Today, the Australian people voted for Australian values. For justice, success, and opportunity for all, says the election winner, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in a victory speech to cheering supporters in Sydney, writes AFP.
He further states that the people, in a "time of global uncertainty", chose "optimism and forward-thinking".
The vote count is not expected to be clear until in a few days. But it appears that the government will retain and even expand its parliamentary majority.
It is clear that the opposition – an alliance between The Liberal Party and the National Party – will not receive sufficient support to challenge.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton acknowledges defeat and has extended his congratulations to Anthony Albanese over the phone. Dutton also appears to be losing his own parliamentary seat, which he has held for 24 years, according to a prognosis from the Australian public service company ABC.
The prognosis, after 70 percent of the votes have been counted, gives Labor 84 seats in parliament. 76 are required for a majority. The opposition coalition receives around 40.
Anthony Albanese's social democratic government has governed Australia since the 2022 election. He becomes the first sitting prime minister to win an election since 2004, according to ABC. Australia holds federal elections every third year.
