Labour’s Anthony Albanese denied the so-called “curse of the incumbent” and was re-elected Australia’s prime minister in a landslide, the BBC reported.
The official voting count doesn’t end for days, but the central left government of Albanese dramatically increases its majority after a conservative liberal coalition of states suffers a fierce defeat across the country.
“Today, Australians voted for Australian values, for their strength to demonstrate adversity and kindness to those in need, for their fairness, aspirations and opportunities,” Albanese said.
Coalition leader Peter Dutton, who lost his seat in 24 years, said he accepted “full responsibility” for his party’s loss and apologized to lawmakers.
The five-week campaign was dominated by living costs concerns, particularly affordable prices, with issues such as energy and climate change, international relations and transition.