In a night that exceeded expectations and cemented his leadership, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led Labor to a resounding second-term victory on May 3, locking in 86 seats by 10 p.m.—a result well above what pollsters had forecast.
It marked one of the party’s strongest second-term performances in decades.
Taking the stage at Labor headquarters in Sydney, Albanese began his address with the same words he used to close his campaign.
“My fellow Australians, serving as your Prime Minister is the greatest honour of my life,” said an overwhelmed Albanese, pausing briefly to sip water.
Unity at The Core
One of the defining messages of Albanese’s speech was national unity.Amid recent rises in divisive rhetoric across the political landscape, the prime minister framed the election as a turning point.
“The Australian people have voted for Australian values, for fairness, aspiration and opportunity for all,” he said.
“For the strength to show courage in adversity and kindness to those in need ... and a future built on everything that brings us together as Australians.”
Albanese called for reflection and collective effort.
“No matter who you voted for, no matter where you live, no matter how you worship or who you love... We are all Australians,” he said.
Stability and Optimism
Albanese credited the election result to Australians choosing stability over disruption, saying voters had embraced a steady, positive alternative during a period marked by global uncertainty.“Australians have chosen optimism and determination,” he said.
He pledged to honour the trust voters had placed in his government.
“The positive programme we took to this election was shaped by the Australian people’s priorities,” he said.
“We will dedicate the next three years to making a positive difference to your lives and to your future, bringing the rewards for your hard work within reach.”
That included investing in young Australians, supporting older generations, and building “an economy and a society that is every bit as strong and fair, as resilient and generous as Australians are themselves.”
As supporters chanted “Albo! Albo!” he quipped, “I think the Australian people have got the name.”
He then reflected on his working-class upbringing, marked by hardship but grounded in a sense of optimism.
“My mom had a hard life, and we struggled financially, but she taught me to always be positive and see the best in people,” he said.
Dutton’s Call and First-Time Supporters
Albanese acknowledged a concession call from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.“I thank Peter for his generous words at the end of what has been a very hard-fought campaign,” he said.
“I want to take this opportunity to wish Peter and Kirilly and their family all the very best for their future.”
He noted that while elections often focus on political differences, the democratic process relies on that contest—and on media to hold all sides accountable.
He extended a special thank you to voters who backed Labor for the first time.
“I know so many of you have worked hard in the face of significant challenges,” he said.
“And I know there’s still much more to do to help people under pressure.
Work Begins Anew
The prime minister made it clear the next chapter begins immediately.“We take up this task with new hope, new confidence, and new determination,” he said.
“Together we are turning the corner, and together we will make our way forward—with no one held back and no one left behind.”
He also acknowledged the weight many Australians carry amid economic uncertainty, reaffirming Labor’s promise to govern for all.
“Every Australian who wants a fair go at work, fair wages for their work, and the right to disconnect when they’re done with work,” he said.
Labor, he pledged, would stand with every Australian who dreams of owning their own home.
He thanked senior leaders including Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, and Home Affairs Tony Burke.
He also credited Senate leader Penny Wong, her deputy Don Farrell, and campaign spokesperson Jason Clare.
Albanese gave a special mention to Ali France, who defeated Peter Dutton in Dickson.
“If you excuse me for singling out one of them who ran for a third time in Dickson—Ali France,” he said.
He thanked constituents in Grayndler, which he has represented across ten elections.
Lead with Aussie Values, Not Foreign Templates
Closing his speech, Albanese delivered a subtle but pointed rejection of the growing Americanisation of Australian politics—an issue that had featured prominently throughout the campaign.In a clear swipe at Peter Dutton’s Trump-style rhetoric, he reaffirmed Australia’s independent path.
“We did not need to beg or borrow or copy from anywhere else,” he said.
“Our government will choose the Australian way.
“We do not see our inspiration overseas. We find it right here—in our values and our people.”
In his final line, Albanese returned to the task ahead.
“Starting tomorrow, we dedicate ourselves to your service,” he said.
“We renew the great responsibility and opportunity of government ... and with pride and purpose, optimism and determination, with faith in the fair go, and faith in each other, we return to the work of building Australia’s future.”
