Polling Begins Nationwide at 8am and Closes at 6pm
Australians will head to the polls on Saturday 3 May to elect the 48th federal parliament. Polling booths will open at 8am and close at 6pm in each state and territory. Voting remains compulsory for all enrolled Australian citizens aged 18 and over.
Polling Booths Available Across Public Venues
Polling stations will operate from community venues including schools, churches, and town halls. Voters do not need to visit their enrolled polling station but must vote within their state or territory. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) polling place locator assists in finding the nearest location.
Voter Electorate Determined by Residential Address
Each voter’s electorate is based on their residential address. Electorate boundaries may change if a voter has moved or if redistricting occurs. The AEC’s Find My Electorate tool helps voters confirm their current electorate by entering their address.
Ballot Process Includes Two Voting Papers
Voters receive two papers on election day. The green paper elects a local member for the House of Representatives. Voters must number all boxes on this paper in order of preference. The white Senate paper allows two voting options. Voters can number at least six boxes above the line or twelve boxes below.
Government Formation Requires 76 Lower House Seats
A political party or coalition needs at least 76 seats in the lower house to form a majority government. If no group reaches this threshold, the result is a hung parliament. In such cases, a minority government may form with support from independents and minor parties.
Crossbench Support Needed for Minority Governments
Minority governments rely on crossbench MPs to pass legislation. This increases negotiating power for smaller parties and independents. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton confirmed they will not form agreements with minor parties to govern.
Leaders to Negotiate Legislation Individually
Both major party leaders said they would handle policy negotiations on a case-by-case basis. This follows earlier minority governments that brokered formal agreements with smaller parties.
Labor Pledges Billions for Health and Housing
Labor committed $8.5 billion to Medicare, including 50 new urgent care clinics by 2026. Prescriptions would be capped at $25 under their plan. The party pledged $573 million for women’s health and $1 billion for 100 new mental health clinics.
Labor also plans to expand its 5 per cent deposit scheme to include all first-home buyers. Their housing policy includes building 100,000 new affordable homes starting in 2026/27. The party targets net-zero emissions by 2050. Labor’s climate policy includes more investment in renewables and upgrades to the electricity grid.
Coalition Proposes Super Access and Infrastructure Spending
The Coalition will match Labor’s Medicare spending and reintroduce 20 subsidised psychology sessions. They plan stronger incentives for general practitioners. The party’s housing policy allows first-home buyers to access up to $50,000 from superannuation. Mortgage interest deductions would apply to loans up to $650,000.
The Coalition will invest $5 billion in infrastructure like water and sewage systems to support 500,000 new homes. Their climate strategy supports a mixed energy model involving gas and new technology. Migration controls would be tightened under a Coalition government.
Greens Push for Expanded Health and Climate Action
The Greens support adding dental and mental health services to Medicare. They advocate for more public and affordable housing. The Greens propose ending all coal and gas projects. They aim for a full transition to renewable energy sources.
Vote Counting Begins Immediately After Polls Close
The AEC begins counting votes at 6pm once polls close. Results for some House of Representatives seats could be known within hours. Tight contests may delay outcomes for several days. Senate results will take longer due to the complex counting process.
Millions Yet to Finalise Their Decision
Many Australians remain undecided until election day. AEC data show large numbers of voters decide in the final 24 hours. Voters can access official party policies online or through election platforms. The AEC encourages all citizens to review their options before voting.
Australia Decides on 3 May
The 2025 federal election will shape Australia’s political direction. Voters will decide who forms government and who holds the balance of power. The outcome may depend on final-hour decisions and crossbench cooperation.
