The Fin Election 2025: Why Albo has a spring in his step and Dutton's big bet on defence
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Apr 22, 2025 Tom McIlroy, Canberra Bureau Chief at The Australian Financial Review, delves into the dynamics of the upcoming election. He discusses the coalition's bold defense spending plans while addressing the nation's security concerns. McIlroy highlights Labor's rising confidence and the coalition's struggles amid critical polling. He also touches on the effects of American political trends on Australia and the erosion of trust in institutions, providing a thought-provoking look at how these factors shape the political landscape as election day approaches.
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Sharper Regional Security Concerns
- Russia's potential airbase in Indonesia highlights closer security threats to Australia, emphasizing the need for increased self-defence.
- Coalition defence announcements tie strategically to Anzac Day but may face budget constraints due to cost-of-living measures.
Concerns Over Defence Accountability
- Defence is Australia's least accountable government department accompanied by significant waste and budget overruns.
- Measuring defence success by spending amount, not effectiveness, risks inefficiency and political grandstanding.
Campaign Contrasts: Albanese vs Dutton
- Anthony Albanese's campaign is confident and well-organized, covering all states and focusing on marginal seats.
- Peter Dutton's campaign shows signs of pressure with limited momentum to shift polls despite daily visibility efforts.