Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that the upcoming federal election will be held in May, following advice from Treasurer Jim Chalmers. This decision comes after considering an April 12 election, which was ruled out due to concerns about Tropical Cyclone Alfred affecting Queensland and New South Wales. The Albanese government is set to deliver its federal budget on March 25, which will be central to the election campaign.
Chalmers has suggested that the budget will focus heavily on economic issues, positioning the economy at the heart of the campaign. While the delay to May may come as a surprise to the opposition, it allows Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to respond with a budget reply, giving him an opportunity to outline his party’s policies and announce new initiatives closer to polling day according to Sky News report.
The opposition is expected to use the additional time to focus on key issues such as the controversial Nature Positive laws, hoping to apply further pressure on the government. Meanwhile, the government has indicated that the upcoming budget may include extended energy bill subsidies to alleviate cost-of-living pressures, a key issue for many voters.
With both major parties preparing for a tight race, the federal budget will play a significant role in shaping the election narrative.