Albanese leads Labor to decisive victory as coalition crumbles; Fisher call still undecided
By Sonia Isaacs
AUSTRALIANS have delivered Prime Minister Anthony Albanese a resounding victory in the 2025 federal election, defying expectations of a hung parliament and handing Labor a likely expanded majority.
Despite forecasts suggesting a tight contest, Labor is on track to secure at least 82 seats in the 150-member House of Representatives, with some projections tipping as many as 90 – well above the 76 required for majority rule.
In a triumphant speech on Saturday night (May 3), Mr Albanese described his re-election as “a moment of deep humility and profound responsibility,” thanking Australians for their trust and vowing to govern with “aspiration and compassion.”
“This is a time of global uncertainty,” he said. “Australians have chosen optimism and determination.”
Outgoing Opposition Leader Peter Dutton conceded defeat shortly after 9.30pm AEST.
In a gracious address, he acknowledged the Coalition’s poor showing and took full responsibility for the result.
Mr Dutton also lost his Brisbane seat of Dickson—an historic upset—defeated by Labor challenger Ali France.
He had held the seat since 2001, becoming the first sitting federal Opposition Leader to lose their electorate.
The Australian Electoral Commission had not yet declared the final result, however the Coalition is poised for one of its worst defeats in decades, securing just 38 seats in the house of government at time of publication.
Locally, the Sunshine Coast seat of Fisher remains undecided.
Liberal National incumbent Andrew Wallace, who has held the seat since 2016, said the campaign had been “huge” and paid tribute to his grassroots team.
“While official results are still trickling in, I want to thank our incredible volunteers for their dedication,” Mr Wallace said.
A spokesperson for his campaign told GC&M News the team remained hopeful: “We remain focused on earning the support needed to continue fighting for Fisher and delivering real results.”
Independent candidate Keryn Jones said Fisher was “right down to the wire.”
“Fisher has spoken clearly about the kind of politics it wants—honest, fair, and community-driven,” she said.
Labor candidate Morrison Lakey was approached for comment.
With postal votes and preferences still being counted, a final declaration in Fisher may be days away.