Live blog – Election 2025 – Labor wins

Liberals, Greens wiped out as Labor romps to huge win

10:57 PM AEDT | Roman de Vallance, Hugh Phillips, Caitlin Maloney, Zac Nikolovski

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has claimed victory in the 2025 federal election with Labor anticipated to pick up 86 seats, improving their position by eight seats and defying polls that predicted the party would lose seats and possibly need to govern in a minority government.

The Coalition was expected to win 40 seats, slumping from 54, while the Greens faced the prospect of having no MPs at all. The swing to Labor was not as great as the 2022 election, but significant when taken together. Much of the damage done to the Coalition was by independents who will share 12 seats.

The victory was seen by many as a repudiation of Trump-like campaigning by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, but will also have disappointed those wanting to rebuke Labor for its moderate stance on Gaza and lack of action on both the cost of living and housing crises.

There were some shock losses during the night as Dutton himself lost his seat in Dickson in Brisbane, while key confidant Michael Sukar was unseated in the Melbourne electorate of Deakin. Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather was beaten in the Queensland seat of Griffith, and party leader Adam Bandt is trailing Labor’s Sarah Witty by 1.6 per cent and also facing defeat in the seat of Melbourne.

Historic win for Labor

10:55 PM AEDT | Bronte Woolley

 

Albanese makes victory speech

10:05 PM AEDT | Roman de Vallance, Hugh Phillips

“Serving as your Prime Minister is the greatest honor of my life, and it is with a deep sense of humility and a profound sense of responsibility that the first thing that I do tonight is to say thank you to the people of Australia for the chance to continue to serve the best nation on earth,” he says, after arriving at the Labor Party post-vote function at Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club, in Hurlstone Park, Sydney.

“Today, the Australian people have voted for Australian values for fairness, aspiration and opportunity for all, for the strength to show courage in adversity and kindness to those in need. And Australians have voted for a future that holds true to these values, a future built on everything that brings us together as Australians and everything that sets our nation apart from the world in this time of global uncertainty.

“Australians have chosen optimism and determination. Australians have chosen to face global challenges the Australian way, looking after each other while building for the future and to serve these values, meet these challenges, seize these opportunities, and build that better and stronger future.

“Australians have chosen a majority Labor government.”

 

The prime minister added: “Australians, I know the world has thrown a lot at our country over the past three so they’re all gone.

“So many of you have worked hard challenges, and I know there’s still much more to do. That is why it means so much that in these uncertain times, the people of Australia do place their trust in Labor, including so many Australians who had voted Labor for the first time.

“I make this solemn pledge, we will not forget that we will never take it for granted. Repaying your trust will drive our government each and every day of the next three years.

“The positive program we took to this election was shaped by the Australian people’s priorities, and our government will dedicate the next three years to making a positive difference, to your lives and to your future, bringing the rewards for your hard work within reach, investing in our youngest Australians, looking after older Australians and building an economy and a society that is every bit as strong and fair, as resilient and generous as Australians are themselves.

“From tomorrow, back at work … we take up this task with new hope, new confidence and new determination. Because together, we are turning the corner, and together we will make our way forward with no one held back and no one left behind.”

Penny Wong introduces Anthony Albanese at Labor HQ

9:54 PM AEDT | Roman de Vallance

Penny Wong opens her speech to the Labor faithful with “friends,” whilst cheers of “Penny, Penny,” ring out at Labor HQ.

“Thank you for believing in Labor,” she says.

“Three-years ago, the Australian people decided to turn a page and make a new future. Today, we start the next chapter,” she says with ferocity.

Albanese then takes the stage as booming cheers and claps erupt from the audience.

“Serving as your Prime Minister is the greatest honour of my life,” he says.

“Today, the Australian people have voted for Australian values.”

Peter Dutton concedes

9:40 PM AEDT | Roman de Vallance, Hugh Phillips, Chris McCarthy

Peter Dutton congratulates Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as well as Ali France, who has defeated him in Dickson.

He concedes that “we didn’t do well enough during this campaign, that much is obvious tonight, and I accept full responsibility for that”. 

While thanks his team, family and supporters, as he concedes the election from his seat in Queensland, he acknowledges that: “It’s a historic occasion for the Labor party and we recognise that.

“It’s been a great honour to be leader of this amazing party for the last three years. And I want to firstly acknowledge David Littleproud, who has been a great partner in crime.

“He’s led the National Party with great distinction. He’s had the strength of character to stand up on issues which are important to us, and we’ve worked incredibly well together.

“He’s done a great job, and he will do into the future. I want to say thank you very much to Susan Lee as my deputy, and also Angus Taylor as Shadow Treasurer and other senior members who have contributed to the success of the last couple of years.

“I also want to say a very, very big thank you tonight. Most importantly, to the millions of Australians who have supported the Liberal Party, the Coalition.”

He adds: “Ultimately, we live in the best country in the world, and I’ve always believed that and I always will. I love this country, and I’ve fought hard for it.

“We’ve been defined by our opponents in this election, which is not the true story of who we are, but we’ll rebuild from here.

“We’ll do that because we know our values, we know our beliefs, and we’ll always stick to them.

“I want to say thank you to the Australian people for the faith they’ve placed in me, and thank them for the great honor of having been the member for Dixon and the leader of the Opposition.”

Crossbench watch: Greens in trouble, teals look strong

9:30 PM AEDT | Sam Lawrence

It looks as if the teals have retained all their seats and may make gains. This is not the same story for the Greens, who have had their 2022 Greenslide in Brisbane wiped out.

The Greens have lost Max Chandler-Mather in Griffith and Stephen Bates in Brisbane.

Adam Bandt will likely retain his seat of Melbourne, but Elizabeth Watson-Brown is hanging on in Ryan.

