Anthony Albanese’s Labor Party is set to take power in Australia for the first time since 2013, as voters booted out Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s conservative government in a shift likely to bring greater action on climate change, women’s issues and anti-corruption efforts.
Morrison conceded defeat on Saturday night and congratulated Albanese, 59, on the victory for the Labor Party, which was closing in on a majority in the 151-seat parliament. The Australian Broadcasting Commission said Labor won at least 72 seats, compared with 54 for Morrison’s Liberal-National Coalition, with independents and third parties taking another 11 so far.
“It says a lot about our great country that a son of a single mum who was a disability pensioner, who grew up in public housing down the road in Camperdown, can stand before you tonight as Australia’s Prime Minister,” Albanese said in a victory speech to loud cheers.
