanese Re-Elected as Australia Prime Minister, Facing Coalition's Defeat

Anthony Albanese has secured a historic second consecutive term as Australia’s prime minister, making him the first leader to do so since 2004. Labor’s victory was shaped by voter concerns over domestic economic issues, inflation, and the influence of U.S. politics, particularly Donald Trump’s tariff policies, which were seen to have negatively impacted the conservative campaign. Opposition leader Peter Dutton conceded defeat, with projections indicating he lost his own seat to Labor’s Ali France, marking a significant blow to the Liberal-National coalition. While early results suggested Labor was on track to form a majority government, some contests remained close or too early to call. The election campaign was relatively quiet, overshadowed by major international events and public focus on the cost of living. Labor’s targeted economic policies and a timely interest rate cut were credited for regaining momentum late in the campaign.