Voters turn out in droves as pre-polling proves popular
Pre-polling has proven increasingly popular with more than half a million voters casting ballots on the first day as parties scramble for preference deals.
political campaigns
Gloves off for leaders in combative third debate
The prime minister and opposition leader have not held back, trading barbs and personal digs after a subdued day on the campaign trail.
Coalition unpacks tax hike plan to fund defence splurge
Peter Dutton has promised a coalition government would raise defence spending and rely on higher income taxes to partially fund the pledge.
Election campaign at half-mast as leaders remember Pope
Election campaign events by Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have been cancelled because of the Pope's death, as early voting opens.
‘Election up for grabs’: PM on alert despite polling
Although the coalition has assumed underdog status, Peter Dutton says he could still snag a win - while Anthony Albanese isn't letting his guard down.
Easter break not all peace as Labor lob eggs over wages
Australians hopeful of a cordial Easter break have been denied a reprieve in the final stretch of an election as the clock ticks to flip undecided voters.
Palmer makes pitch to Patriots at campaign launch
Billionaire Clive Palmer has made his pitch to party faithful's after launching the Trumpet of Patriots campaign at his own resort.
Eat the rich: Greens to tax billionaires to feed kids
Every Australian public school student would get a free meal under a Greens plan that would be funded by taxing billionaires and corporations.
Bullish health promises under microscope before debate
The prime minister insists there's ample evidence urgent care clinics have led to shorter hospital wait times, despite a report saying it's too soon to tell.
Greens MP turns to OnlyFans to promote sexual health
A Greens MP has joined a subscription-based platform used by adult content creators in an effort to reach voters and promote the minor party's health policies.
PM and Dutton trade barbs in mid-campaign showdown
Humility and some hostility was on show as the prime minister and opposition leader returned to the stage for their second election debate.
PM looking forward as clock ticks for lagging Liberals
Labor has been buoyed by a run of strong polls as the coalition looks to claw back lost ground as the clock ticks down before early voting opens.
Election hits final stretch as major sweeteners pledged
Australians wanting to buy their first home and taxpayers looking for cost of living reprieve have become the centrepiece of the major parties' pitches.
Parties eyes votes in ‘over the top’ spending blitz
Despite promising good economic management, major parties have thrown billions at voters in pre-election sweeteners amid competing pitches for first homebuyers.
PM downplays awkward air kiss as campaign heads south
After an awkward exchange with Tanya Plibersek on the campaign trail, Anthony Albanese has refused to say whether his purported rival will keep her portfolio.
Dutton’s son saving like mad in hopeless housing market
Peter Dutton took his son out on the campaign trail as he assured his government would offer housing hope for young Australians like 20-year-old Harry.
Ferries and celebrities as pollies dash to win the west
Major parties have focused their attention on the west with ferry rides and celebrity appearances kicking off another day of campaigning.
No town is too far in Nationals’ fight for the regions
Nationals Leader David Littleproud wants to leave a legacy etched across regional Australia as a week-long tour provides glimpses into where it can happen.
‘No more bills’: why batteries may change energy market
Helping more households capture solar power in a battery could have a market-wide impact, although some could miss out on the biggest savings.
Australia aims for ‘zero tariffs’ after Trump backtrack
Donald Trump's tariff backdown has provided Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton with a fresh opportunity to position themselves as superior negotiators.
Redundancy drive to cut public jobs in coalition plan
The coalition has shifted on its plan to save billions by shrinking the public service, floating the prospect of voluntary redundancies for the first time.
Emotions high as iconic town waltzes into history books
The small outback town of Winton has a history far outweighing its size, and residents have welcomed new hope following a landmark funding commitment.
PM wins first election campaign debate against Dutton
Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have clashed during the first leaders' debate ahead of the federal election, as the two fielded questions on cost of living.
Liberals ‘not here to line gas giants’ pockets’: Dutton
Despite anger from the gas sector, Peter Dutton has doubled down on plans for a domestic reserve armed with modelling on how much households willsave.
Aussies worry about harmful deepfakes but share anyway
Most Australian voters say they are seeing more political deepfakes online and want regulation, but some share suspect content without checking.
Dutton approval rating plunges to worst level since becoming opposition leader
After a week of zipping across the nation in pursuit of votes, Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have crossed paths on the campaign trail for the first time.
Port becomes political football but is ‘not for sale’
A major port leased to a Chinese company is in the sights of a takeover as the coalition and Labor flag plans for it to be brought back into Australian hands.
No child’s play for Nationals in regional battleground
National Party leader David Littleproud has kicked off a renewed battle to win back a key coalition seat, promising to even the score in regional Australia.
Greens flag new condition in event of a hung parliament
A minority party will push for one per cent of the federal budget to be spent on "restoring" nature if the election produces a hung parliament.
Housing and crime spearhead Dutton’s pitch in key seats
Community safety is a key tenet of Peter Dutton's pitch to voters as he positions himself as a strong leader in contrast to a prime minister he brands as weak.
U-turn on gas-guzzler fines could penalise motorists
Carmakers who fail to meet environmental standards will not be penalised under proposed changes expected during the election campaign.