Will Labor’s Victory in Australia Keep Trump Awake at Night? A Setback for the Global Right Wing?

# News Bureau May 4,2025

The recent victory of Australia’s Labor Party has sparked debate in political circles over whether it reflects a broader global pushback against Trump-style politics. Here’s a look at the reasons behind this win and its international implications.

What does the victory of Australia’s centre-left Labor Party—following a similar win in Canada—signal for global politics? Is the right wing losing ground again worldwide? Could this be a significant blow to Donald Trump’s hardline policies and a sign of broader shifts on the horizon?

The sweeping win by Australia’s Labor Party in the national election not only sparked celebrations in Sydney but also sent ripples through political circles in Washington. This election wasn’t just about a change in leadership; it’s being viewed as a clear rejection of Trump-inspired radicalism and its global echoes. With Prime Minister Anthony Albanese securing a second term, Australian voters appeared to dismiss the rhetoric of ‘Make Australia Great Again,’ instead opting for stability and reaffirming their core values.

Australia’s national elections, held on 3 May 2025, resulted in a landslide victory for the centre-left Labor Party, delivering a crushing defeat to the conservative Liberal-National coalition. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s party is set to secure at least 87 seats in the 150-seat lower house, while the Liberal Party is expected to win just 40–41 seats—its worst performance since 1946.

This result is being viewed as a reflection of growing global discontent with US President Donald Trump’s policies. The Labor victory not only solidifies Australia’s political direction but also sends a clear message to Trump’s supporters worldwide.

Trump’s influence loomed large over the campaign. Opposition leader Peter Dutton, known for his hardline right-wing stance, adopted Trump-style rhetoric, echoing slogans like “Make Australia Great Again” and proposing a Ministry of Government Efficiency, inspired by Trump’s own policies. However, this strategy misfired badly. Voters, particularly the youth, expressed frustration with Trump’s disruptive global policies and trade tensions. The imposition of US tariffs—25% on Australian aluminum and steel and 10% on other goods—had already heightened economic anxieties. A recent survey showed 66% of Australians no longer saw the US as a reliable security partner, a sharp rise from 39% a year earlier.

Albanese’s message of stability and a distinctly Australian vision resonated. He stated, “We don’t need to draw inspiration from other countries—we find it in our own values and people.” His campaign focused on domestic concerns like the rising cost of living, housing shortages, and healthcare. Recent relief measures, including tax breaks for first-time homebuyers and lower deposit requirements, helped win over voters. Labor’s progressive stance on climate policy and renewable energy also attracted strong support, particularly from younger Australians.

Dutton’s personal defeat was one of the most shocking outcomes. Not only did his party suffer heavy losses, but he also lost his own Dickson seat, which he had held for 20 years. His combative tone—calling Australia’s national broadcaster and The Guardian “hate media”—alienated centrist voters and backfired, inadvertently boosting Labor and independent candidates.

Meanwhile, Australia’s shift mirrors recent developments in Canada, where the centre-left Liberal Party also secured victory, driven by a similar anti-Trump sentiment. Canadian voters, too, rejected instability and right-wing extremism in favor of more moderate, liberal policies.

Together, these results point to a broader international pushback against far-right politics, suggesting deeper changes ahead on the global stage.