Albanese Wins Second Term as Australia's Prime Minister

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has secured a second consecutive three-year term, making him the first leader in 21 years to achieve this feat. Opposition leader Peter Dutton conceded defeat, acknowledging responsibility for the loss and congratulating Albanese on what he called a historic occasion for the Labor Party. The Australian Electoral Commission projected the ruling center-left Labor Party to win a significant lead in the House of Representatives, with minor parties and independents also performing strongly. Election analysts predicted Labor would likely form a majority or minority government, while the opposition coalition was not expected to have a path to govern. Key campaign issues included the cost of living crisis, energy policy, and debates over nuclear versus renewable energy, with both major parties supporting a net-zero emissions target by 2050. Dutton's coalition criticized government spending and proposed public sector cuts, whereas Labor criticized the opposition’s approach to services and energy policy.