As Australians cast their votes in the national election on Saturday, cost-of-living pressures remain front and center—but another unexpected figure loomed large over the campaign: Donald Trump.
While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s center-left Labor Party appears to be holding a lead over the conservative Liberal-National coalition, the volatile impact of Trump’s international policies—especially his back-and-forth tariffs—has left many voters feeling uneasy. That uncertainty, combined with domestic economic concerns, shaped the final days of the five-week campaign.
A Campaign Built on Stability
Albanese, speaking from Melbourne, touted his government’s economic management, saying Labor has laid “strong foundations,” noting that real wages are rising while inflation continues to ease. Heading into his home electorate in Sydney to vote, the prime minister reiterated promises to improve housing affordability and reinforce Australia’s healthcare system if given a second term.
Dutton Pushes for a Change in Course
Meanwhile, opposition leader Peter Dutton began his day in the crucial battleground of Melbourne before heading to Queensland. Framing the election as a chance to “get the country back on track,” he made a last push for votes in his Brisbane seat—one he holds by a narrow margin.
The former police officer has promised steep immigration cuts and major public service reductions. But in a campaign increasingly overshadowed by global politics, Labor has tried to link Dutton to Donald Trump’s brand of populism, hoping to tap into growing unease about America’s political direction.
Trump’s Shadow Looms Over the Campaign
Though Australia maintains a close security alliance with the U.S., that didn’t spare the country from Trump-era tariffs. A 10% duty on Australian exports under Trump’s trade policies has sparked frustration. The backlash against those tariffs—along with recent U.S. comments about Canada’s sovereignty—has created ripple effects across the Pacific.
Labor is betting that linking Dutton to Trump will make voters think twice. While Dutton has distanced himself from Trumpian comparisons and rejected Elon Musk-style plans to slash government agencies, his standing in the polls has slipped since Trump’s tariffs hit Australia. Just a few months ago, Dutton was ahead.
Australian Voters Speak Out
At polling places across the country—where voting is mandatory—Australians queued up from early morning, with many having already voted early. In Bondi, beachside voters arrived in flip-flops and the famously tight “budgy smugglers” as community volunteers fired up sausage sizzles.
“I’m feeling hopeful Labor will return, maybe in a minority government with Greens holding some power,” said Ben McCluskey, a 41-year-old engineer casting his vote in the iconic Sydney suburb.
Nearby, 28-year-old childcare worker Lucy Tonagh said cost-of-living and staffing shortages in education topped her list of concerns. “We need more teachers. That’s really affecting families like mine,” she said.
A Populist Shift?
Political analysts don’t believe Trump alone will decide the outcome—but he has influenced the tone. Some voters said Trump’s rhetoric made them more cautious about leadership that mirrors his style.
In Canberra, lifelong Liberal voter Matthew Smith made the rare move of voting independent. “Dutton’s become too populist. He reminds me of Trump,” said the 49-year-old. “That’s not the direction I want my country to go.”
Tight Race, Uncertain Outcome
A Newspoll released Friday by The Australian newspaper showed Labor ahead at 52.5% to the coalition’s 47.5%, under the country’s ranked-choice voting system. However, several polls suggest Albanese might not secure a full majority, meaning preferences from independents and smaller parties could decide the final outcome.
One thing’s clear: while Australians are voting on domestic issues, the world stage—and especially America’s political turbulence—is playing a quiet but powerful role in the choices they’re making at the ballot box.
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