Australians Head to the Polls in Tight Election Amid Economic Woes and Global Tensions

By Staff, Agencies

Australia's federal election is underway as millions of citizens cast their votes across the country in what is expected to be a closely fought contest between the ruling center-left Labor Party and the opposition center-right Liberal-National Coalition.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have already cast their votes, according to ABC News.

Voting began at 8 a.m. local time [2200 GMT Friday] and will close at 6 p.m. [0800 GMT]. More than 18 million Australians are registered to vote under the country’s compulsory voting system, with the Australian Electoral Commission confirming that 4.8 million had already voted early by Thursday.

Ballots will be counted immediately after polls close, but results may not be finalized on election night—particularly in tightly contested races. Postal votes are expected to be tallied in the days following.

Albanese’s Labor Party is aiming for a second term after narrowly winning in 2022. The main challenge comes from Dutton’s Liberal-National Coalition. If neither secures the 76-seat majority needed in the 150-member House of Representatives, Australia could again see a minority government—the last of which occurred in 2010. Half of the 76-member Senate is also being contested.

Economic concerns such as inflation, cost of living, and housing affordability have dominated the campaign. Political analyst Nathan Fioritti noted that both major parties have failed to present bold solutions, leading to potential gains for smaller players like the Greens, who are advocating for more transformative policies.

Fioritti predicts a repeat of 2022, where Labor and the Coalition each received about 30% of the vote, amid growing disillusionment with the political status quo. In such a scenario, independents and minor parties—particularly the Greens and "Teal" independents—could again hold the balance of power. The Teals, who currently hold seven seats, previously unseated Liberal candidates in safe districts by campaigning on climate action and political transparency.

Movements like the Muslim Vote campaign are also targeting key marginal seats, particularly in response to Australia’s perceived stance on the “Israeli” war on Gaza. Fioritti noted that sympathy for the Palestinian cause could sway some voters, potentially influencing whether a minority government is formed.

While domestic economic concerns are front and center, international dynamics—including a possible second term for US President Donald Trump—are influencing voter sentiment to a lesser extent. Charles Miller from the Australian National University said that although Trump’s global unpredictability has cast a shadow over the election, economic issues remain the priority for most voters.

Both major parties are expected to maintain Australia’s strategic alignment with the US while cautiously navigating trade ties with China. Miller added that a slightly softer tone toward the US is likely, no matter who wins.

Australia’s compulsory voting system, in place since 1924, fines non-voters AU$20 [US$13] and ensures consistently high turnout, typically above 90%, making it one of the world’s most engaged democracies.