Australians voted on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in a national election that is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in recent years. Polls indicate that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Labor Party is likely to secure a victory over the conservative opposition, amid concerns about the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump affecting local sentiments.
The election result is expected to be called tonight, although the exact timing will depend on the closeness of the contest. According to Antony Green, the ABC’s veteran election analyst, a clear result could emerge as early as 7:30 PM AEST. If the competition remains tight, counting could extend late into the night, creating a suspenseful atmosphere for voters and political enthusiasts alike.
In a significant development for overseas voters, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs reported that a record 111 voting locations have been established across 83 countries. Australians in places like Japan, Osaka, and Bali are participating in this important democratic exercise, reflecting the global reach of the Australian electorate.
As the results unfold, major networks have prepared extensive coverage to keep the public informed. ABC TV’s election night coverage kicks off at 5:30 PM AEST, hosted by David Speers and Sarah Ferguson. They will be joined by a panel featuring Annabel Crabb, Laura Tingle, and Bridget Brennan, who will interview candidates and provide insights from across the nation. Antony Green will be crunching the numbers for the final time after more than three decades of election analysis.
Meanwhile, 7NEWS begins its coverage at 4 PM AEST, with Michael Usher and Natalie Barr leading the special program "Australia Decides – The Results Live." Political editor Mark Riley will join them to offer real-time data analysis. Notably, 7NEWS promises to call the election first using its innovative "Election Needle," which aims to predict the winner based on real-time data.
Channel Nine’s coverage, titled "Election 2025: Australia Decides," starts at 5 PM AEST with hosts Ally Langdon and Peter Overton. They will provide live reports from party headquarters and feature insights from political editor Charles Croucher and national affairs editor Andrew Probyn.
Sky News Australia is also making a strong showing, beginning its coverage at 6 AM AEST. Kieran Gilbert will anchor the evening panel, which will include notable journalists and analysts. Sky News is known for its early updates, making it a go-to destination for political junkies eager for the latest results.
For those looking for a more humorous take on the election, Network 10 will present "Australia Decides: 10 News First Special Coverage" starting at 6 PM AEST, featuring the Betoota Advocate’s satirical commentary alongside serious election analysis.
Guardian Australia will complement its live blog and results tracker with a special election edition of the "Full Story" podcast, ensuring that voters have access to a variety of perspectives and analyses.
As the night progresses, emotions are expected to run high, especially for Antony Green, who will be calling the election results for the last time. His predictions and insights have been a staple of Australian election nights for decades, and many will be tuning in to hear his final thoughts.
With all these networks gearing up for extensive coverage, Australians are set for a night filled with anticipation, excitement, and perhaps a few surprises. As voters await the results, the implications of this election could shape the political landscape for years to come.