If Labor finish ahead of the Liberals in Ryan, Watson-Brown will likely lose her seat, reducing the Greens to one seat in the House.

All teals in Sydney have retained their seats: Sophie Scamps in Mackellar, Zali Steggall in Warringah and Allegra Spender in Wentworth.

Nicolette Boele is ahead in Bradfield but current projections have this seat as too close to call.

In Victoria, Monique Ryan is ahead in Kooyong and Zoe Daniel is ahead in Goldstein.

Greenpeace to ‘hold Labor accountable’

9:27 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy

Greenpeace has hailed Labor’s victory as the Australian public’s rejection of the Coalition’s “Trumpist agenda of climate and nature destruction, and it’s plan to force dangerous nuclear on communities”.

Susie Byers, head of advocacy for Greenpeace Australia Pacific, says: “It’s clear Australians did not respond to the copycat Trumpist policies of the Coalition.

 “What is also clear today is that Australians are voting for climate and nature protection in overwhelming numbers.”

Although clearly happy with a Coalition loss, the organisation said the Albanese government had a “big responsibility, as well as an opportunity to listen to Australians”, going on to warn that “Greenpeace and it’s supporters will be holding Labor accountable to deliver for climate and nature”.

 Greenpeace urged Labor to take a number of actions in their first 100 days in office, including rejecting the extension of a Woodside gas project in WA’s north-west, ratifying the Global Ocean Treaty and forming marine protection sites.

 As opposition leader Peter Dutton loses the seat of Dickson, Greenpeace head of nature Glenn Walker says: “Voters refused to buy into Dutton’s risky nuclear plan which was nothing but a smokescreen to prolong the use of coal and gas in our energy system.”

 The Coalition’s proposed climate policy revolved around the adoption of nuclear power, with no interim emissions target set prior to a 2050 net-zero goal.

Like wow! Wipeout!

9:17 PM AEDT | Roman de Vallance

If there was one word to describe the 2025 Federal Election, it would be wipeout.

The Liberal’s are in ruin with Labor’s victory all but confirmed, and face losing their leader and being plunged into a leadership contest as well.

The ABC, Guardian and other media outlets have all put confirmed a Labor victory, with Labor officially taking 32 seats to the Coalition’s 15 seats, but predicting that Labor will end up with 77 of the 76 seats required for majority control over the House. 

Anthony Albanese becomes the first prime minister to win back-to-back elections since the Liberal’s John Howard in 1996-2004.

 

Crowds at Labor HQ celebrate

8:58 PM AEDT | Zac Nikolovski and Caitlin Maloney

As the ABC called a predicted win for Labor, the party’s election night event erupted in cheer. There were hugs, tears, and cries for joy as supporters revelled in the idea of a majority win. 

Interestingly, as Peter Dutton’s seat of Dickson continues to show a Labor majority the Labor crowd began to chant “Albo! Albo! Albo!”. The energy and vibes are high at Labor HQ right now, although the night is still far from over. 

Dutton to lose the seat of Dickson

8:47 PM AEDT |  Chris McCarthy

The ABC has projected opposition leader Peter Dutton’s seat of Dickson as going the way of Labor’s Ali France. France enjoys a 9.2 per cent swing away from the Liberal leader.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has described France as “a Labor hero tonight” should the result stand.

What’s going on in the house?

8:42 PM AEDT |  Roman de Vallance

With 48/150 seats confirmed, Labor holds 31 seats whilst the Coalition has 15 seats.

ABC calls a Labor victory

8:31 PM AEDT |  Roman de Vallance

Although 22.79 per cent of the votes have been called, ABC Chief Election Analyst Anthony Green has called a Labor victory. This comes as Labor holds 31 seats in the House, whilst the Coalition holds only 15 seats. For Labor to claim victory, 76 seats need to be won to form a majority. 

 

What if Peter Dutton loses his seat?

8:21 PM AEDT |  Sam Lawrence

Early numbers are suggesting that the Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton, might be in trouble in his seat of Dickson. As of 8:00 pm AEDT, the ABC is projecting a 5.1 per cent swing to Labor’s Ali France in Dickson, with Dutton down 10.8 per cent on first preference primaries.

If Dutton were to lose his seat, the Liberal Party would have to elect a new party leader. This process requires a potential candidate to receive the majority of the Liberal Party parliamentary caucus – essentially, a majority of  Liberal Party MPs and Senators would have to support the candidate.

Reports suggest that Angus Taylor, who holds Sydney’s outer south-western seat of Hume, would be the favourite. Taylor is currently the Shadow Treasurer. Other potential options would be Andrew Hastie and Sussan Ley. 

However, Dickson has been a marginal seat for Peter Dutton for two decades, and it is too early to conclude.

Early figures are favouring Labor

7:47 PM AEDT |  Roman de Vallance 

It’s still early in the count, and about 5 per cent of the national vote is in. It’s a small amount but it shows signs of trouble for the Coalition.

In all states reporting so far, Labor’s primary is up.

The Coalition would need to pick up several seats to turn the boat around.

Let a thousand blossoms bloom, with there being no surprises that Bob Katter’s Australian Party takes the lead in the electorate of Kennedy, located in QLD.

The first few votes are coming in fast

7:37 PM AEDT |  Roman de Vallance, Zac Nikolovski, Chris McCarthy and Sam Lawrence  

Dickson:

Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton’s home electorate of Dickson is the most marginal seat in Queensland and has long been speculated to be a key seat to watch on election night. The ABC’s live Federal Election results have now projected that Dutton may lose his seat with a 53.4 per cent majority and 5.1 per cent swing in favour of Labor candidate Ali France. 

If the Leader of the Opposition loses his seat, the Coalition leadership is vacant. Reports suggest that Angus Taylor, Andrew Hastie, and Sussan Ley are the front-runners for the Liberal leadership.

