Prime Minister Anthony Albanese handed out ice creams to members of the public in Sydney earlier today. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

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PM's victory lap, ex-National calls Coalition campaign 'disastrous' — as it happened

Anthony Albanese has received a warm reception in his home electorate after Labor's election night victory, while independent Andrew Gee — who quit the Nationals in 2022 — has described the Coalition's campaign as an "epic wipe-out".

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese handed out ice creams to members of the public in Sydney earlier today. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

Published 4 May 2025 6:30am

Updated 4 May 2025 4:43pm

Source: SBS News

That's a wrap for today

Thank you for joining our live coverage of the day after the federal election.

Anthony Albanese has enjoyed a victory lap in his home seat of Grayndler in Sydney's inner-west, handing out ice creams behind the counter at Leichhardt institution Bar Italia and being given an album by 60s Australian rockers The Easybeats by a local record store owner.

The Coalition, meanwhile, are picking up the pieces after a

historic election defeat

.

In case you missed it, here's some of our post-election day coverage and analysis:

They said he was dreaming — but then Anthony Albanese proved the doubters wrong

Greens lose two Brisbane seats, with leader Adam Bandt's Melbourne seat also at risk

World leaders congratulate Anthony Albanese on election victory

'A footnote': Trumpet of Patriots spent millions on the election and didn't win a single seat

Statement or setback? What happened to the Gaza protest vote at the federal election

— Alex Gallagher

8h ago4:21pm

How will Australia change under Labor this term?

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Labor announced a slew of election promises during the campaign, making pledges on health, housing, cost of living, the environment and many other areas.

We've broken down those promises and the many ways Australia is set to change over the next few years into a handy pocket guide. Have a look at it below:

The many ways Australia will change under Anthony Albanese's second term

— Alex Gallagher

8h ago4:14pm

Coalition's campaign 'truly disastrous', ex-Nationals independent Andrew Gee says

A former member of the Nationals who quit over the party's opposition to the Voice says the Coalition's campaign was "truly disastrous".

"I mean, it's been an epic wipe-out," independent Andrew Gee told ABC News on Sunday.

"The whole campaign was very strange in many ways out here on the ground. It was a nasty campaign. There were all sorts of, I won't even go into it, there was a lot of skulduggery going on out here."

Gee was returned to the western NSW seat of Calare in Saturday's poll.

— Rashida Yosufzai

8h ago4:03pm

The 'Gaza vote' was set to mobilise Muslim communities against Labor, but did it change the election outcome?

Political action groups who had hoped to unseat Labor ministers and politicians in heartland seats over a perceived inaction on the issue of Gaza say they achieved "extremely positive results" at the federal election, despite not yet flipping any seats in parliament.

Many

Muslim voters had vowed to shun Labor for the first time in their lives

frustrated by the party's stance on the war.

Responding to community discontent, pro-Palestinian action groups

Muslim Votes Matter

and The Muslim Vote mobilised in traditional Labor heartland seats to support candidates who aligned with its values, including Greens and independent candidates across 32 seats.

Statement or setback? What happened to the Gaza protest vote at the federal election

— Elfy Scott

9h ago2:49pm

Labor now has a mandate to 'step up' and make real reform

In Perth this morning, the mood was upbeat as WA federal Labor gathered to celebrate its sweeping results in the west.

At a media event not far from the Swan River, applause broke out as the party touted its success in holding all four seats won in 2022 — and adding Moore to the tally.

Although he couldn't vote, 66-year-old Donny McKenzie from Scotland said Labor's victory was a win for "proper policies".

A man wearing a cream jacket stands in front of a house

Donny McKenzie, 66, said Donald Trump's 'bully' behaviour impacted voters. Source: SBS / Christopher Tan

"I think they [Liberals] still didn't realise Mr Trump is a bully," he said.

"The writing was on the wall with Mr Trump that he's a failure. Especially with all these policies on tariff attacks, they are crazy and are just making everyone poorer."

McKenzie also said immigration has to be a key policy of any Australian government.

"After all, Australia started as immigrants, that’s what it's all about," he said.

For 34-year-old Tim Lapsley, the result reflected a broader message.

"It's a rejection of the cultural politics the Liberals tried to push. People don't want that," he said.

"Labor now has a clear mandate. Housing needs real reform — not more money thrown at inflated prices."

A man wearing a green jacket and orange cap stands in a car park in front of a house.

Tim Lapsley, 34, would like to see the re-elected Labor government do more to address housing issues. Source: SBS / Christopher Tan

He also hoped Australia would "step up" on global issues.

"There should be more pressure on Israel to end the war — even if Australia's power is limited, it still matters."

— Christopher Tan

10h ago2:17pm

Sydney electorate of Bradfield 'extremely close', candidate says

Nicolette Boele, independent candidate for Bradfield, is hoping to clinch the historically Liberal leaning seat in Sydney's north.

She said it could be days until a winner is declared.

