What’s at Stake in the 2025 Australian Federal Election?
Australians will cast their votes on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in a high-stakes federal election that could determine the country’s political direction for years to come. The vote will decide all 150 members of the House of Representatives and 40 of the 76 Senate seats.
To form a government, a party must secure at least 76 seats in the lower house. If no party achieves an outright majority, a minority government will be formed through coalitions or support from independents and smaller parties. While the centre-left Labor Party, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, holds a narrow lead in the polls, the centre-right Liberal-National Coalition under Peter Dutton remains a formidable contender.
Australia uses a preferential voting system, and voting is compulsory for all citizens aged 18 and over. Failure to vote without a valid reason can result in a fine. Voting can occur in-person, remotely, or by post, with early and overseas voting already well underway.
Who’s Leading in the Polls and What Are Voters Concerned About?
According to recent polling from YouGov, Labor holds a slight edge in the two-party preferred vote with 31.4% compared to the Coalition’s 31.1%. While the lead is narrow, Labor is expected to rely on support from minor parties like the Greens or centrist “Teal” independents if it falls short of a majority.
Key issues influencing the election include:
Housing Affordability
The rising cost of housing remains a top voter concern. In Sydney, households need to earn AU$280,000 annually to afford the median home price of AU$1.4 million. The Labor Party has pledged to build 100,000 homes for first-time buyers, while the Coalition is focusing on cutting red tape to accelerate housing developments.
Cost of Living
Inflation and interest rate hikes have strained household budgets. The Reserve Bank of Australia’s benchmark interest rate peaked at 4.35% in late 2023. Voters are looking for strategies from both major parties to alleviate these financial pressures.
Energy and Climate Policy
Australians—especially younger voters—are increasingly vocal about the need for clean energy. Labor proposes a renewable energy target of 82% by 2030, while the Coalition backs government-funded nuclear power plants, expected to come online by 2035.
Election Day Logistics and When Results Are Expected
Polling stations across Australia’s various time zones will open from 8am to 6pm local time on Saturday. Remote and overseas voting has been ongoing since April 22. More than 4.8 million Australians had already voted early as of Thursday.
Ballot counting begins once polls close at 6pm AEST (08:00 GMT). Preliminary results may start emerging on Saturday night, but the final outcome—especially in closely contested seats—may take longer to confirm.