Maranoa:

The ABC has projected its first seat of the 2025 Federal Election, forecasting Nationals leader David Littleproud to retain his seat of Maranoa in South-West Queensland.

Queensland’s largest electorate is largely considered a stronghold for the Nationals, who have held the seat since 1943.

Despite the results of Maranoa, early results are seeing swings to Labor, with the Labor primary up to 34.6 per cent at 7:30 pm AEDT: a 3.4 per cent swing in NSW. 

These are the following swings in select Sydney seats as of 7:30 pm AEDT:

• Grayndler: 3 per cent to ALP
• Bennelong: 11.5 per cent to ALP
• Fowler: 4.1 per cent to ALP
• Blaxland: 9.7 per cent to ALP
• Watson: 6.7 per cent to AL

Only in McMahon, Hume, Warringah, and Whitlam are there swings to the LNP at this stage.

Changing tides in Watson? 

7:12 PM AEDT |  Central News 

Watson has been a safe Labor seat for over 20 years, but many voters at Greenacre Public School say they are dissastified with the government, although they feel there is little alternative.

@centralnewsuts

At Greenacre Public School in the electorate of Watson, voters share their views on the 2025 Federal Election. Watson has been a safe Labor seat for over 20 years, but many voters share their discontent with the current Labor Government. By Amelie Zreika and Mariam Sabih. #centralnews #news #auspol #federalelection #australia #federalelection2025

♬ original sound – CentralNewsUTS

Welcome to Labor HQ 

7:10 PM AEDT |  Zac Nikolovski

Zac Nikolovski here, coming to you live from Labor HQ. Labor’s guests are starting to slowly roll in, but the media have been here for hours. I thought I’d give you a little insight into what it’s like being part of the media team covering an election event. 

After weeks of back and forth emails, yesterday Central News was invited to a ‘media walk’ of the venue to see the space and find out how the night will run. We walked around briefly and were advised of any rules to adhere to throughout the night – and that’s about all they tell us! 

We touched down at Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL around 5:15pm, but some outlets have been setting up since 12pm. Prime Minister Albanese is expected to make an appearance later tonight, although nobody knows when. The journalist’s have a media room to get all our reporting work done and an open bar to keep us hydrated. 

Aside from that, we’re essentially left in the dark. Like most of the country tonight, we are playing a waiting game before the event begins.

 

CN News Bulletin: Federal Election Coverage – May 3rd, 2025 

7:05 PM AEDT |  Central News

As Australians cast their votes for the federal election today, we hear from our reporters and voters in the Bennelong and Grayndler electorates.

When can we expect a result to be called?

7:03 PM AEDT |  Chris McCarthy

Whilst the AEC does not declare winners on election night itself, we can usually expect a projected winner to be called on the night by analysts, with ABC’s chief analyst Antony Green saying, “You’ll probably know by 10 o’clock”.

 There are two factors this year that could affect analysts’ modelling, however: pre-polling and postal votes.

 2025’s election has seen a record number of pre-polls, the AEC reporting that almost 6.8 million Australians had cast their vote over the eleven-day period in the leadup to election day. 

Why is this important to the count? 

Pre-polls take longer to be reported, and are typically more conservative. In 2022 when pre-polls and postal votes were counted in the days following the election, the final verdict swung away from Labour by 1.6 per cent.

Postal votes are nothing new, however, the way they’re being counted is. For the first time at a Federal election, each electorate will count 2000 postal votes tonight to “provide a trendline that analysts can use to assist in predicting results”, according to the AEC. This represents a small portion of the total count, with around 1.6 million postal votes received so far. The remaining postals can take up to 13 days to be counted. 

The first results are in from Norfolk Island

6:45 PM AEDT |  Roman de Vallance

We have the first results of the night – very, extremely early numbers from Norfolk Island which as an Australian territory, is a part of the ACT electorate, Bean.

With only 119 votes counted or 0.1 per cent of the Bean vote, Labor MP David Smith has edged ahead with 39.6 per cent of the vote – followed closely behind by Independent Jessie Price, who has 29.3 per cent.

Votes are being counted, but the election is far from over

6:02 PM AEDT | Zac Nikolovski, Caitlin Maloney and Roman de Vallance

Good evening everyone! 

Caitlin, Chief of Staff and reporter Zac Nikolovski here. 

As vote counting gets underway, our live blog will continue through the night, with our team led by Roman de Vallance.

CN reporters are stationed at election events across Sydney.

Caitin Maloney and Zac Nikolovski will be reporting live from Labor HQ at Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL Club to bring you the latest on Anthony Albanese’s results and the Labor Party.

Ainslie McNally and Ted Schief are at the NSW Greens party in Surry Hills, counting down the results for Senator and deputy leader of the Greens Mehreen Faruqi.

Charlotte Laidlaw, Abbey Mitchell and Alexander Socratous are at Sophie Scamps’ party in Dee Why while she battles to retain the seat of Mackellar. 

Peter Dutton and the Coalition are up North in Brisbane. 

We have a long night ahead of us bringing you the latest, but with polls closed, it’s a waiting game from here on out.

 

 

 

 

Voting is officially closed!

6:02 PM AEDT | Zac Nikolovski, Caitlin Maloney and Roman de Vallance

The clock has struck 6pm, and polling booths across the Eastern states of the country have shut their doors. But for the 100,000 volunteer AEC workers across the country, the night is far from over. 

While the election campaigns are officially over and the final votes have been cast, it is now the job of AEC volunteers to tally the results. We should start to see electorates called within the next few hours; however, for extremely marginal seats, it could be days or even weeks before we find out which MPs came out on top. 

Even though some seats may not be called today, ABC predicts we will have a strong idea of which party will win the election later tonight. 

