Anthony Albanese leads largest centre-left government since 1901 as Liberal Party elects first female leader
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his new cabinet were officially sworn in on Tuesday at Government House in Canberra, following a landslide victory that secured the largest centre-left Labor government since the country’s federation in 1901.
Albanese described the results as a powerful mandate from voters, driven in part by a backlash against global instability tied to U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies.
“This is a government with a clear mandate to deliver stability, equity, and progress,” Albanese said following the ceremony overseen by Governor-General Sam Mostyn.
Labor’s Majority and Ministerial Changes
Although final vote tallies are pending in some districts, Labor claims a strong lead in at least 94 of the 150 seats in the House of Representatives, solidifying its commanding majority.
Several key cabinet positions remain unchanged, including Treasurer, Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Trade. However, the new cabinet features notable appointments:
- Michelle Rowland as Attorney-General
- Murray Watt as Environment Minister
- Tanya Plibersek as Minister for Social Services
Sussan Ley Becomes First Woman to Lead Liberal Party
In the aftermath of the Liberal Party’s election defeat, former deputy leader Sussan Ley was elected as the first female leader of the federal conservative party, replacing Peter Dutton, who lost his seat.
Ley acknowledged the party’s struggles to connect with women voters, especially in urban centers where independents advocating climate action and gender equality made significant gains.
“We did let women down—there’s no doubt about that,” she admitted during her first press conference as leader.
“My leadership sends a signal to women, but it must be backed by a broader policy reset.”
A former aerial stock mustering pilot and mother of three, Ley brings both rural grit and political experience, having entered parliament in 2001.
Albanese Heads Abroad After Swearing-In
Albanese is set to travel to Indonesia on Wednesday and will then head to Rome to attend the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV. While in Europe, he is scheduled to meet with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss trade negotiations and multilateral cooperation.
This international agenda underscores Labor’s commitment to rebuilding Australia’s diplomatic influence and fostering global economic partnerships.
