Following a five-week campaign, the results that will shape the nation for the next three years are soon to be revealed.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be monitoring the vote count from Sydney, while Opposition Leader Peter Dutton will be stationed in his hometown of Brisbane on election night.
Labor has maintained a lead in the polls throughout the campaign, eyeing a second term in office, while the coalition is hopeful of defying odds and securing a surprise victory.
The possibility of a hung parliament, where neither party reaches the required 76 seats for a majority government, looms on election night.
During polling day, Labor sent out text messages to voters regarding the Greens’ decision not to preference Labor in the ultra-marginal Victorian seat of Deakin, currently held by the Liberals.
“Preferences play a crucial role in keeping Dutton out, and Adam Bandt’s decision may jeopardize Labor’s chances of forming government,” the text message stated.
In Canberra, residents exercised their democratic rights by casting their votes at Old Parliament House.
In Victoria, Kooyong MP Monique Ryan had an unexpected encounter with a bird while being interviewed by a journalist, adding a comedic moment to the tense election atmosphere.
The Liberals are eager to reclaim the seat from the independent candidate, which was previously held by former treasurer Josh Frydenberg.
At Mount Nelson Primary School in Hobart, voters were treated to creative cake stall offerings in addition to the traditional democracy sausage.
Cake stall manager Christine Palmer mentioned that the kids had come up with quirky names like Jacqui Lambingtons, eClair Chandlers, and Brown’s Brownies.
Across the country, creative cake stalls have emerged, including ones with signs like “Make Australia Bake Again” in Sydney and the “Crumpet of Patriots.”
In Western Australia, independent MP Kate Chaney is battling to retain her marginal seat of Curtin, which played a crucial role in securing Mr. Albanese’s 2022 election victory.
While casting her vote in Perth’s affluent suburbs, she noted the intensity of attack ads during the campaign, describing them as “thicker, faster, and more desperate.”
She expressed frustration with the relentless media scrutiny and personal attacks, stating that this aspect of politics discourages many from entering the field.
Mr. Albanese aims to achieve a rare back-to-back election victory since 2004, while Mr. Dutton seeks to make history as the first leader since 1931 to unseat a government after one term.
During a speech at the MCG in Melbourne, the prime minister emphasized Labor’s pursuit of the “holy grail” of consecutive election wins.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers urged Australians to vote for stability amid global uncertainties, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve and seeking another term with humility.
The final YouGov poll before election day indicates Labor’s favorable position to form a majority government, leading 52.2% to 47.8% on a two-party preferred basis.
Mr. Albanese also holds a lead over Mr. Dutton as the preferred prime minister, with 51% to 34% support.
On election day, Labor entered with 78 seats, while the coalition held 57 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives.
By Andrew Brown