There are a lot of seats up for grabs tonight, and these are the ones to keep an eye on. 

NSW: Bennelong, Gilmore, Paterson, Dobell, Robertson

Victoria: Aston, Chisholm, Goldstein, McEwan, Macnamara, Wills

Queensland: Brisbane, Leichhardt, Dickson

SA: Sturt

WA: Tangney, Curtin

Tasmania: Braddon, Lyons

Voting has now closed on the east coast! Some time left in SA & NT. WA you have 2 hours left! Voting closes at 6pm local time!

Results will start to flow through to our online tally room as they are counted throughout this evening

📱https://t.co/1McL1EfE8k pic.twitter.com/aUPTDS84PK

— AEC ✏️ (@AusElectoralCom) May 3, 2025

Climate responsibility

5:38 PM AEDT | Roman de Vallance

Independent for Warringah Zali Steggall talks to Ted Schief about the importance of climate policy to her electorate.

@centralnewsuts

CN journalist Ted Schief interviewed Zali Steggall, the incumbent member for Warringah in Sydney’s North. Steggall called for action on climate change and investments into green energy. Read Central News’ full coverage of the federal election on our website: https://centralnews.com.au/2025/05/03/live-blog-australian-election-2025/. Video by Ted Schief, Grace Newton and Charlotte Blackley. Edited by Caitlin Maloney.

♬ original sound – CentralNewsUTS – CentralNewsUTS

Why your letterbox turns political every election

5:20 PM AEDT | Jonathan Weitz-Freeman 

Ever wonder why your letterbox suddenly fills up with campaign flyers and political junk mail every election?

More importantly, how did your local MP even get your name and address?

Turns out, it’s not as shady as it feels (but still a bit weird, right? 🙀 ). Well, here is how and why.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) maintains the electoral roll, which includes the name and address of registered voters.

Registered political parties, MPs, candidates and some government agencies are legally allowed to access the roll under Section 90B of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 which authorises the AEC to provide them with copies of the electoral roll.

They don’t get your date of birth or contact info, just your name and address; and yes, they can use it to send you campaign material.

So next time you get an unsolicited flyer or scare campaign in the mail, you’ll know it’s all perfectly legal.

What would a minority Labor government look like? A comparison of the Labor, Greens and independent candidates’ policies

4:33 PM AEDT | Ebony Brown

Whilst all three sit on the left side of the political spectrum, there are various key distinctions, particularly when it comes to action on climate change, education and health. Let’s take a quick look at how these parties differ when it comes to the above issues.

EDUCATION

Labor

• • Cut student debt by 20 per cent
  • Accessible and affordable early education
  • Make Free TAFE permanent.
  • Better, fairer funding for public schools
  • Invest $25 million to support community schools across Australia to help more than 90,000 students learn 84 languages
    Greens
  • Wipe all student debt and make university and TAFE 100 per cent free. 
  • Free and accessible Childcare and public schools
  • $800 a year back-to-school payment

Independents

(an assessment of the policies from some of the current Teal seat holders – Zali Steggall, Sophie Scamps, Monique Ryan and Allegra Spender)

• • All independents have supported a $3 billion wipeout in student debt
  • “Fee-free” TAFE
  • Monique Ryan wants to implement financial support for all prac – placements for students in healthcare
  • Sophie Scamps said she wants to make HECS “fairer” 

HEALTH

Labor

• • • More Bulk Billing for GP visits
    • Government subsidies of medicine – From 1 January 2026, the maximum cost of a prescription for a Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicine will be cut from $31.60 to $25.
    • Invest more than $790 million in Women’s Health
    • $16.7 million investment to support the mental health of new and expectant parents
    • Proceed with the launch of 1800medicare – a free, nationwide 24/7 health advice line and after-hours GP telehealth service.
    • $20.7 million for grassroots initiatives that support men’s mental health and wellbeing in community settings.

Greens

• • • Dental into Medicare
    • $21 billion investment into GP bulk billing, including increased rebates for longer appointments 
    • Reduce the cost of PBS medicines for all other Medicare cardholders to $7.70
    • Implement a National Suicide Prevention Act with a $180 million investment to uniform regulation across the country
    • ADHD and Autism assessments are free under Medicare
    • Make PBS medications free for concession card holders

Independent

• • • Zali Steggall wants an effective and efficient NDIS, aged-care and healthcare sector 
    • Monique Ryan says dentists should be in Medicare
    • Monique Ryan also advocates for better medical research funding 
    • Sophie Scamps wants a greater federal investment in hospitals
    • Sophie Scamps wants to implement the recommendations of the Aged Care Royal Commission to ensure quality aged care facilities 
    • Monique Ryan says that a National Women’s Health Strategy must be created, for all aspects of reproductive and non-reproductive health 
    • All candidates Reform of the private health sector

@keirafuller.tcow

part 2 💙 💙 Here’s a rundown of the @Liberal Party of Australia biggest policies leading up to the election this Saturday. 🗳️Friendly reminder that polls will close at 6pm on Saturday May 3rd! Voting is mandatory for citizens. 🌻Labor explainer is already up with Greens, One Nation, Australia’s Voice & Trumpet of Patriots explainers being edited as we speak!! Keep an eye on the feed in the next few days. 👀 More resources can be found on my Instagram (I love making these sorts of things). I hope this helps, thank you for being here x #australianpolitics #auspolitics #auselection2025 #australianelection #australianelection2025 #australianfederalelection #politics #australia #preferentialvoting #voting #howtovote #tochangeourworld #australianlaborparty #auslabor #laborparty #albo #albanese #liberals #ausliberalparty

♬ Dead Beat City – Kids That Fly

CLIMATE ACTION AND RENEWABLES

Labor

• • • 82 per cent renewables by 2030
      
    • Additional $8 billion investment into renewable energy and low emissions technologies through a $2 billion expansion of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation
    • $2 billion expansion of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation – a “specialist climate investor” that invests in new technologies to “generate, store, manage and transmit clean energy”
    • No mention of opposition to new and existing fossil fuel projects. 