"The count in Bradfield is extremely close and we expect it will be several days until the AEC (Australian Electoral Commission) has a final result," she said.

"Regardless of the outcome, this community has made it clear that we expect our representative to listen to and respond to the concerns of this community.

"The nationwide result shows that Australians overwhelmingly reject the negative, toxic politics we’ve seen during this campaign."

Her biggest competitor for the electorate is Liberal candidate Gisele Kapterian, the party's choice to replace retiring MP Paul Fletcher.

— Anna Henderson, Cameron Carr

10h ago1:33pm

Trumpet of Patriots 'annoyed a lot of people' analyst says

After spending millions of dollars on the election campaigns, Clive Palmer's Trumpet of Patriots (ToP) party is behind some others, such as Legalise Cannabis Australia.

Redbridge Group director Simon Welsh was asked by SBS News if ToP would get any election payoff from its campaign spending.

"No, they're a footnote. A very, very unpopular footnote that just annoyed a lot of people in this election," he said.

Sydney's Daily Telegraph newspaper reported in an interview with Palmer last week that he had spent $60 million on the election campaign.

Other media reports estimate this has included $5.6 million on television advertising and about $4.2 million on YouTube ads.

'A footnote': Trumpet of Patriots spent millions on the election and didn't win a single seat

— Niv Sadrolodabaee, Ewa Staszewska

11h ago12:52pm

Will we hear from Peter Dutton today?

Probably not. SBS News understands Dutton will not be making any media appearances today.

The long-term member for Dickson and Liberal leader lost his seat last night to Labor challenger Ali France in her third attempt to win the electorate.

Ali France speaks after her 'unexpected' victory over Peter Dutton in Dickson

— Cameron Carr

11h ago12:51pm

Anthony Albanese all smiles as he tours home electorate

The prime minister’s victory lap began in his own seat of Grayndler this morning, visiting an old favourite — Leichhardt’s Bar Italia in Sydney.

He started with a coffee with fiancée Jodie Haydon, re-elected Bennelong MP Jerome Laxale, Inner West mayor Darcy Byrne and other Labor volunteers.

A man hands out an ice cream cone over a counter.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese handed out ice creams to members of the public in Sydney earlier today. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

Laxale managed to defend his seat, among the most marginal in NSW, amid a swing to Labor in the state.

When asked what helped him achieve the feat, he simply replied: "Peter Dutton".

Anthony Albanese then got behind the gelato counter, joking about scooping seats while handing out cones to a photographer, a staffer and a Leichhardt local.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was given a record by Australian 60s rock band The Easybeats after meeting with Labor supporters at a Sydney cafe on Sunday. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

On the way out, he was presented with a vintage Easybeats album by a local record store manager, waving to cheers as he walked out to his Commonwealth vehicle.

— Naveen Razik

13h ago11:27am

'It would have been a tough night for Peter', PM tells reporters

Anthony Albanese has described politics as a "tough business" while praising Peter Dutton for his "generous comments" made in his concession speech.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon have met with Labor supporters at a Sydney cafe the morning after his election victory. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

"I wish him and Kirilly and his family all the best ... It would have been a tough night for Peter," he told reporters.

"He did mention my mum, and that was very kind of him.

"I used to visit this coffee shop with my mum, I grew up just down the road here, and I did certainly think of her last night as well."

— Cameron Carr

13h ago11:20am

Greens MP concedes Queensland seat of Griffith

Greens Griffith candidate Max Chandler-Mather conceded his seat privately last night, SBS News understands.

Labor's Renee Coffey is on track to win the seat.

The Greens have also conceded the loss of Brisbane, where Labor's Madonna Jarrett looks to have taken the seat from the Greens' Stephen Bates.

Max Chandler-Mather has been the party's housing and homelessness spokesperson. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

Leader Adam Bandt's own seat of Melbourne remains in doubt.

They are expecting to keep all Senate positions at this stage and are on track to win the seat of Ryan in Brisbane's western suburbs.

— Jesmine Cheong

14h ago9:59am

Australia's newest electorate still in doubt

The seat of Bullwinkel in WA is still in doubt, with just hundreds of votes separating Labor's Trish Cook and the Liberal's Matt Moran.

Former state opposition leader Mia Davies is currently polling in third place in primary votes.

It was the

only newly created electorate this election

, setting up a fresh battleground in Perth's eastern suburbs and the WA Wheatbelt.

Citizens Party volunteer Carl Kuen, 77, said fewer people weretaking how-to-vote cards: "They’d already made up their minds. That’s either a good or bad thing—depends what the results say." Source: SBS / Christopher Tan

Voters outside a Bullwinkel polling station told SBS News yesterday that cost of living pressures had swayed their decisions.

While one volunteer handing out how-to-vote cards said many people had already made up their minds for the election.

