Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese secured a historic second term, leading the center-left Labor Party to a landslide victory in the federal election.

The Australian Electoral Commission projects Labor to win at least 86 of the 150 seats in House of Representatives, a nine-seat increase from 2022, ensuring a stronger majority.

Albanese, addressing jubilant supporters at Labor’s Sydney headquarters, emphasized unity and optimism: “Australians have chosen optimism and determination… We return to building Australia’s future with faith in justice and trust in each other.” His victory makes him the first Australian PM in over two decades to win consecutive terms, a feat last achieved by John Howard in 2004.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, heading the Liberal-National Coalition. Faced a crushing defeat, losing both the election and his Dickson seat, held for 24 years. Labor’s Ali France, a former para-athlete, clinched Dickson with nearly 60% of the vote marking the first time in 125 years an opposition leader lost their seat during an election.

In his concession speech in Brisbane, Dutton accepted full responsibility: “We didn’t do well enough during this campaign, and I accept responsibility for that.” The Coalition’s seats plummeted to around 40, a historic low, triggering soul-searching within the Liberal Party.

Analysts attribute Dutton’s loss to his campaign’s Trump-like rhetoric and policies, which alienated voters seeking stability amid global uncertainty. Dutton’s embrace of right-wing slogans, like “Make Australia Great Again” used by Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, and proposals mirroring Trump’s, such as a government efficiency unit akin to Elon Musk’s DOGE, drew criticism.

His plan to cut 41,000 public service jobs, later retracted, and contradictory promises of tax cuts alongside reduced spending confused voters. “Dutton’s Trumpist agenda of climate denial and division was rejected,” said Greenpeace Australia’s David Ritter.

The Liberal campaign’s alignment with One Nation and nuclear power advocacy. Opposed by Labor’s renewable energy push, further distanced moderate voters.

The election centered on cost-of-living pressures, healthcare, housing affordability, and immigration. Albanese’s campaign leaned heavily on protecting Medicare, with the PM brandishing a Medicare card to symbolize universal healthcare access.

Labor’s disciplined messaging contrasted with the Coalition’s missteps, including Dutton’s short-lived work-from-home ban. Bnd nuclear power push, which Treasurer Jim Chalmers said hurt Dutton in Dickson. Global concerns, particularly U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and erratic policies amplified fears of economic instability boosting Labor’s appeal as a steady hand.

Australia’s economic ties with China and security alliance with the U.S. also shaped voter sentiment, with Albanese navigating these tensions more effectively.

The Liberal Party faces a leadership crisis, with names like Angus Taylor, Sussan Ley, and Andrew Hastie floated as successors. The Greens lost two Queensland seats, dropping to one or two MPs, while teal independents like Kate Chaney and Zoe Daniel largely held their ground.

Acting Liberal leader Sussan Ley called the loss a “bloodbath,” urging reflection. World leaders, including UK PM Keir Starmer and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, congratulated Albanese, pledging to strengthen ties, particularly through AUKUS and Ukraine support.

Why Dutton Lost

Dutton’s defeat mirrors Canada’s Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s recent loss, both tied to a backlash against Trump-style politics. His hardline stances on immigration, opposition to Indigenous recognition, and flag controversies alienated moderates.

“Dutton’s campaign was inconsistent and divisive,” said Murdoch University’s Jacob Broom. Labor’s strategic attacks on Dutton’s shareholdings and absence during a cyclone further eroded his credibility. Voters, wary of Trump’s global disruptions, favored Albanese’s “Australian way” of fairness and cohesion over Dutton’s polarizing approach.

Looking Ahead

Albanese’s mandate strengthens his authority to address domestic challenges like healthcare and housing while managing U.S.-China relations. The Liberal Party, reduced to its smallest-ever parliamentary presence, must rebuild to regain voter trust.

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The election signals Australia’s rejection of divisive, Trump-esque politics, favoring stability in turbulent times. As counting continues, Labor’s final seat tally may climb higher, cementing this as one of the party’s greatest victories since World War II.