2022 Australian federal election
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| 2022 Australian federal election | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | 2022 Australian federal election |
| Country | Australia |
| Type | parliamentary |
| Previous election | 2019 Australian federal election |
| Previous year | 2019 |
| Next election | 2025 Australian federal election |
| Next year | 2025 |
| Seats for election | All 151 seats in the House of Representatives; 40 of 76 seats in the Senate |
| Election date | 21 May 2022 |
2022 Australian federal election The election held on 21 May 2022 returned members to the House of Representatives and half of the Senate following the dissolution of the Parliament. The contest saw the incumbent Scott Morrison's Liberal–National Coalition defeated by the Australian Labor Party led by Anthony Albanese, resulting in a change of prime minister and a reshaped federal legislature. The campaign intersected with debates involving climate policy, cost of living, and integrity reforms, engaging a wide array of parties including the Greens, United Australia Party, Katter's Australian Party, Centre Alliance, and numerous independents.
Background
The election followed the Coalition's victory in the 2019 Australian federal election and the continuation of the Morrison ministry amid controversies such as the Sports rorts affair, the handling of the COVID‑19 pandemic, and questions about ministerial conduct. Leadership dynamics involved figures like Scott Morrison, Peter Dutton, Barnaby Joyce, Josh Frydenberg, and opposition leaders including Anthony Albanese, Richard Marles, and Penny Wong. Institutional context included the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, the role of the Australian Electoral Commission, and constitutional mechanisms like the double dissolution provisions and the House term limits. Regional and state politics—interacting with entities such as the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, Victorian Legislative Assembly, Queensland Parliament, and the Tasmanian House of Assembly—also shaped candidate selection and preselection battles.
Electoral system and redistribution
Australia's preferential voting system for the House of Representatives uses the instant-runoff voting mechanism, while the Senate employs single transferable vote proportional representation with above-the-line voting history and optional preferential reforms. Redistributions by the Australian Electoral Commission adjusted boundaries in states and territories under the Electoral Act processes, affecting divisions such as Wentworth, Warringah, Cook, Corangamite, and Braddon. Compulsory voting obligations and enrolment rules underpinned turnout expectations, while the High Court of Australia and electoral litigation framed disputes over candidacy and ballot papers. Senate casual vacancy rules and state parliamentary appointments also influenced party strategies for upper house representation.
Campaign and party platforms
Major party platforms contrasted on policy areas tied to named initiatives and agencies: Labor advanced an economic agenda invoking the Australian Bureau of Statistics, a national integrity commission proposal referencing the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, and climate commitments referencing the Paris Agreement targets. The Coalition defended economic management, tax positions linked to the Treasury reports, and energy strategies involving the Australian Energy Market Operator. The Australian Greens prioritized climate action, environmental protections citing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and conservation law, while minor parties and independents—such as Pauline Hanson's One Nation, Clive Palmer's United Australia Party, and rural representatives from Katter's Australian Party—emphasized industry support, regional services, and immigration policy debates tied to the Department of Home Affairs. High-profile candidates from urban electorates included former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull-era opponents and community figures contesting seats like Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.
Polling and public opinion
Polling organizations such as Newspoll, Essential Polling, Roy Morgan, YouGov, and The Australian Financial Review's internal surveys tracked primary vote intentions and two-party-preferred swings between the Coalition and Labor. Polls reflected volatility influenced by events involving personalities like Scott Morrison, Peter Dutton, Sussan Ley, Christian Porter, and Gladys Berejiklian's state associations, as well as reactions to policy announcements related to the Reserve Bank of Australia, interest rates, inflation measured by the CPI, and international issues involving partners such as the United States and China. Media organizations—ABC, Sky News Australia, Nine, Seven, and The Guardian—contributed to the public debate and coverage of preference deals, preference flows, and minor party influence.
Results and government formation
The election produced a Labor victory with seat gains in metropolitan divisions such as Cooper and Reid, while the Coalition lost key seats including Dobell and Gilmore. Crossbench shifts featured increased representation for the Australian Greens and numerous independent members from the Voices for movement and regional independents. The incoming Albanese ministry negotiated parliamentary confidence and supply, appointments involving Cabinet portfolios such as Treasurer of Australia, Foreign Minister, and legal roles interacting with the Attorney-General of Australia. Senate balance required negotiations with minor party groups including the Centre Alliance and state-based ticketers for legislation passage and committee chairs. The Governor-General of Australia commissioned the prime minister following vote counts and internal party leadership confirmations.
Aftermath and political impact
Post-election consequences included ministerial appointments, shadow cabinet reshuffles under Peter Dutton as Opposition Leader, and parliamentary inquiries into integrity citing the proposed national anti-corruption body. Policy shifts encompassed re-engagement with international agreements such as the UNFCCC, adjustments to industrial relations reflected in interactions with ACTU priorities, and budgetary planning coordinated with the Treasury and Finance. State and territory leaders, including premiers from New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia, responded to federal changes affecting intergovernmental councils like the COAG architecture. The election also influenced subsequent federal by-elections, judicial reviews, and the strategic positioning of parties ahead of the next electoral cycle and international forums such as the G20 and Commonwealth of Nations meetings.
Category:Federal elections in Australia