Albanese Confirms Federal Election for May After Cyclone Delay

The prime minister also stated his continued support for four-year fixed terms.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a Cabinet meeting Melbourne, Australia on Feb. 24, 2025. AAP Image/James Ross

With few other dates available, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the federal election would be some time in May.

“I can now confirm the election will be in May,” he told the media on March 24, a day before Treasurer Jim Chalmers unveiled the 2025 federal budget.

Earlier media reports suggested an April election, but Cyclone Alfred put paid to that notion with the prime minister unable to set the date while Queenslanders and New South Welshmen contended with severe weather damage.

Albanese said he was repeatedly advised to call an early election but chose not to.

“I was advised this time last year, in order to stop tax cuts going forward, that we should call an election. And I ignored that call by Mr. Dutton and I continue to govern,” he said.

Albanese also emphasised the importance of the upcoming budget, calling it a crucial step for the nation’s future.

“It’s an important budget that will set Australia up on the path to a better future. And I look forward to that.”

Debate Over Fixed Four-Year Terms

The prime minister reiterated his stance on four-year fixed election terms, arguing that the current three-year term was too short.

“I say consistently, as I have said privately and publicly, three years is too short,” he said.

At present, federal elections in Australia are held every three years, while most states and territories operate on a four-year cycle.

The election must be held by May 17, with May 3 emerging as a likely date.

Election Timing and Opposition Response

It is speculated that Albanese had initially considered an April 12 election but shelved those plans to focus on the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

“I’m focused on Australians and Australians showing our character at this difficult time. That’s my focus,” he said.

“I’ve no intention of doing anything that distracts from what we need to do, and what we need to do is to look after each other at this difficult time.”

Opposition Calls for Policy Focus, Not Term Extensions

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton dismissed the idea of four-year terms, arguing that Australians would not support such a referendum.

“Australian families who are struggling to pay their bills at the moment want a PM who is focused on them—not one focused on himself and how he can stay in power for longer,” Dutton told the Australian Financial Review last year.

Dutton also pointed to polling indicating Labor’s declining support in key electorates.

Meanwhile, Albanese criticised the opposition for failing to announce new policies.

“They should announce some policy, besides the three that have been announced—nuclear plans, $20,000 free lunches, and the cuts that we don’t know about,” he said.

Albanese added, “We’re very clear about what our agenda is, and it’s an agenda of governing. And what I’m doing today is governing, putting in place these important reforms.”