Overview

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor party has risen to 52% in two-party preferred polling, its highest level in nearly a year.
• US President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs, including a 24% levy on Australian goods, leading to sharp declines in mining, energy, and agriculture sectors.
• Albanese criticized the tariffs as 'not the act of a friend' and introduced measures to support affected Australian industries.
• Opposition leader Peter Dutton vowed to repair ties with Washington and claimed he could have negotiated a better outcome on tariffs.
• The tariffs have intensified economic pressures and voter concerns, shaping the final weeks of campaigning ahead of the May 3 election.