As Australians prepare to head to the polls on Saturday, May 3, 2025, early voting has already begun, shattering previous records. On the very first day of early voting, more than 524,000 Australians cast their ballots, a significant uptick compared to previous elections. With over 18 million Australians enrolled to vote, the Australian Electoral Commission anticipates that around half of all votes will be cast before election day.
This election carries particular weight for the more than 650,000 New Zealanders living in Australia. Many of them have become citizens and are now eligible to vote, directly influencing the nation's future. Even for those who cannot vote, the election's outcome will impact daily life, affecting everything from healthcare access and housing affordability to energy costs and employment opportunities.
Among the pressing issues dominating the campaign is the rising cost of living. Whether it’s groceries, rent, or energy bills, the candidates are under pressure to address the financial strain felt by many households. The Labor Party, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is sticking with already-legislated tax cuts while also offering energy bill relief and rent assistance. Their plan includes a reduction in the tax rate for income earners between $45,000 and $135,000 from 32.5% to 30%, which could deliver annual savings of up to $1,500.
Additionally, households will receive $300 in energy bill relief, and there’s a new $1,000 instant deduction for work-related expenses for eligible workers. The Coalition, led by Peter Dutton, has promised a new tax deduction for first-home buyers who purchase new builds, allowing them to claim mortgage interest against their taxable income. This deduction applies to loans up to $650,000, potentially saving buyers up to $13,000 over five years. They also plan to halve the fuel excise for 12 months, saving motorists 25 cents per litre, and provide a one-off tax refund of up to $1,200 for Australians earning less than $144,000, matching Labor's pledge.
For many New Zealanders renting or working in key industries like trades, health, and hospitality, these policies could significantly influence their weekly budgets and open pathways to home ownership. Healthcare has also emerged as a hotly contested issue, particularly surrounding access to bulk billing, where patients can see a GP without paying out of pocket. Rising costs have pushed many clinics to stop offering this service, leaving millions, including Kiwis, to bear the financial burden.
Labor is positioning itself as the party to rectify this issue, with a major $8.5 billion investment aimed at boosting bulk billing incentives for GPs. Their goal is to lift the bulk billing rate to 90% of GP visits by 2030, with a new incentive of 12.5% extra per visit for clinics that bulk bill all patients. The Coalition is matching this investment but argues that Labor has allowed bulk billing to decline under its watch. They are also adding an extra $400 million for youth mental health support and promise to restore 20 subsidised mental health sessions per year after it was cut to 10 under Labor.
Energy policy is another critical dividing line between the two major parties. Labor has committed to a renewables-led plan, providing $300 energy bill relief to every household from July 1, 2025, and aiming for 82% renewable energy by 2030. This includes significant investments in solar, wind, and transmission upgrades, as well as funding for community batteries and rooftop solar expansion. In contrast, the Coalition proposes a nuclear energy strategy, planning to build seven nuclear power stations at an estimated cost of $17 billion each, with the first plants expected to be operational by 2040. They also plan to expand gas production, arguing it is essential for energy reliability.
The implications of these energy policies are significant for Kiwis living in Australia, particularly those who are climate-conscious. The election could shape everything from job markets to regional environmental leadership. Defence and security are also high on the agenda, especially regarding Australia’s role in the Pacific. Both major parties are promising substantial military spending increases, with Labor focusing on strategic partnerships and modernization.
Labor has committed to the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal with the UK and US, which is part of a $368 billion long-term project, and plans to add an extra $50 billion in defence spending over the next decade. The Coalition wants to increase defence spending to 3% of GDP, one of the largest defence budgets in Australian history, and plans to purchase a fourth fleet of F-35 fighter jets.
As early voting continues and election day approaches, the decisions made at the ballot box will have real consequences for New Zealanders living in Australia. With exit polls indicating a tight race and the possibility of a hung parliament, both major parties are vying for every seat. Albanese’s Labor Party appears to be gaining momentum, with recent polls showing a swing towards them, suggesting that voters may be inclined to give the incumbent government another chance, as is often the case in Australian federal elections.
In the backdrop of this election is the influence of international politics, particularly the potential implications of a renewed Trump presidency in the United States. The Labor government has been vocal about the adverse effects of a trade war on Australia’s economy, an issue that resonates with voters concerned about job security and economic stability. As the election nears, the candidates will need to address these pressing concerns while also navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing political landscape.
In summary, the upcoming election is not just about choosing a government; it represents a pivotal moment for Australia’s future, especially for those New Zealanders who call it home. The stakes are high, and as voters prepare to make their voices heard, the implications of their choices will echo far beyond the ballot box.
