The 2025 federal election is finally drawing to a close, and with it one of the worst performances from an Opposition Leader in living memory. After leading in many polls over the last 18 months, the Coalition is unbelievably staring down a defeat, caused by their own making.

During this longer than usual campaign we have seen policy backflips and contortions – such as the APS job cuts and working from home issue. After the confusion, Peter Dutton eventually confirmed that 41,000 public servants would be shed from Canberra after all.

But it doesn’t stop there.  Some in the media have rightly called out the Coalition for their policy ambiguity – on electric vehicles, for example, as well as suggested changes to the school curriculum. As the campaign progressed, we have witnessed Dutton and his team at odds with each other and unclear as to the details of their policies.

Remember, the Opposition have had three years to develop their platform.

Extraordinarily, Dutton has come across as awkward. After receiving the ‘wet lettuce’ treatment from much of Australia’s media for the last three years, Dutton frequently appeared uncomfortable and was clumsy in answering the more difficult questions. His non-appearance at the National Press Club comes across as petulant and his recent use of Trumpian language to describe some media outlets as ‘hateful’, is not only unprecedented, but dangerous.

The leader debates have also been a good reminder to voters of how unprepared and ill-suited Dutton is for the role of Prime Minister. Across these debates, Albanese demonstrated to the average punter that Dutton equalled a risk. Dutton doesn’t have an answer on many key issues, health and housing among them. This simple message, pushed by Labor, that Dutton is a risk, is timely. The world is experiencing seismic shifts with the liberal democratic consensus under a clear threat for the first time in 80 years. Part of the uncertainty growing across the world has been fuelled by Trump and his spectre has certainly haunted this election – bringing no benefit at all to the Coalition.

However, the ‘Dutton risk factor’ is working as we have seen a small, but distinct movement to Labor in the polls over the course of the campaign and a rise in Labor’s focus in some Liberal-held marginal seats.

Comparatively, Labor has run a reasonably tight campaign, focussing on the key issues and presenting a coherent message aimed at re-assuring voters that they will be in safe hands for the next three years – especially as we navigate a world experiencing the rapid decline of the United States and its leadership role.  

This election has been about cost of living, housing, healthcare and energy. Importantly, compared to its adversaries, Labor has campaigned consistently on these issues. As part of its platform, it has highlighted several core policies such as tax reform, $8.5 billion to expand bulk billing services, investing $10 billion to construct 100,000 homes and implementing an 82% renewable energy target. Head-to-head with the Coalition, Labors policies have been more coherent and way more appropriate. And of course, far more fiscally responsible, as we have now seen.

Compared to his opponent, Albanese has looked more comfortable and has appeared calmer as the campaign progressed. Despite growing cynicism expressed towards the major parties, Labor’s policies and messages are landing.

The choice is clear. Labor has the record and the credentials to be re-hired for three more years.