Albanese Celebrates Historic Landslide Victory, Pledges Stability and Reform in Second Term

SYDNEY — Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese basked in a sweeping election victory Sunday, vowing to lead a “disciplined, orderly” government as his Labor Party secured a commanding majority in parliament. The win, described by party officials as “one for the ages,” places Labor on track to claim at least 83 of the 150 parliamentary seats, according to preliminary results.

In a jubilant return to his roots, the 62-year-old leader and his fiancée Jodie Haydon visited a familiar haunt — Cafe Italia in Sydney — where residents applauded as photographers and journalists swarmed. Albanese, who once frequented the café with his late mother, marked the moment with an impromptu ice cream scoop for reporters before heading to a local brewery named after him, Willie the Boatman, home of the “Albo Pale Ale.”

“This was beyond even our most optimistic expectations,” said Treasurer Jim Chalmers, calling the result a reflection of Australians’ desire for “stability in uncertain times.” Analysts credited economic hardships and global trade tensions — notably fallout from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs — as factors that influenced voter sentiment.

In stark contrast, opposition leader Peter Dutton suffered a crushing defeat, with his Liberal-National coalition securing only 38 seats. The loss included the rare blow of potentially losing his own seat. “We didn’t do well enough… I accept full responsibility,” Dutton said in his concession speech.

Albanese, now entering a second term, has pledged to prioritize renewable energy, tax relief, housing affordability, and healthcare funding. Meanwhile, Dutton had campaigned on immigration cuts, nuclear energy, and crime crackdowns.

The 36-day campaign remained largely subdued, though not without its moments — including Albanese falling off a stage and Dutton accidentally injuring a cameraman with a stray football.

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Global leaders swiftly extended congratulations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized continued collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, while China expressed willingness to work with the new government. Albanese also confirmed communications with leaders from New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and others, reaffirming Australia’s support for Ukraine.

“This is a humbling result,” Albanese said. “But we’ll work hard each and every day to deliver the stable leadership Australians deserve.”