Australia’s election begins with Labor holding narrow lead as early voting starts

Prime Minister Albanese gains momentum while opposition’s Dutton struggles to shake Trump-era comparisons

Early voting for Australia’s federal election opened on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s centre-left Labor Party holding a narrow but steady lead over the conservative Liberal-National coalition. Analysts predict up to half of eligible voters may cast their ballots before the official May 3 election day, reflecting a long-term shift toward pre-poll and postal voting.

The campaign has been complicated for opposition leader Peter Dutton, whose Liberal Party has faced declining support amid comparisons to the policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Dutton recently abandoned a controversial plan to slash public sector jobs and mandate full-time office returns for government workers—a proposal critics linked to Trump-era efficiency drives.

Meanwhile, Albanese has rallied in the polls, erasing a six-point deficit in January to lead by as much as nine points earlier this month. The latest Newspoll survey, released Sunday, gives Labor a four-point edge after preference allocations—a critical factor in Australia’s ranked-choice voting system.

Campaign tone shifts after global mourning

Electioneering was muted on Tuesday following the death of Pope Francis, with both leaders pausing partisan attacks. However, the race is set to reignite during tonight’s third and final televised debate between Albanese and Dutton—a high-stakes showdown that could sway undecided voters.

“There’s no complacency in my camp,” Albanese told reporters Monday, recalling Labor’s shock 2019 loss despite early predictions of victory. “This election is certainly up for grabs.”

With voting compulsory for all adult citizens, the outcome may hinge on whether Labor can maintain its momentum—or if the coalition can regain ground in the campaign’s final days.

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