Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been planning for the federal election to be held in May, following internal discussions and advice from Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
It comes after the Albanese government considered the option of an April 12 election but it was ruled out amid fears surrounding Tropical Cyclone Alfred in Queensland and NSW.
Sky News Sunday Agenda understands Mr Albanese has been considering the possibility of May 3 and May 10 as possible election dates.
These dates would ensure the Albanese government and Mr Chalmers deliver the federal budget on March 25.
The Treasurer suggested on Sunday Agenda last week the budget would focus on placing the economy of the centre of the federal election campaign.
As the week unfolded, Sunday Agenda understands that Mr Chalmers was one of the voices advocating to deliver the budget and hold the election in May.
This internal push culminated in Mr Albanese confirming to the ABC on Friday night that the election would indeed take place in May.
“I have no intention of doing anything that distracts from what we need to do. And what we need to do is to look after each other at this difficult time,” he said.
“This is not a time for looking at politics.”
The decision to opt for a later election has surprised the opposition, which had expected an April 12 poll.
However, the delay provides Opposition Leader Peter Dutton with a key advantage—he will now have the opportunity to deliver a budget reply speech.
This will allow Mr Dutton to outline more of his policy platform and potentially announce major initiatives, including tax cuts, closer to polling day.
The opposition believes that the additional time will enable them to apply further pressure on the government over contentious issues such as the Nature Positive laws.
The upcoming budget has been expected to include an extension of energy bill subsidies to ease cost-of-living pressures.
With both major parties preparing their campaign strategies, the federal budget will now play a crucial role in shaping the election narrative.
Labor has continued to spruik its efforts to deliver cost of living relief, while the Coalition has advocated for more responsible government spending.
