Federal Election Analysis

At Anglicare WA, we believe elections are an important moment for people to shape the future by influencing government policies that positively impact the wellbeing of individuals and communities.  And Western Australians had the opportunity to do so twice this year. 

Just eight weeks after the state election, Western Australians headed to the polls again on 3 May to cast their votes in the federal election and determine Australia’s future. Much like the state election, the federal election was historic. 

The Albanese Labor government achieved a landslide victory on election night, winning a second term and securing 94 out of 150 seats in the House of Representatives. This marks Labor’s highest seat count and their first majority re-election since 1993, defying predictions of a minority government.   

Anthony Albanese is the first Australian Prime Minister re-elected after a full term since John Howard in 2004 and the first Labor leader to achieve this since 1990. Other parties also made history during the election.   

The Liberal Party (the Coalition’s senior party) had its worst federal result since 1944, winning 43 seats in the House of Representatives.  Furthermore, Peter Dutton became the first federal Opposition leader to be defeated in their seat when he lost his seat of Dickson. 

The Australian Greens had a similar setback, losing three of their four seats in the House of Representatives, including that of Greens leader Adam Bandt, who lost his seat of Melbourne.  Meanwhile, independents and minor parties claimed 11 seats, with one seat (Bradfield) still in doubt as of publication. 

Regardless of election night highs and lows for each of the major parties, a growing trend that may overshadow their outcomes is the decline of their primary vote. 

According to the Australian Institute, more Australians voted outside the major parties than at any other time in the post-war era, with 33.1% voting for a minor party or independent, up from 31.7% in 2022 and 8.5% in 1980.  This shift to minor parties and independents is reflected in the Senate (the House of Review), where the Greens performed much better and hold the balance of power.  This means that while Labor has a clear mandate to govern, the Greens and independents will have a key role in holding the Government accountable. 

While election night was historic on multiple fronts, history continues to be made weeks later. The Liberal Party elected Sussan Ley as its new leader, the first woman to lead the party in its 81-year history, and the Australian Greens elected Larissa Waters as its new leader, the second woman to lead the party.  Meanwhile, at the time of publication, the Liberal-National Coalition split after almost 80 years of partnership but may reunite after renewed discussions, the implications of which may be felt for a long time. 

Over the ensuing weeks and months, all political parties will need to listen closely to the electorate with policies that meet community needs, such as addressing cost-of-living pressures, providing safe and affordable housing, and ensuring access to affordable health care. 

Anglicare WA will continue its nonpartisan efforts and work with the Federal Government and elected officials to ensure implementation of key election commitments across our advocacy priorities that enable all Australians to have a fair life and live in a better Australia. 

To see a list of our federal election policy wins, please click here.  

To learn more about our advocacy priorities, please click here.