'We are not dumb country hicks': The electorate of Bullwinkel is a political wildcard

— Cameron Carr, Christopher Tan

14h ago9:44am

Albanese thanks Australians for 'responsibility of government': In case you missed it

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered an emotional speech after leading the Labor Party to victory in the 2025 federal election last night.

You can watch (or re-watch) his full speech here:

15h ago9:14am

Leaders from around the world have commended Anthony Albanese's 'confident electoral victory'

World leaders have praised Anthony Albanese on his victory last night, with heads of state looking forward to further strategic partnerships like AUKUS.

French President Emmanuel Macron posted a picture with Albanese and said his country would have "much to achieve" with Australia in the face of global challenges.

Other leaders from Canada, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, India, France, Indonesia, and the European Union have also congratulated Albanese.

You can read more of their messages here:

World leaders congratulate Anthony Albanese on election victory

— Rashida Yosufzai

15h ago9:00am

A similar story of election success in Singapore

Singapore's incumbent People's Action Party is likely to return government after an overwhelming surge in polling last night.

The election, which took place at the same time as Australia's, was similar in many ways.

The cost of living and housing availability were key issues discussed in the Singapore elections.

Australians have gone to the polls. Another country is also holding an election today

It was named the world's most expensive city to live in 2024, according to a report by Julius Baer.

Leaders also debated these economic issues in the shadow of US President Donald Trump's tariffs and global economic uncertainty.

But in the end, the ruling party is projected to have taken victory over the opposition.

— Cameron Carr, Niv Sadrolodabaee

15h ago8:50am

When can we expect Senate results?

While we know the next government of Australia will be Labor, the Senate is yet to be decided.

The House of Representatives votes are always counted first, determining the election winner and incoming prime minister.

However, Senate results can only be calculated and declared after a process of scanning and verifying of ballot papers is completed, which can take a number of weeks.

Minor parties such as the Greens, Trumpet of Patriots and One Nation have faced mixed to poor results in the lower house, and will be banking on seats in the Senate.

Proportional voting in the Senate means smaller parties can use preference deals with the major parties to leverage votes.

This allows for fringe groups and minor parties to have a better shot at getting enough votes for election when compared to the lower house.

— Cameron Carr

16h ago8:17am

Trumpet of Patriots fail to win lower house seat after millions in advertising

Clive Palmer's re-branded Trumpet of Patriots has failed in its bid to secure a seat in the House of Representatives this election.

While several electorates are in doubt, Palmer's party is not in contention.

The party is estimated to have spend around $5 million on television advertising, and about $4 million on YouTube ads according to media reports.

Trumpet of Patriots will now be banking on success in the Senate, but the full count won't be completed until weeks after the election.

This Trumpet of Patriots candidate says you're wrong about Clive Palmer's party

— Cameron Carr

16h ago7:51am

Independent Dai Le retains seat amid sea of red in western Sydney

One of the nation's most multicultural seats has been held by an independent for a second term, despite a strong national swing towards Labor.

The electorate of Fowler in western Sydney was a historically safe Labor seat, but saw an upset in 2022, when independent candidate

Dai Le won against former NSW premier Kristina Keneally

, who was Labor's pick.

This election she was challenged by Labor's Tu Le, a daughter of Vietnamese refugees who worked for Fowler's former MP Chris Hayes.

Voters in Fowler have told SBS News they are hopeful the incoming government can address cost of living and housing issues, a mandate Dai Le will now have on the cross bench.

'The money is not enough': Why voters like Jun are prioritising their kids on election day

— Cameron Carr

16h ago7:36am

Who could be the next Liberal leader?

The Liberals are now leaderless with the loss of Peter Dutton,

the first Opposition leader to lose their seat

at an election since federation.

The Coalition suffered a negative 3.2 per cent swing on Saturday night, with senior MPs, such as Michael Sukkar and David Coleman, also set to lose their seats.

Several senior Liberals mentioned as possible successors to Dutton include Opposition treasury spokesperson Angus Taylor and deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley.

Defence spokesperson Andrew Hastie and high-profile MP Dan Tehan could also be in contention.

— Cameron Carr

16h ago7:32am

What are some of Labor's promises its now expected to deliver?

Labor made several commitments during the past five weeks of the campaign, so what are they expected to deliver?

One of its big ticket items is an $8.5 billion boost to Medicare, which Anthony Albanese regularly touted throughout the campaign.

When it comes to cost of living relief, the government legislated two tax cuts for all Australian taxpayers. This means anyone earning more than $45,000 will save $268 in 2026/27 and $536 the year after.

Source: SBS

The party also promised an extra $150 of energy bill relief to households and businesses.

The government will extend the asset tax perk for another year but will keep the $20,000 cap.

Labor plans to establish 21 new youth specialist centres for more complex issues, on top of promises to expand, upgrade or build 58 headspace centres.

The cuts that could leave some Australians worse off after election day

— Cameron Carr, Ewa Staszewska

PM's victory lap, ex-National calls Coalition campaign 'disastrous' — as it happened