Australians will go to the polls on May 3 after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called a Federal Election this morning.
Albanese visited Governor-General Sam Mostyn this morning to lock in the election date.
It will kick off a six-week election campaign, at the end of which Australians will either endorse Labor for a second term or elevate the Coalition to government.
Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton are likely to fight the election on tax cuts, cost-of-living and electricity prices.
“My fellow Australians, this morning, I visited the Governor-General, and Her Excellency has accepted my advice that an election be held on Saturday, 3 May, 2025,” Albanese said this morning.
“Over the last few years, the world has thrown a lot at Australia. In uncertain times, we cannot decide the challenges that we will face, but we can determine how we respond.”
Albanese made his first pitch to voters saying it is up to the community to chose how Australia moves forward.
“Because of the strength and resilience that our people have shown, Australia is turning the corner,” Albanese said.
“Now on 3 May, you choose the way forward.
“Your vote has never been more important.
“And your choice has never been more clear. This election is a choice between Labor’s plan to keep building or Peter Dutton’s promise to cut. That is the choice.”
Locally, the battle for Lindsay will be fought between current Liberal MP Melissa McIntosh and Labor newcomer Hollie McLean.
McIntosh holds the seat by 6.1 per cent and it is expected to remain with the Liberal Party.
One Nation will also be a factor in Lindsay with Chris Buckley confirmed as the candidate. The party grabbed 5.9 per cent of the vote at the 2022 election, when Max Jago was candidate.
There is also a lot of interest locally in Macquarie, which now takes in areas such as Emu Plains and Leonay.
Labor’s Susan Templeman holds the seat with a 6.3 per cent margin, with the Liberal Party endorsing Mike Creed to take her on.
Redistribution has taken the seat from a 7.8 per cent margin to the new margin of 6.3.
One Nation is also fielding a candidate in the shape of Matthew Jacobson while Family First and the Libertarian Party have also locked in candidates.
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.