Anthony Albanese hopes to become the first Australian prime minister in 21 years to lead a political party to consecutive election victories.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, seeking re-election in a tight race, is a pragmatic leader who pledged to end divisions but was set back by the failure of a referendum on Indigenous people and the headwinds of global inflation.

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