In a decisive victory, the Labor Party has claimed a significant majority in the 2025 federal election, with newly elected MPs gathering in Canberra for crucial factional negotiations ahead of a major caucus meeting on Friday, May 9, 2025. This meeting will determine the future composition of the Cabinet and key government roles, following a surprise landslide majority that has afforded Prime Minister Anthony Albanese considerable leeway in shaping his administration.
Labor's electoral success saw it secure several key electorates, including long-held Coalition seats, marking a dramatic shift in the political landscape. As Australian Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope stated on Thursday, "We are in unprecedented times." The election delivered the largest number of ballot papers and the most close contests the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has ever managed, with 98,000 counts across 150 divisions, and several seats still undecided.
Amid the factional negotiations, Albanese faces the delicate task of balancing demands from various party factions, including left and right-leaning groups, as well as state and territory representatives. The Prime Minister is expected to leverage the record number of women returning to parliament as a strategy to navigate these complex dynamics. This could potentially lead to the establishment of a historic majority female Cabinet, reflecting the gender representation within the caucus.
Labor sources indicate that Albanese might concede to pressure from the left to increase its share of Cabinet positions, potentially offering the position vacated by former NDIS minister Bill Shorten, a member of the right faction. This maneuver could help quell factional disputes while promoting gender equality within the party.
Four of the most senior Cabinet positions are currently held by New South Wales men from Labor’s right: Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, Education Minister Jason Clare, Energy Minister Chris Bowen, and Industry Minister Ed Husic. Speculation is rife that either Bowen or Husic may face pressure to step aside to diversify the Cabinet's composition. Notably, in 2019, Husic previously stepped back to allow former NSW Premier Kristina Keneally to ascend to Labor’s frontbench, highlighting the ongoing factional negotiations.
Senior Cabinet members, including Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, and Trade Minister Don Farrell, have been assured they will retain their portfolios. Gallagher stated on May 7, 2025, that Labor’s Cabinet and full ministry would likely reflect the high proportion of women in the caucus, which was already at 53 percent in 2022, the first female majority government in Australia’s history.
As results from tightly contested seats continue to emerge, it is anticipated that women will comprise about two-thirds of the elected Labor Caucus. The recent election saw seven Labor women elected from Queensland alone, prompting Minister for Aged Care and Sport Anika Wells to declare that there were enough to form an entire netball team, celebrating the party’s commitment to empowering women.
According to a report from the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at ANU in April 2025, women constituted more than half (56 percent) of the candidates put forward by Labor, compared to less than a third (32 percent) of the Coalition’s candidates. This shift in representation has been linked to increased trust in democracy and improved governance, as noted by Licia Heath, CEO of advocacy group Women for Election. She emphasized that when more women are in positions of power, a broader set of policies and solutions emerges, leading to a more inclusive political discourse.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the 2025 election results have already revealed significant trends. For instance, the high Greens vote in areas like Halls Gap, located in the electorate of Mallee, and substantial swings in remote areas such as Bamaga and Kowanyama, highlight the shifting allegiances among Australian voters. Moreover, there are still 12 seats where the results remain undecided, further complicating the picture.
The election has not only reshaped the House of Representatives but has also sparked discussions about the future direction of the Labor Party. With several key electorates flipping to Labor, the party is poised to influence national policy significantly. The outcomes of the ongoing negotiations and the final composition of the Cabinet will likely set the tone for the government's approach in the coming years.
As the dust settles on this historic election, the focus now shifts to how Labor will leverage its majority to enact meaningful change while addressing the diverse needs and expectations of its constituents. The party's commitment to gender equality and representation will be closely scrutinized as it moves forward, with many looking to see how Albanese will navigate the intricate web of factional politics.
In conclusion, the 2025 federal election marks a pivotal moment for the Labor Party and the Australian political landscape. With a record number of women in parliament and a mandate to govern, the party is at a crossroads that will define its legacy for years to come.