Greens

• • • Opposing all new Fossil Fuel projects
    • 90 per cent renewable by 2030
    • Subsidise solar & batteries for homes & businesses
    • Cancel handouts to coal, oil and gas corporations
    • End native forest logging

Independent

• • • Zali Steggall has a “Climate Resilience Plan” which includes objectives such as  $10b for a new Climate Resilience Facility Fund to back climate resilience infrastructure projects around the country.
    • Zali Steggal wants to start a national climate resilience assessment and adaptation plan to be conducted every 5 years 
    • Monique Ryan wants federal subsidies in the electrification of homes and small businesses 
    • Allegra Spender wants a 75 per cent emissions reduction by 2035 and a $10bn investment into a “Climate Resilience Fund” 
    • Sophie Scamps is aiming for a net-zero emissions by 2050 and to phase out fossil fuels such as coal and gas 
    • Phase out forest logging

@australiangreens

here’s your mid afternoon ✨dopamine✨ hit – our plan to make your life better 💚 #auspol #auspolitics #australiangreens #australianlabor

♬ original sound – Australian Greens

Overall assessment

Education

All three are in favour of serious subsidies for education, including free TAFE. However, whilst the Greens call for a complete wipe of student debt and free tertiary education, Labor seek to cut 20 per cent of student debt with no promises of making university free. The independent candidates have not claimed to wipe student debt, but have supported wiping a portion of debt previously. Greens claim they will make medications under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme free for concession holders, with a maximum price point of $7.50 for everyone else. Labor is currently reforming the PBS to lower the maximum cost of medicine from $31.60 to $25, with the possibility of further reform upon bipartisanship. 

Medicare/Health

Both Greens and Teals support the implementation of dental care into Medicare and large investments into medicare to increase bulk billing appointments. Whilst Labor supports the latter, they have not indicated any support for Dental care being covered under medicare. 

Climate Action and Renewable Energy

Both Greens and Teals seem to have ambitious policies on Climate action — with particular emphasis on phasing out the fossil fuel industry altogether and implementing large subsidies for solar and battery backed energy for homes and small businesses. Labor lacks a specific plan of action, rather relying on sustainable investments (that we can see).

Potential for delayed climate action due to differences of opinion regarding climate action and a disputed net-zero objective.

Independent candidate Dai Le faces a fierce challenge

4:33 PM AEDT | Zac Nikolovski

In Western Sydney’s hotly contested seat of Fowler, independent MP Dai Le is battling to retain her seat against Labor’s Tu Le in a rematch of the 2022 upset that saw Labor lose the traditionally safe seat. The campaign has been marked by escalating tensions, including a recent incident where the Australian Electoral Commission ordered Labor to remove signs claiming “a vote for Dai Le is a vote for Dutton,” citing them as misleading.

Dai Le, who has campaigned on local issues such as cost-of-living pressures and community representation, has faced criticism from Labor over alleged associations with anti-Labor campaign efforts. Despite these challenges, she remains a formidable contender, emphasising her independence and commitment to the electorate.

With over 25 per cent of Fowler’s voters casting early ballots, the highest rate nationally, the outcome remains uncertain. The race is seen as a bellwether for broader political shifts in multicultural, working-class electorates.

The democracy sausage takes on NYC 

4:01 PM AEDT | Roman de Vallance

Despite Trump’s 10 per cent tariffs on Australia, sausages were able to hit the streets of NYC. 

Expat punters will be ecstatic that their favourite breakfast of champions has arrived in the US. 

Taking over a hot dog stand on the corner of 42nd Street and Third Avenue, Josh Pugh wanted to celebrate democracy for the Aussies voting at the Australian Consulate in New York City. 

Adorning the humble dog-stand with flags, green and gold streamers and topped off with a  Bunnings straw hat, Pugh said he wanted to “celebrate Australian democracy,”. 

Known by his internet handle of America Josh, Pugh arrived in New York in 2017. Finding it difficult to adjust to life in America, he created a blog where he details his experiences and, from his experiences, helps other Australian expats adjust to life in America. 

Bringing together other Aussies in New York, Pugh came up with the idea of bringing the democracy sausage over to our yank neighbours. 

Pugh posed in a picture with the Australian Consul-General in New York, Heather Ridout, who said, “The reason behind it was to celebrate Australian democracy.”

Discontent in the PM’s backyard 

3:59 PM AEDT | Zac Nikolovski and Caitlin Maloney

The election may be today, but tensions have been rising in Grayndler for weeks – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s traditionally safe Labor seat.

Posters defaced with messages like “Gaza” and “Genocide” reflect growing anger over the government’s stance on international and domestic issues.

Voters Central News spoke to cited disillusionment with Labor’s climate policy, cost of living response, and handling of the war in Gaza. While Albanese is expected to retain the seat, the mood suggests a wider progressive backlash. Read our full story to hear from voters on the ground and understand why once-loyal supporters are considering alternatives.

Read the full article by Zac Nikolovski and Caitlin Maloney here.

​​Discontent in Grayndler hints at broader backlash against Labor

Labor’s fate in Sydney’s West is still uncertain

3:59 PM AEDT | Zac Nikolovski 

Several marginal Labor seats in Western Sydney are facing serious challenges from independent candidates campaigning on Australia’s stance toward the war in Gaza. In electorates like Watson, Blaxland, and Parramatta, longtime Labor strongholds with large Muslim populations, independents are gaining momentum by directly targeting Labor’s perceived inaction or support for Israel.

