Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese touted his Labor party's credentials on affordable healthcare on Saturday, the first full day of campaigning for a general election expected to have cost of living as a central issue.

Experts all agree that mandatory voting is a key factor in Australia's political stability. In the 2022 elections, just under 90% of the population voted – much, much higher than the average OECD turnout of 69%. The fine for not voting in a federal election is a mere A$20 but there's a sense of duty here to go out and vote.

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