Albanese announces federal election date for May 3

Anthony Albanese officially calls the federal election for May 3 after dissolving parliament this morning.

In Short

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called a federal election for May 3, marking the start of a five-week campaign.

The government is now in caretaker mode as Albanese prepares for his re-election campaign.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has officially called a federal election for May 3, following a visit to the Governor-General this morning.

With this announcement, the election campaign has commenced.

Albanese left the Lodge before 7 am to request the dissolution of parliament from Governor-General Sam Mostyn.

As of now, the 45th Parliament has concluded, setting off a five-week campaign period, which includes breaks for Easter and Anzac Day.

The government has entered caretaker mode, a transition that was mistakenly revealed on social media by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet prior to the election announcement.

Campaign begins

Albanese held a press conference at Parliament House to present his case for re-election.

His campaign plane, along with the travelling media, will depart from Canberra today for undisclosed locations as he begins his campaign journey.

Originally, Albanese intended to call the election on April 12, but had to postpone this due to Cyclone Alfred.