Labor Wins Australia Election as Opposition Leader Loses Seat

Australia’s 2025 federal election concluded with a decisive victory for the ruling Labor Party, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who secured a second consecutive term in office. The result also marked a personal defeat for opposition leader Peter Dutton, who lost his seat in the House of Representatives.

Labor won 86 seats, increasing its representation compared to the previous election. The Liberal-National coalition dropped to just 41 seats, marking one of its weakest showings in decades. The Greens lost all four of their seats, including the Melbourne constituency, where party leader Adam Bandt was unseated by a Labor candidate. Meanwhile, independent candidates gained traction, especially in urban districts.

Labor focused its campaign on the cost of living, social equity, and climate policy. The party promised an accelerated shift toward renewable energy and introduced support measures for low-income families — pledges that resonated with many voters.

A major upset occurred in the Dixon electorate, where Liberal leader Peter Dutton was defeated by Labor’s Ali France, who had previously lost to him twice. This marks the first time in modern Australian history that the opposition leader failed to retain their parliamentary seat. Analysts attributed Dutton’s defeat to his hardline stance on immigration and his attempt to emulate Donald Trump’s political style, which alienated centrist and urban voters.

Amid the loss, discussions have already begun within the Liberal Party regarding new leadership and strategic direction. Labor, meanwhile, viewed the victory as a renewed mandate for Albanese’s leadership.

The newly elected parliament is expected to convene in the coming weeks. Leaders from the UK and New Zealand were among the first to congratulate Albanese on his re-election.