The year 2025 proved to be another tumultuous chapter in Australian politics, defined by a fiercely contested federal election, significant leadership changes, and a series of headline-grabbing political stunts. A visual journey through the year captures the drama, both on the campaign trail and within the halls of power in Canberra.
The Campaign Trail: From Canine Cuddles to Stumbles
The federal election campaign dominated the political landscape. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was pictured holding a dog during a visit to Sunnybank Market Square in the electorate of Moreton on day 32 of the campaign, a classic attempt at connecting with voters. However, the campaign was not without its mishaps; Albanese was also assisted after stumbling off a stage at an event in the Hunter electorate on day six.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton maintained a busy schedule, holding a press conference in Darwin on day eight of his campaign and later visiting a Lifeline centre in Abbotsford, Melbourne. The electoral battle saw high-profile casualties, including former Greens leader Adam Bandt, who spoke to media after losing his seat of Melbourne.
Inside Parliament: Ceremonies, Protests, and Memes
Following the election, the re-elected Labor government was sworn in at Government House, where Governor General Sam Mostyn posed for a group selfie with Anthony Albanese and cabinet ministers. The new parliamentary term, however, quickly returned to familiar combative rhythms.
The Senate witnessed powerful moments, such as Independent senator Lidia Thorpe moving a motion on Indigenous deaths in custody. It also saw controversy, with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson wearing a burqa in the chamber. Meanwhile, Nationals senator Matt Canavan channelled an internet meme by setting up a 'change my mind' stall outside Parliament House.
Question time in the House of Representatives provided its own theatre. Coalition members used phone torches after a lights-out incident, and Liberal senator Jane Hume was photographed holding a necklace made from Minties wrappers. Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek was even captured sprinting for a division before proceedings began.
Diplomacy, State Politics, and the Final Count
Beyond the federal fray, key events unfolded elsewhere. Foreign Minister Penny Wong met with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy for the Australia-UK ministerial meeting (Aukmin) in Sydney. In Victoria, a new opposition leader, Jess Wilson, shook hands with Premier Jacinta Allan at the start of a parliamentary sitting.
Election day itself saw citizens casting votes at locations like the Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club in Wentworth. The tension of the count was palpable at the Labor party's election night event in Sydney, where supporters reacted as results rolled in. The year closed with a mix of the solemn and the surreal, from an infrared image of a jogger past Parliament House to Clive Palmer of the Trumpet of Patriots eating a Tim Tam at the National Press Club.
Through these images, the story of 2025 is told: a year of democratic renewal, intense partisan rivalry, and the unpredictable human moments that continue to characterise Australian political life.
