Australians cast their votes on May 3, 2025, in a tightly contested federal election marked by widespread economic anxiety and global political influences, particularly the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump. The election pitted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's center-left Labor Party against the conservative Liberal-National Coalition led by Peter Dutton, with both major parties vying for control of a nation grappling with rising living costs and international trade challenges.

At the heart of the election were pressing domestic concerns. Voters across the country voiced frustration over housing affordability, inflation, healthcare access, and stagnant wage growth. While both Labor and the Coalition promised fiscal responsibility and modest support measures, many Australians were unconvinced that either major party could deliver meaningful solutions to their economic hardships. This disillusionment drove a noticeable shift toward smaller parties, including the Greens, which proposed more radical reforms and found resonance with younger and progressive voters.

The international dimension of the election was sharply influenced by the policies of U.S. President Trump. In April 2025, Trump imposed a 10% tariff on Australian exports, dealing a significant blow to the nation's trade prospects. Despite efforts by Prime Minister Albanese to negotiate an exemption, the tariff remained in place, fueling economic uncertainty and inflaming public discontent. Labor campaigners sought to draw a clear contrast between Albanese’s diplomatic approach and what they described as Dutton’s ideological closeness to Trump. The opposition leader's proposals to cut public sector jobs and limit immigration were framed by critics as echoes of Trump-style populism.

Beyond economic issues, foreign policy positions also affected voter choices. Australia’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict, in particular, drew scrutiny, with some voters shifting their support to independent candidates and smaller parties that demanded stronger humanitarian action and a more independent foreign policy.

With more than 18 million Australians eligible to vote, early voting turnout exceeded 8 million, indicating high public engagement. Australia's ranked-choice voting system means that a clear winner may not emerge immediately, and the possibility of a hung parliament looms large. In such a scenario, Labor could be forced to seek agreements with independents or the Greens to form a functioning government. Political analysts have drawn parallels with the 2010 election, when minor parties played a decisive role in shaping the balance of power.

As the nation awaits the final count, the outcome of the 2025 federal election will shape not only Australia's domestic policies but also its stance in an increasingly uncertain global political environment.