Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has officially called the federal election, setting the date for Saturday, May 3.
The announcement, delayed due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, comes shortly after the federal budget and Labor’s commitment to deliver income tax cuts to all Australian taxpayers from July 1, next year. The Coalition opposed the measure, instead pledging to halve the fuel excise for 12 months if elected.
With the election now confirmed, key deadlines have been set by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC). The electoral roll will close at 8:00pm on 7 April, after which no new enrolments or updates to voter details will be accepted.
Candidate nominations must be submitted by 10 April, with the formal declaration of candidates scheduled for midday on April 11. Early voting will commence on April 22, while applications for postal votes — which are now open — will close at 6:00pm on April 30.
Australians intending to vote in person must do so on polling day, Saturday May 3.
Following that... May the 4th be with you.