Key Takeaways
- The Albanese government had a strong year, winning a 94-seat majority and passing key legislation, including environmental laws.
- The Coalition struggled with internal divisions and a precarious global political landscape, leading to a loss of influence.
- The prime minister’s leadership was tested by a travel expenses saga and a terror attack in Bondi, which may define his prime ministership.
- The rise of younger voters and the use of social media influencers in politics were notable trends in 2025.
- The Australian government faced challenges in its relationships with the US and China, with the US displaying increasingly illiberal tendencies and China seeking to set the rules in the relationship.
Introduction to 2025 in Australian Politics
The year 2025 was a significant one for Australian politics, marked by the Albanese government’s dominance of the political landscape and the fracturing of the conservative side. According to David Speers, national political lead and Insiders host, the government’s strong performance was due in part to its willingness to strike deals with other parties, such as the Greens, and its ability to assert its authority within the cabinet. The Coalition, on the other hand, had one of its worst years in memory, with internal divisions and instability undercutting its influence.
The Rise of Anthony Albanese
Jane Norman, national affairs correspondent, notes that Anthony Albanese’s leadership was a key factor in the government’s success. Albanese’s confidence on the world stage, particularly in his meeting with Donald Trump, and his ability to get his way on key internal issues, such as the treasurer’s superannuation tax changes, were notable achievements. However, the year ended on a difficult note for Albanese, with a travel expenses saga and a terror attack in Bondi testing his leadership and potentially defining his prime ministership.
The Coalition’s Struggles
Clare Armstrong, chief digital political correspondent, observes that the Coalition’s struggles were a major factor in the government’s success. The Liberals’ poor showing in the election and the subsequent infighting and jostling for power among the party’s remaining leaders severely impacted their efficacy as an opposition. The Nationals, on the other hand, were able to capitalize on the Coalition’s weaknesses, making a return to the centre-right seem unlikely in the near future.
The Impact of Polling
Casey Briggs, chief elections and data analyst, notes that polling played a significant role in the election outcome. The opposition’s early lead in the polls gave Peter Dutton great authority over his party, but ultimately contributed to the election defeat. The government’s polling success, on the other hand, gave Albanese the confidence to pursue his agenda and make key decisions, such as holding off on his meeting with Donald Trump until later in the year.
Foreign Policy Challenges
From a foreign policy perspective, 2025 was marked by successive shocks for Australia. The increasingly rancorous and intolerant political climate in Washington DC and across the US was deeply unsettling to Australian politicians and officials. The government also faced challenges in its relationship with China, which continues to make it clear that it wants to set the rules in the relationship. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy’s partial circumnavigation of Australia earlier in the year was a jolting reminder of China’s growing military power and its willingness to use that power to shape the decisions made by smaller powers like Australia.
The Centre Holds
Tom Crowley, federal political reporter, notes that despite the challenges and uncertainties of 2025, the centre held in Australian politics. The government was re-elected with an increased majority, and the major parties remained dominant, despite the rise of independent candidates and parties. This stability is notable, given the trend towards political upheaval in other liberal democracies.
The Role of Social Media and Influencers
Claudia Long, federal politics reporter, observes that social media influencers played a significant role in the election campaign. Politicians and parties recognized the importance of reaching younger voters through social media and used influencers and content creators to spread their message. This trend is likely to continue, given the growing importance of social media in shaping public opinion and influencing voting behavior.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 2025 was a significant year for Australian politics, marked by the Albanese government’s dominance and the Coalition’s struggles. The rise of Anthony Albanese, the impact of polling, and the challenges of foreign policy were all major factors in the year’s events. The role of social media and influencers in shaping public opinion and influencing voting behavior is also likely to be an increasingly important trend in Australian politics. As the country looks to the future, it is clear that the centre will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the country’s politics and direction.
