SYDNEY, May 03, 2025: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has secured a landmark second term, marking a dramatic political comeback for the Labor Party as voters rejected conservative politics influenced by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Conservative leader Peter Dutton conceded both the election and his parliamentary seat, ending a decades-long tenure and delivering a significant blow to the Liberal Party. Dutton’s downfall echoes recent conservative losses in Canada, similarly linked to growing unease with Trump-style politics.
Celebrations erupted at Labor’s election party in Sydney as Albanese declared victory and promised a majority government.
“Our government will choose the Australian way. We do not need to beg or borrow or copy from anywhere else,” he said. “We find our inspiration in our values and in our people.”
This win makes Albanese the first Australian PM in two decades to achieve back-to-back election victories. According to the Australian Electoral Commission, Labor is projected to win 80 out of 150 seats in the House of Representatives. The ABC projected even higher: 85 for Labor, 41 for the Liberal-National coalition, nine for independents, and 15 still undecided.
Dutton, who had surged in polls earlier this year, faltered as his campaign drew criticism for echoing Trump’s rhetoric and policies. His controversial remarks and a failed proposal to ban remote work among public servants added to his struggles.
“We didn’t do well enough during this campaign… I accept full responsibility,” Dutton said in his concession speech.
Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who had adopted the slogan “Make Australia Great Again,” blamed the loss partly on negative comparisons to Trump.
“You made it all about Trump,” she said during a tense ABC interview.
While the Liberal Party pledged to rebuild, political analysts blamed the defeat on a lack of coherent policy and Dutton’s missteps.
Globally, leaders congratulated Albanese. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Australia “a valued ally,” and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised their close defense ties. Indian PM Narendra Modi said the mandate reflected strong public faith in Albanese’s leadership.
Labor’s win was attributed to a mix of Albanese’s campaign performance, effective cost-of-living policies, and widespread concern over Trump’s international influence.
“Albanese has pulled off one of the great political victories since federation,” said Treasurer Jim Chalmers, calling it “a win for the ages.”
Labor supporters described the result as “absolutely unbelievable,” with many emotionally reacting to the scale of the victory.