Hoping to capitalise on some rare good news on interest rates, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was on the cusp of announcing an April polling date. Instead he had to pivot and focus on responding to the natural disaster.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese leaves the 19th EAST ASEAN Summit (EAS) at the National Convention Centre, in Vientiane, Laos, October 11, 2024. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo/File Photo SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday called a national election for May 3,

Economic and global issues are likely to be key campaign topics, with polls showing that the election will be closely fought.