Australians will go to the polls on May 3 for general elections with high costs of living and a shortage of housing likely weighing against the government as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s center-left Labor Party seeks a second three-year term.
Albanese drove to Governor-General Sam Mostyn’s official residence on Friday to trigger the election and announced the date later at a news conference at Parliament House.
“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 said.
“Our government has chosen to face global challenges the Australian way: helping people under cost-of-living while building for the future,” he added.
CARE TAKER PERIOD
The caretaker period commenced with the dissolution of the House of Representatives this morning. It will continue until the election result is clear, or if there is a change of government, until the new government is appointed by the Governor‑General.
During the caretaker period, successive governments have followed a series of practices, known as the caretaker conventions, which allow the business of government and ordinary matters of administration to continue, although the Government avoids:
- making major policy decisions that are likely to commit an incoming government;
- making significant appointments; and
- entering into major contracts or undertakings.
In the event such decisions are urgently required, the relevant minister would usually consult the Opposition before any decisions are made.