Australia Sets Federal Election for May 3 as Cost-of-Living Crisis Dominates Campaign

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton launch competing platforms on housing, energy, and economic relief in a highly competitive race likely to result in a hung parliament.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially announced the federal election date as May 3, initiating a five-week campaign centered on economic pressures and housing affordability.
Polling indicates a tight contest between Labor and the Liberal-National Coalition, with a high likelihood of a hung parliament requiring negotiations with independents and minor parties.
Labor emphasizes renewable energy, cost-of-living relief, and healthcare funding, while the Coalition proposes nuclear energy, immigration cuts, and immediate tax relief.
Housing affordability remains a key issue, with Albanese pledging to build 1.2 million homes by 2030 and Dutton advocating immigration reductions and restrictions on foreign property buyers.
Rising U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump and trade relations with China are shaping the foreign policy debate, with both parties offering differing approaches to these challenges.