Australia's 2025 election began with high living costs and housing shortages as key issues. Early voting, which began in April, saw 8.6 million ballots cast. The election could lead to a rare minority government if trends from the 2022 election continue, with more votes shifting away from major parties.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labour Party seeks a second term, while opposition leader Peter Dutton hopes to oust a first-term government. Inflation and rising housing prices have intensified the cost of living crisis, with the central bank’s interest rate rising to 4.35% by November 2023. Labour holds a narrow majority in the 151-seat House of Representatives, and independent candidates may play a key role in the result.

Both parties are focusing on younger voters, with energy policies as a major point of difference. The opposition supports nuclear power, while Labour aims for 82% renewable energy by 2030. On the eve of the election, Albanese received an endorsement from WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who praised his efforts to secure his freedom.