In a historic election held on May 3, 2025, the Albanese Labor Government secured a significant victory, marking a pivotal moment in Australian politics. The election not only solidified the government's majority in the House of Representatives but also indicated a profound shift in voter sentiment, with a notable increase in support for minor parties and independents. According to polling by the Australia Institute, 70% of Australians believe that the Senate should critically review every government policy, a sentiment that underscores the electorate's desire for accountability and scrutiny.
This election saw the combined major party vote reach a historic low, with 33.1% of Australians casting their ballots for minor parties or independents. This figure reflects a rise from 31.7% in the previous election and a dramatic increase from just 8.5% in 1980. The results indicate a growing trend of dissatisfaction with traditional party politics, as voters increasingly turn to alternative options.
Bill Browne, the Director of the Australia Institute’s Democracy & Accountability Program, noted, "The Albanese Labor Government has won a historic victory, and faces no parliamentary barriers to being ambitious on climate action, housing, social services, welfare, and open government reform." This sentiment is echoed by the Greens, who are likely to hold the balance of power in the Senate, not just for the current term but for the next one as well. The Greens' vote in the Senate has increased since 2022, further solidifying their influence in Australian politics.
Despite the Greens' success in the Senate, their performance in the House of Representatives has been less favorable, with even party leader Adam Bandt's seat in doubt. However, the overall outcome suggests a more robust role for the Greens in shaping policy, especially as they are expected to take on the responsibility of reviewing and scrutinizing government actions.
In every state except Queensland, the independent and minor party votes have surpassed the Coalition's, indicating a significant shift in the political landscape. This trend suggests that voters are seeking alternatives to the major parties, which may lead to a more dynamic and competitive political environment in the coming years.
As the Albanese government embarks on its new term, there is a growing call for comprehensive human rights reform. Many advocates argue that the government should seize this opportunity to legislate a national Human Rights Act, thereby enhancing the protections afforded to all Australians. Australia has long been viewed as a global leader in civil and political rights, yet it faces ongoing criticism regarding its treatment of Indigenous peoples, refugees, and asylum seekers.
Australia's legal framework for human rights is fragmented, with only minimal protections enshrined in the Constitution. Currently, only Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and Queensland have passed human rights legislation, leaving significant gaps in the protection of rights at the federal level. The lack of a comprehensive national human rights law limits the enforcement of many international obligations that Australia has committed to.
The Australian Human Rights Commission's national inquiry, Free & Equal, conducted between 2019 and 2023, recommended major reforms, including the establishment of a Human Rights Act. This inquiry, along with a separate review by the parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, provided model legislation for parliament's consideration. Advocates for reform argue that a Human Rights Act would remedy gaps in compliance with international obligations and provide enforceable protections for all Australians.
Labor’s national platform acknowledges Australia's status as an outlier due to its lack of comprehensive human rights legislation. It commits to considering whether the commitment to implementing human rights standards could be enhanced through a statutory Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities or a similar instrument. In its first term, the Albanese government took steps to ensure that the Australian Human Rights Commission retained its global A-status accreditation and conducted a parliamentary review of Australia’s human rights framework. However, it has yet to respond to the recommendations of that review.
Following the recent Voice referendum, the prospects for human rights law reform appeared dim, with the government hesitant to commit to policy changes in Indigenous affairs. However, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss emphasized the urgency of reform, stating that the referendum outcome highlighted the need to realize even the most basic human rights for Indigenous people.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in his election night speech, articulated a vision for a government that embodies Australian values such as fairness, aspiration, and opportunity for all. He underscored the importance of ensuring that every Australian has the opportunity to thrive, addressing issues such as fair pay, secure housing, equal rights for women, access to quality education, and environmental protection. These are not just political issues; they are fundamentally human rights issues.
The potential for comprehensive human rights reform in Australia is ripe. By aligning the government’s agenda with the values expressed by the electorate, there is an opportunity to integrate human rights principles into Australian law. The recent election results demonstrate a clear mandate for change, and the government must seize this moment to foster a national conversation around human rights.
In conclusion, the Albanese Labor Government's historic re-election presents a unique opportunity to advance a progressive agenda that prioritizes human rights and accountability. With a significant swing towards minor parties and independents, the political landscape is shifting, and the electorate is demanding more from their leaders. The time for reform is now, as Australia stands at a crossroads, poised to enhance its commitment to protecting the rights of all its citizens.
