Prime Minister Scott Morrison has declined to rule out an election this year, but says his “one priority” for 2021 is getting the nation through the COVID-19 pandemic.
There is speculation Morrison could call a poll in the second half of the year.
The legal window for calling a House of Representatives and half-Senate election opens in August.
Asked on 3AW radio on Jan. 5 to rule out an election this year, Morrison said it was “Canberra speculation.”
“I only have one priority this year and that is getting Australians through the pandemic,” he said.
“The election is not due until 2022 so I have enough to do in 2021.”
Morrison said there were a number of other issues to be dealt with this year including mental health, aged care and “work on the recycling economy.”
The last election was held on May 18, 2019.
