Australia’s top political leaders have made their final pitches as the nation gears up for a pivotal general election on Saturday.
PM Albanese Aims for Historic Win
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, leading the Labor Party, crisscrossed Queensland, Victoria, and Tasmania on Friday. He’s striving to be the first leader since 2004 to win back-to-back elections for his party. Speaking in Brisbane, Albanese took aim at his opponents, saying, “Australia deserves better and I’ll give them better.“
Dutton Confident Despite Polls
Opposition leader Peter Dutton of the Coalition campaigned in South Australia and Western Australia. Though behind in opinion polls, Dutton believes he can pull off an upset, much like in 2019 when the Coalition defied expectations. “I think there will be some big surprises on election night,” he told ABC radio. He promised that under a Coalition government, life would be “cheaper” for Australians, tackling issues like the rising cost of living.
Record Early Voting and Key Issues
Australians are eager to have their say, with a record 5.6 million casting early votes and another 1.5 million sending in postal ballots. The Australian Electoral Commission reported these unprecedented numbers ahead of the big day.
According to a survey by ABC’s Vote Compass, voters are most concerned about the cost of living, the economy, government transparency, climate change, and housing. A striking 90% agreed that it’s tougher for young Australians today to buy a home than it was for previous generations.
The Role of the Greens
If neither major party secures a clear majority in the 150-seat parliament, the left-wing Greens—holding four seats—could become kingmakers, influencing which party forms the government.
Election Day Awaits
As the countdown ends, Australians are set to decide who will lead their country. Will Albanese make history, or will Dutton pull off a surprise victory? The nation waits with bated breath.
