Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pitched to voters that he has governed through “turbulent seas” during his first term but is ready to govern the country once again.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially kicked off his re-election campaign on Friday, announcing that Australians will head to the polls on Saturday, 3 May 2025.
The announcement sets the stage for a bitter election contest as Mr Albanese tells voters “the choice has never been more clear”.
In a press conference held shortly after visiting the Governor-General to dissolve Parliament, Mr Albanese declared he was “born ready” for the campaign period.
Amid rising energy prices, soaring rents and a debilitating cost of living crisis, Mr Albanese said he has governed in “turbulent seas” but was ready to lead again.
“Your vote has never been more important. And your choice has never been more clear,” he said.
He said the decision was between Labor’s commitment to building the nation and the opposition’s proposed cuts to taxes and the government service.
Mr Albanese pointed to healthcare, cost-of-living relief, energy rebates and his handling of economic challenges as examples of his success in office.
The opposition has countered many of these claims in recent months, arguing doctor wait times have increased, energy costs have risen and the cost of living has risen.
The Prime Minister reminded voters of the “turbulent” global environment in which Australia has navigated, referencing inflationary pressures from overseas.
“In challenging times, we have laid very strong foundations. We want to keep building,” he said, asking voters to give him a second chance to run the country.
He also reaffirmed Labor’s long-term vision, promising further investments in key areas such as health, education and renewable energy.
Notable policies included freezing the cost of medicines to $25, expanding bulk billing, and creating 50 new Medicare urgent care clinics.
The Prime Minister repeatedly attacked the opposition, warning that a vote for Opposition Leader Peter Dutton would result in higher taxes and cuts to vital services.
Mr Dutton recently confirmed he would repeal Labor’s $5 per week tax cuts because they were the “wrong initiative” for a budget facing heavy deficits for a decade.
While Mr Albanese’s speech painted a picture of “hope”, the reality of Australia’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis remains a major issue in the lead-up to the election.
Labor’s promise of tax cuts, while touted as a benefit to middle and low-income earners, has been scrutinized for being modest in their impact.
Despite the Prime Minister’s positive framing, the opposition has argued that Labor’s measures have left Australians worse off after three years of Labor government.
While Labor has ran its campaign on “Building Australia’s Future”, the Coalition has campaigned to “Get Australia Back on Track”.
