The Morrison government has been resoundingly defeated, with Labor headed for office, although whether in a minority or majority was unclear late Saturday night.
He is only the fifth Labor leader to win government from opposition since the first world war, and there’s every indication he will be a consensus prime minister.
After a long and tedious campaign, leaders fight over the remaining undecided voters.
Labor’s Anthony Albanese (left) is leading Liberal Prime Minister Scott Morrison in polls ahead of Australia’s election on May 21.
Reuters / Alamy Stock Photo
Michelle Grattan speaks with Frank Bongiorno, a history professor at the Australian National University who gives his insights into the current battle but also takes the long views of campaigns.
Despite the treatment of women being hotly debated in recent times, they have been largely overlooked during the election - and that may have big consequences on May 21.
The positive nexus between Morrison’s economic agenda and his masculine leadership image in 2019 may have now turned negative. This reinforces Labor narratives that he’s uncaring and a poor performer.
The prime minister’s promise comes as moderate liberals in “teal” seats reveal deep voter dislike for Morrison, which they believe to be a drag on their vote.
Experts and undecided voters from pubs across the country awarded the debate to Albanese, in what was a much more civil contest than the previous debate.
Neither Scott Morrison nor Anthony Albanese has so far impressed with strong leadership skills - but the Labor leader may offer a different style of leadership that might suit the times.