Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was officially sworn in for a second term on Tuesday, following a historic landslide victory that secured the largest centre-left Labour government since the nation’s federation in 1901.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at Government House in Canberra, was conducted by Governor-General Sam Mostyn and included the induction of Albanese’s ministers.
The Labour Party’s resounding win in the May 3 national election was attributed in part to a strong voter backlash against global instability, particularly policies associated with US President Donald Trump.
Albanese hailed the outcome as a defining moment for progressive governance in Australia, with Labour now leading in at least 94 of the 150 seats in the House of Representatives, pending final results from the Australian Electoral Commission.
Key ministerial positions such as treasurer, foreign affairs, defence, and trade remain unchanged. However, several new appointments were announced: Michelle Rowland as attorney-general, Murray Watt as environment minister, and Tanya Plibersek as minister for social services.
Albanese is set to depart for Indonesia on Wednesday and will later travel to Rome for the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV on Sunday. During his time in Europe, he is also expected to meet with other global leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, to discuss trade and international cooperation.
Meanwhile, Australia’s opposition party, the conservative Liberal Party, faced a significant shake-up after leader Peter Dutton lost his seat in the election. In a historic move, Sussan Ley was elected as the new leader of the Liberal Party, becoming its first woman to hold the top role at the federal level. The party had suffered notable losses in key urban centres like Sydney and Melbourne, where several female independents won on platforms advocating for climate action and gender equality.
Speaking at a press conference in Canberra, Ley acknowledged the party’s shortcomings with female voters. “We did let women down, there is no doubt about that,” she said, pledging to close the gap and usher in a more inclusive and responsive era for the party. She stressed the importance of modernising the party’s platform and reconnecting with contemporary Australia. “Government is always formed in the sensible centre,” she added.
A former aerial stock mustering pilot and mother of three, Ley has served in parliament since 2001. Her elevation to leadership marks a turning point for the Liberal Party as it seeks to rebuild and redefine its vision in the face of a resurgent Labour majority.
Melissa Enoch
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