iscover
iscover 
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed on Friday (28 March) that the next federal election will take place on 3 May 2025 after meeting with Governor-General Sam Mostyn in Canberra.
The government has officially been dissolved and is now in caretaker following the announcement, which was made mere days after the revelation of the federal budget 2025–26.
The Prime Minister said during a press conference on Friday morning: “My fellow Australians, this morning, I visited the Governor-General, and Her Excellency has accepted my advice that an election be held on Saturday, 3 May 2025.
“Our government has chosen to face global challenges the Australian way – supporting people under cost-of-living pressure, while building for the future,” the Prime Minister said, reaffirming the government’s focus on battling the cost-of-living crisis.
“Now, on May 3, you will choose the way forward. Your vote has never been more significant, and your choice has never been clearer.
“At this election, I’m asking for the Australian people’s support to continue building on the hard work we’ve done and the strong foundations we’ve laid. I’m asking you to vote Labor, so we can continue building Australia’s future together.”
So, what’s expected?
Much like the federal budget, housing is expected to take centre stage in the election campaign of both major parties, along with the aforementioned focus on cost of living.
So far, the budget has garnered a mixed response in regard to housing, with many praising the government’s pre-budget Help to Buy changes while criticisms flooded regarding the shortfalls of the National Housing Accord’s 1.2 million homes target.
While some, such as REA Group’s executive manager of economics, Angus Moore, believe that the budget was a step in the right direction in helping first home buyers enter the property market sooner, others such as HIA’s MD Jocelyn Martin, said that the budget missed a chance “to deliver a concrete housing plan”.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton announced the Coalition’s budget in reply prior to Albanese’s election call, which homed in on home ownership and small business health.
Also promised was a cut to the permanent migration program by 25 per cent, a solution that will help ease the housing crisis, according to the Coalition head.
Additionally, Dutton said that first home buyers will be able to access up to $50,000 from their superannuation for a home deposit, along with a $5 billion investment into the creation of 500,000 new homes.
Opposition Leader responds, Greens claim a ‘minority government is coming’
Dutton, responding to the election call out of Brisbane, said that the election is a “choice about who can better manage our economy”.
“Australian families need relief now,” he said.
“And we must do better and there is a better way. And the Coalition has an achievable plan to get our country back on track.
“Mr Albanese is too weak and Labor is too incompetent to fix the problems that they’ve created and that are facing our country today. We can’t afford three more years like the last three.”
Shortly after the Prime Minister’s announcement, Australian Greens Party Leader Adam Bandt voiced a stark warning for the two major parties.
“Minority government is coming,” Bandt said.
“And with the major parties offering about as attractive as a dead fish, you can see why.
“Labor wants to give you 73 cents a day in a year. The Liberals are offering about the same to some people but only for the [year], and the Greens want to save you thousands of dollars a year every year by getting dental into Medicare, making it free to see the GP, capping rent increases and wiping student debt.”
Bandt said that a ministerial position is not within the Greens’ priority, rather the party aims to “keep Peter Dutton out, and get Labor to act”.
“This is a real chance by voting Greens to get some real outcomes for people. Like enough of the tinkering around the edges. Tinkering around the edges of the housing and rental crisis still leaves people skipping meals just to pay the rent,” Bandt said.
The Prime Minister told the Australian public on Friday morning that their “vote has never been more important”.
“This election is a choice between Labor’s plan to keep building or Peter Dutton’s promise to cut. That is the choice. That is your choice,” the Prime Minister said.
[RELATED: Coalition budget in reply: Dutton outlines housing affordability plans]
