Anthony Albanese Secures Historic Second Term as Australian PM Amid ‘Trump Factor’ Backlash
SYDNEY — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has claimed a historic second term in office after leading the Labor Party to a dramatic victory in the national elections, overcoming a brief conservative resurgence and rising public concerns linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton of the conservative Liberal Party conceded defeat and even lost his own long-held seat of Dickson, marking a significant blow to his party. The result mirrors a similar trend in Canada, where conservatives recently suffered losses partly attributed to anti-Trump sentiment.
At Labor’s election celebration in Sydney, supporters erupted in cheers as Albanese declared victory and confirmed that Labor would form a majority government.
“Our government will choose the Australian way,” Albanese told the crowd. “We do not need to beg or borrow or copy from anywhere else. We find our inspiration right here in our values and in our people.”
Albanese becomes the first Australian PM in 20 years to win consecutive terms. With 90% of polling stations counted, the Australian Electoral Commission projected Labor would secure 80 out of 150 seats, while ABC News estimated 85 seats for Labor, with the Liberal-National coalition at 41, and the rest split between independents and undecided.
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Dutton Concedes, Blames ‘Trump Factor’
In his concession speech, Dutton accepted full responsibility for the party’s poor performance and acknowledged the influence of Trump comparisons.
“We’ve been defined by our opponents in this election, which is not the true story of who we are,” said Dutton.
Conservative Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who was closely associated with Trump-like rhetoric, including “Make Australia Great Again” messaging, criticized the media focus on Trump. “You made it all about Trump,” she said on ABC, admitting the comparisons may have hurt the party.
International Leaders React
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Indian PM Narendra Modi were among the first to congratulate Albanese. Rubio praised the enduring U.S.-Australia alliance, while Starmer emphasized growing defense ties through AUKUS and support for Ukraine.
Key Voter Issues: Cost of Living and Trump Concerns
Analysts cited cost-of-living pressures, along with rising fears about Trump’s return to global influence, as major factors driving the vote. Labor Treasurer Jim Chalmers said Albanese’s comeback from a difficult end to 2024 was a result of solid campaign messaging and policies that resonated with working Australians.
“Albanese has pulled off one of the great political victories since federation,” Chalmers said.
What’s Next?
As Australia prepares for the next parliamentary term, Albanese’s focus is expected to remain on domestic economic challenges, climate policy, and reinforcing international alliances—especially as global instability and electoral shifts continue to ripple across democracies.