Community-led campaigns, including ‘Muslim Votes Matter,’ have mobilised around the issue, distributing electoral scorecards and actively urging voters to reconsider traditional party loyalties. The movement has encouraged tactical preferencing in over 30 electorates, with a particular focus on those held by senior Labor figures.

Independent election analyst William Bowe suggest swings as high as 15–20 per cent could hit some of these seats. The campaign has been especially influential in areas with high concentrations of Arab and Muslim voters, where disillusionment with the major parties is at an all-time high.

Labor’s fate in Sydney’s West won’t be clear until vote counts begin to roll in later today.

Do young people care enough about the vote? 

3:56 PM AEDT | Central News  

As young Australians head to the polls today, many are ill-equipped to decide what key issues and policies matter to them and are unaware of the power of their vote, political scientist Aaron Martin has warned.

Martin believes that TikTok and Facebook can’t provide the same in-depth reporting that traditional media outlets produce.  

The Labor and Liberal party’s use of social media, in particular Tiktok, has been highly criticised with both election campaigns using a combination of diss tracks, memes, and entertaining headlines targeted at young Australians, and Martin warns that  “relatable” content does not ensure an informed electorate. 

Read the full article by Charlotte Blackley here. 

 

Do young people care enough about the vote?

 

 

 

Need some last-minute cash?

3:50 PM AEDT | Roman de Vallance 

Several candidates in electorates across Sydney have posted ads for “friendly-hard working people” to hand out “how to vote cards” on the website Airtasker. 

The Independent candidate for Reid, Steven Commerford, attached a photo of himself and another man handing out the cards. The two posts ask workers to wear “comfy shoes” with a “t-shirt and flyers provided” the day before. 

Another ad from someone called “David. S” located in Manly simply asks “hand out ‘how to vote cards” for $100 (minus the t-shirt and flyers), with this one being coy about which candidate this one is for. Manly is a highly contested, independent-held seat in Warringah. 

Albanese casts vote at Marrickville West Public School

2:57 PM AEDT | Sarah Goff-Tunks and Zac Nikolovski

 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has met with Inner West locals as he casted his vote at Marrickville West Public School. 

Crowds cheered the PM as he made his way through the school and greeted voters from his own seat of Grayndler. 

However, Albanese couldn’t escape criticism to his response on the Israel-Gaza war as two protestors amongst the crowd heckled him.

“You’ve live-streamed genocide for 18 months. People are starving in Gaza right now,” the heckler called out.

 

This morning Albanese made an appearance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as well as stopping on the outskirts of Melbourne before making his way to Sydney as the PM’s election campaign raps up before results start to roll in this evening.  

Photos by Sarah Goff-Tunks. Video by Zac Nikolovski.

As Australia votes on the next PM, what do the polls suggest?

2:41 PM AEDT | Ned Stevens 

As voting takes place across the country, Australians make their decision as to who will be the next Prime Minister. Voting concludes at 6:00pm AEDT and results aren’t expected until 10:00pm AEDT, but polls from YouGov give us some insight into how the night may unfold. 

According to the latest YouGov polling conducted between April 24th and May 1st, Labor leads the Coalition 52.2 per cent to 47.8 per cent in their 2-party preferred poll. This poll asks Australians which of the two major parties they would prefer to form government. 

YouGov also asked Australians their views on the leaders of the two major parties. YouGov polled Australians on which party leader they think would make the best Prime Minister. The results showed that 51 per cent of participants thought Anthony Albanese would be the best Prime Minister, compared to 34 per cent saying Peter Dutton would be better. 

These are the latest polls from YouGov, which only tell us how the participants of their poll are feeling.

As for the final results of the election, only the Australian public can decide.

Dutton Votes in Dickson

2:38 PM AEDT | Hugh Phillips 

The opposition leader Peter Dutton has voted in Dickson a seat he holds on a 1.7 per cent margin. Labor candidate Ali France will hope to unseat the liberal leader after losing to Dutton in 2019 and 2022. While there are unfavourable odds towards his hope to lead the government, Dutton is confident that “quiet Australians” will put their support behind the coalition. 

Dutton spent the morning in the marginal seats of Goldstein and Kooyong as the Liberal Party hopes to snatch them back from the teal independents.

As Australia votes what do the polls say?

2:27 PM AEDT | Ned Stevens 

As voting takes place across the country, Australians make their decision as to who will be the next PM. Results will not be available until voting is over this evening, but polls from YouGov give an insight into how the election may unfold.

According to the latest YouGov polling conducted between April 24 and May 1, Labor leads the Coalition 52.2 per cent to 47.8 per cent in their two-party preferred poll. This poll asked voters which out of the two major parties they would prefer to form government. 

YouGov also asked Australians their views on the leaders of the two major parties. YouGov polled Australians on which party leader they think would make the best Prime Minister. The results showed 51 per cent of participants thought Anthony Albanese would make the best PM compared to 34 per cent backing Peter Dutton would. 

Marrickville turns out for local boy

2:15 PM AEDT | Caitlin Maloney 

Queues wrapped around the corner at Marrickville Library Pavillion as Inner West residents  lined up early to cast their votes in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s electorate of Grayndler today.

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne greeted voters at the “magnificent Marrickville Library” polling booth. 

“People are really enthusiastic about re-electing their local member as the prime minister of Australia for the second time,” he told Central News.

Video by Zac Nikolovski, Caitlin Maloney, Sarah Goff-Tunks and Ned Stevens.

Party slogans put off voters

2:05 PM AEDT | Central News 

Whether it’s divisive advertising from Trumpet of Patriots or the uninspiring slogans of the Liberals and Labor, voters have found the messaging of the competing parties this election a turn-off, according to Monash University linguistics lecturer Dr Howard Manns. Interview by Irene Diakanastasis.

