Labor Topples Morrison's Conservative Gov't In Australia

Nine years of conservative rule in Australia came to an end on Saturday, May 22, 2022, as Anthony Albanese's Labor Party defeated Prime Minister Scott Morrison's Liberal-National coalition in the country's federal election, Rurika Imahashi reported for Nikkei Asia while Andrew Macfarlane of 1News Australia said the ruling coalition conceded defeat after 40 percent of votes cast were tallied.

Photo Insert: Anthony Albanese, Australia's new Prime Minister

Labor is promising more spending on care for children and the elderly. The coalition is promising better economic management as Australia’s deficit soars because of the pandemic. Morrison said if re-elected, his government would deliver lower taxes as well as downward pressure on interest rates and costs of living.

Due to the pandemic, around half of Australia’s 17 million electors have voted early or applied for postal votes, which will likely slow the count. Voting is compulsory for adult citizens and 92% of registered voters cast ballots in the last election, the Associated Press (AP) also reported.

The South American teleSUR broadcast network said Albanese's victory topped Morrison's nine-year rule. Morrison conceded the election, with local broadcaster ABC projecting at midnight local time that Labor had 72 seats while the ruling Liberal-National coalition was on 54. Other parties were projected to win 11, with 14 seats in doubt. Counting has ceased for the night and will continue on Sunday.

It remains to be seen if Labor will reach the 76 seats in the lower house of parliament needed to form a majority government, but leader Anthony Albanese is set to become the nation's next prime minister.

"Tonight the Australian people have voted for change. I am humbled by this victory and I'm honored to be given the opportunity to serve as the 31st prime minister of Australia," Albanese told supporters in Sydney.

"My fellow Australians, it says a lot about our great country that a son of a single mum who was a disability pensioner, who grew up in public housing down the road in Camperdown can stand before you tonight as Australia's prime minister," he said.

"I want Australia to continue to be a country that, no matter where you live, who you worship, who you love, or what your last name is - that places no restrictions on your journey in life."

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