Dejected Dutton loses seat in nightmare outcome for Liberals
Labor secured one of the most comprehensive victories in Australian political history this weekend, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese floating back into power with a commanding majority.
At the time of writing, Albanese’s Labor party had won 85 seats, with a handful of seats remaining to be called. The Peter Dutton-led LNP had managed to win just 39 seats, while independent candidates had claimed nine.
It marks the first time a sitting Prime Minister has won a second consecutive term since John Howard in 1998.
Adding to a humiliating defeat, Dutton also lost his seat of Dickson to Labor star and disability advocate Ali France. “It’s not our night,” Dutton conceded as he stepped down as leader of the Coalition.
This election was billed as a referendum on the Trumpian political attitude that Dutton brought to the table, which favoured divisive rhetoric and a misguided focus on nuclear power over issues that Australians care more about – like the cost of living, housing and healthcare.
"My fellow Australians, serving as your Prime Minister is the greatest honour of my life," a teary-eyed Albanese said in his victory speech. "And it is with a deep sense of humility and a profound sense of responsibility, that the first thing that I do tonight, is to say thank you to the people of Australia, for the chance to continue to serve the best nation on earth."
"We will be a government that helps every Australian who relies on Medicare," Albanese said while holding up his Medicare card. Labor has committed $8.5 billion to improving bulk billing rates.
"Medicare belongs to all Australians and together we will make it stronger for all Australians,” he added.
Bruised and battered, the LNP must turn its attention to finding a new captain to steer the party out of the dark waters it has found itself in. But with few viable candidates, it is likely to be a long journey to salvation.
Labor, meanwhile, has found itself with a carte blanche to pursue its agenda any way it sees fit. Whether that’s a good or bad thing will be determined over the next three years.