Voters aren’t buying into election slogans

Smugglers paradise

1:55 PM AEDT | Roman de Vallance 

Australian voters are unlike any others in the world. On Instagram, Budgy Smugglers have kickstarted their own tradition, launching the hashtag, “#smugglersdecide” to urge Australians to vote. On their website they have posted: “While we don’t care who you vote for, we want you to exercise your constitutional right to vote with no pants on.” 

And punters in their budgie smugglers and cosies have been queuing up at the ballot box all morning to cast their vote.

And, they’ve got the pictures to prove it. Is this even legal?

We suppose it saves the embarrassment of turning up to the polling booth in your jocks!

Sixteen in a row?

1:41 PM AEDT | Roman de Vallance and Ned Stevens

The bellwether electorate of Robertson could indicate which party could form government.

The marginal electorate has been hitting the nail on the head since 1983, electing candidates from the party forming government in the last 15 federal elections. 

In the 2022 federal election, results were close with the Liberal Party receiving more first preference votes than the Labor Party but the election was decided with a large majority of Greens preferences falling to Labor. 

The electorate is on the outskirts of the greater Sydney region, with most electors based in the population centres of Gosford, Woy Woy and Terrigal.

 In the most recent electorate boundary changes, there was a small redistribution of electors from the neighbouring electorate of Dobell, but the effect of this is yet to be seen.

Meet the candidates 

Dr Gordon Reid — Labor 

A political novice, Wiradjuri man Dr Gordon Reid, previously worked as an emergency doctor. He decided to run for parliament while working in the Emergency Department at Wyong Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In the 2022 federal election, Reid defeated Liberal incumbent Lucy Wicks, with a two-party preferred vote of 6.5 per cent.  

Some of Reid’s achievements for Robertson include: 

• • • Labor’s Peninsula Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Umina Beach 
    • The recently opened Gosford Medicare Mental Health Centre in West Gosford 
    • $130 million upgrade to Avoca Drive in Kincumber 
    • Tax cuts

Cheryl Wallace — The Greens 

Cheryl Wallace is representing the Greens in Robertson for the first time. Wallace has extensive first-hand knowledge of the public health system with 45 years of experience as a registered nurse. She also has a deep commitment to environmental protection with experience as a Rural Fire Service operational firefighter. 

Lucy Wicks — Liberal 

Lucy Wicks was the previous Liberal member for Robertson, representing the electorate from 2013 to 2022. As the Member for Robertson, Wicks delivered upgrades to local roads, worked on projects like NorthConnex and invested in both schools and hospitals. 

 

Non-traditional media making its mark

1:22 PM AEDT | Central News 

Politics lecturer and journalist Dr Chris Scanlon tells Grace Newton podcast influencers should be under more scrutiny, but adds the traditional media is just as prone to error and bias when it comes to covering politics. 

Are podcast influencers reshaping elections?

 

What is a marginal seat and how many are there?

12:52 PM AEDT | Ebony Brown 

If you are familiar with U.S political terms – potentially “Swing State” may make a bit more sense. Think “marginal” as in a small margin between the victory of one party over another by a very small number or percentage. It is in these Marginal Seats where every vote counts, and are often the target of intense political campaigning with the objective of swaying just a few minds to claim political victory. 

As the case with the 2022 Federal election in the Victorian electorate of Kooyong. Previously considered a “safe” Liberal seat held by Josh Frydenberg for almost 12 years (safe is the word used to describe an electorate where it is very unlikely an opposing party will claim victory – essentially opposite of a marginal seat). However independent candidate, Monique Ryan, ended this streak, claiming a 2.2 per cent margin over Frydenberg.

Now here are the 23 Marginal Seats to keep an eye on for today’s election – where only a few votes could really swing the pendulum to an opposition victory. Click on the Electorates in the table to see the seats with the smallest margin. P.S the NSW Electorate Fowler is held by independent Dai Le by a 1.1 per cent margin!

What are the Indigenous policies for the major parties?

12:35 PM AEDT | Roman de Vallance

Both major parties have been quiet on First Nations issues on the campaign trail, debating Welcome to Country ceremonies rather than Closing the Gap.

And, neither Peter Dutton nor Anthony Albanese have visited an Indigenous community on the campaign trail, leaving many people who take Indigenous issues seriously pretty unimpressed.

@the.isaac.compton

Here we go 💚💚 @Australian Greens @Adam Bandt #keepduttonout #straya #blackfullatiktok #nativetiktok #aboriginaltiktok #indigenoustiktok #blackcomedytiktok #nativehumor #satirecomedy #maoritiktok #blackcomedy #australiangreens #votegreens

♬ CYRIL X MOONLGHT THERE SHE GOES – Cyril Riley

The parties have a few differences in their policies and promises for First Nations people: 

Liberal

Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price said she wanted to “make Australia great again,” but the  opposition has revealed few policy reforms for Indigenous Australians. 

• • • Establish a royal commission into allegations of child sexual abuse in Indigenous communities 
    • Reintroduce compulsory income management via the Cashless Debit Card, a controversial scheme the Labor Government abolished in 2022
    • Conduct an audit of Indigenous affairs spending 

The Coalition also put forward several other election pledges that would impact Indigenous people: 

• • • A $100 million infrastructure fund for building and upgrading boarding school facilities for Indigenous students from remote communities 
    • An inquiry into Land Councils and statutory authorities across Australia, purportedly to ensure strong governance and accountability measures are in place
    • A Regional Australia Future Fund that would focus on infrastructure projects, such as road upgrades. 

Labor

The PM’s 2022 victory speech opened with a commitment to the Voice to Parliament referendum. 

