Anthony Albanese, Australia's re-elected prime minister, has set his sights on becoming the first leader since 1966 to leave office voluntarily. After securing an outright majority for his Labor Party in the 3 May election, Albanese defied predictions of a single-term government, marking a significant political comeback.
Albanese, 61, rose from humble beginnings in social housing, raised by a single mother on a disability pension. His personal story, including a late-in-life reunion with his father in Italy, has shaped his political identity as a 'working-class hero'. A Labor stalwart since his twenties, he has been an MP since 1996 and served as a senior minister during the Rudd and Gillard years.
His first term saw progress on climate action, with stronger emissions targets and a quasi-carbon cap, though critics note continued approval of fossil fuel projects. He stabilised relations with China and France, and improved ties with Pacific nations. However, economic challenges persisted, with sluggish growth and a cost-of-living crisis that tax cuts and energy rebates failed to fully address.
Despite these hurdles, Albanese's victory ensures he will continue his agenda, which includes a referendum on Indigenous rights and a push for Australia to become a republic. He plans to marry fiancée Jodie Haydon later this year, and remains driven by creating a better world for his son, Nathan.
