Australians Vote in High-Stakes Federal Election

Australians are voting in a federal election in which incumbent Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Labor Party is favored to retain power against Conservative Coalition leader Peter Dutton. The campaign has focused on the rising cost of living, housing affordability, and divergent energy policies, with Labor emphasizing renewables and the Coalition supporting nuclear power. Both parties have promised tax cuts and subsidies to address economic concerns. The influence of Donald Trump’s second U.S. presidential term has impacted campaign strategies, and allegations have emerged of Chinese Communist Party-linked volunteers supporting independent candidates. Voters across the country have cited economic pressures and housing as their top concerns. Key battlegrounds include Sydney and Melbourne, and the election's outcome is expected to shape Australia's domestic and foreign policy in a complex international environment.