However, after the nation overwhelmingly voted no in October 2023, talk of the treaty has all but disappeared, with Labor’s focus now on the economic empowerment of Indigenous communities. 

A few of these funding announcements are: 

• • • Another $5 million towards plans for a TAFE Centre of Excellence with hubs in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek
    • $77 million towards sea wall and wastewater infrastructure in the Torres Strait Islands, dependent on a co-funding commitment from the Queensland state government
    • $10 million for a new plane for CareFlight in the Northern Territory’s Top End, where about 90 per cent of patients are from remote communities
    • A second round of grants towards the Indigenous Ranger Program, totalling 800 potential new jobs, announced by Indigenous Australians Minister Malarandirri McCarthy
    • Two new Headspace services will be launched in remote communities confirmed by Health Minister Mark Butler

@reel.australia

“We want to be heard” – Warlpiri Elder, Jampijinpa Ned Hargraves talking about the representation of First Nations people in the upcoming federal election @australiangreens @australianlabor #yuendumu #firstnations #aboriginalaustralia #election #election2025 #federalelection #indiginous @alicespringstowncouncil @centraldesertyouth @centrallandcouncil #aboriginaltiktok #aboriginal #outbackaustralia #vote #votetiktok #firstnations #indiginous #australia #fyp

♬ original sound – reel australia

Democracy sausage race is on

12:25 PM AEDT | Central News 

For many the real race on election day is among the polling stations and school PCs running the sausage sizzle and cake stalls. As usual Camdenville PS, in the back blocks of Newtown, is putting up some serious competition.

 

We all know what the most important race on #Election2025 day is, and Camdenville PS is once again rocking the #DemocracySausage pic.twitter.com/F0cWhV3TOm

— Martin Newman (@newmanmartin) May 3, 2025

 

What are the party pitches on cost of living?

12:12 PM AEDT | Ned Stevens 

As Australians head to the polls, both major parties have offered plans to address the rising cost of living.

Peter Dutton’s final pitch to the nation involved spruiking his 25c reduction to the fuel excise tax at a service station in the Melbourne suburb of Sydenham. The Liberal Party’s Cost of Living Tax Offset is offering a one-off tax break of up to $1,200 for Australians earning less than $144,000 a year. 

Peter Dutton is at his 17th petrol station in Melbourne, handing out chocolates to the media as Australians head to the polls. pic.twitter.com/1qiuQ88bU4

— Isabelle Mullen (@ijmullen) May 2, 2025

The Liberal Party says its plan for affordable housing will allow first home buyers access to up to $50,000 from their super fund, to purchase a home, along with deductible interest on mortgage payments for the first five years when you purchase a newly built home. Critics claim dipping into super, however, will only push up the cost of housing.

Anthony Albanese gave his final pitch to the country from the hallowed grounds of the MCG, pitching to voters his cost of living plan. 

The Labor Party has offered voters a $150 energy bill rebate to households and small businesses. Individuals will also receive a small tax cut of $5 a week starting July 1, 2026, increasing to $10 a week the year after according to Labor’s plan. Critics have dismissed the policy as a short-term Band-Aid solution.

For first home buyers, Labor is offering first home buyers access to 5 per cent deposits. Albanese is also offering a one-off 20 per cent reduction in HECS debts for Australians with student loans.

Kooyong: A seat to watch

12:05 PM AEDT | Zac Nikolovski 

The federal seat of Kooyong in Melbourne has emerged as a key battleground in the 2025 election, with incumbent independent MP Dr Monique Ryan facing a strong challenge from Liberal candidate Amelia Hamer. 

Dr Ryan, who unseated former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg in 2022 with a 2.9 per cent margin, has described the current race as “extremely close“.  

Hamer, a 31-year-old former fintech executive and grand-niece of former Victorian Premier Rupert Hamer, has faced scrutiny for portraying herself as a renter while owning properties in London and Canberra. She defended her position, stating many young Australians are both renters and property owners.

The campaign has also been marked by tensions over political signage.

In March, Dr Ryan’s husband, Peter Jordan, was filmed removing a Liberal campaign sign, leading to apologies from both him and Dr Ryan. Subsequently, the Liberal Party obtained a court injunction against Boroondara City Council to prevent the removal of their campaign signs, arguing the council’s restrictions infringed on political communication rights.

Call for change

11:59 AM AEDT | Central News

Read Amelie Zreika’s interview with Australia’s Voice senate candidate who heckled the PM over Gaza and the cost of living.

Meet the UTS student and senate candidate who told off the PM

Majority vs minority government – what does this mean?

11:20 AM AEDT | Ebony Brown

There are a total of 150 seats in the House of Representatives – so it is necessary for either the Coalition or Labor to win 76 seats (half of 150 plus one to ensure a majority over the opposition) to form a majority government.

In the 2022 election, Labor only just held a majority government, filling 77 seats in the House of Representatives, while the Coalition held 53.

There is a possibility however that today’s election will result in a Labor minority government. 

This will mean that Labor could form government with either Greens, independents or both to secure at least 76 seats within the House of Representatives. Although this has been historically rare, Gillard’s Labor victory in 2010 resulted in a coalition with the Greens, when they only won 72 seats. 

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Good morning and welcome

10:15 AM AEDT | Caitlin Maloney

Welcome to Central News’ live blog of the Australian federal election 2025. We will be bringing you the latest updates from our newsroom and reporters across Sydney throughout the day.

Over 11 million people are set to head to the polls today to decide who will form the nation’s next parliament.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) reported last night that 6.77 million people casted their votes early this year at pre-polling booth which is on track to be one of Australia’s highest pre-polling records yet.

Stay tuned via this page on centralnews.com.au, our social media platforms, including X, Instagram and YouTube: https://bit.ly/m/centralnewsuts

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Main image montage from Wikimedia/Pixabay.