Australians will vote in the next federal election within the next four months, although the exact date remains uncertain. Speculation about an early election has fluctuated, with mid-April emerging as a strong possibility. Constitutional requirements dictate that elections for the House of Representatives must occur within 68 days of term expiry, which this year is July 25, 2025, meaning the latest election date could be May 17, 2025. However, with half of the Senate’s terms ending June 30, 2025, an election must take place in the preceding year.
A rare double dissolution election, where both houses are contested, can occur under certain conditions, with the latest potential date falling between February 22 and March 29. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has downplayed media scrutiny around the election date, asserting that the timing lies with him. He suggested the date would be on or before May 17, while Health Minister Mark Butler indicated that the government is focused on policies rather than speculation about the election. If elections are held after the Western Australia elections on March 8, a mid-April date could allow the government to avoid scheduling conflicts with significant public holidays. However, an official confirmation is still pending as discussions continue.