liveFederal election 2025 live: Coalition set to reveal policy costings, Albanese nervous despite favourable polls By Caitlin Rawling and political reporter Joshua BoscainiTopic:Australian Federal Elections3h ago3 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 8:59pmSkip to timelineabc.net.au/news/federal-election-2025-live-anthony-albanese-peter-dutton/105236532Link copiedShareShare articlePrime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton are on opposite sides of the country as they continue their final campaigning blitz before Saturday. With just days to go, the PM is downplaying his prospects ahead of Saturday, admitting he's nervous despite a polling boost for Labor.He says there's not been a sitting prime minister re-elected since 2004.Meanwhile, the Coalition will release its costings later today, claiming budget deficits will be $10 billion less than under Labor.Follow the day's events on our live blog below.Or you can try out the ABC's Vote Compass tool to see how your views align with those of the different political parties.Key EventsLabor won't pursue a Voice to Parliament if re-elected, Marles says4m ago4 minutes agoThu 1 May 2025 at 12:20am'I'm nervous': Anthony Albanese does a blitz of commercial radio in Sydney and Perth10m ago10 minutes agoThu 1 May 2025 at 12:14amDutton says Dickson is always a 'tight seat'57m ago57 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:27pmShow all key eventsSubmit a comment or question Log in to commentLive updatesLatestOldestKey Event4m agoThu 1 May 2025 at 12:20amLabor won't pursue a Voice to Parliament if re-elected, Marles saysEBy Evelyn ManfieldDeputy PM Richard Marles has firmly ruled out pursuing a Voice to Parliament after Opposition Leader Peter Dutton accused Labor of having secret plans to legislate the advisory body.The accusation came after Foreign Minister Penny Wong told a podcast she thought the Voice would be reflected on like the same sex marriage vote and in a decade's time, people would wonder why there was a fight about it.Asked about it today on ABC Radio National Breakfast, Marles reaffirmed Labor respects the democratic process."The Australian people have made it clear that they don't want to see a Voice and so that is it — it is quite simply it," Marles says."Our conviction is that we do what the people say because the peoples' voice is ultimately the most important one here, so we're not going to be pursuing the Voice."He also accused Dutton of verballing Wong.Separately, neither Anthony Albanese nor Dutton have visited a First Nations community during the last five weeks of campaigning.Marles defended the PM, saying he had travelled extensively across the country and not making it to an Indigenous community was a "function of the time pressure that is on a prime minister in any campaign."ReactReactCopy linkKey Event10m agoThu 1 May 2025 at 12:14am'I'm nervous': Anthony Albanese does a blitz of commercial radio in Sydney and PerthEBy Evelyn ManfieldPrime Minister Anthony Albanese has done a string of commercial radio interviews this morning in Sydney and Perth.On Sydney's KIIS with Kylie Sandilands and Jackie O, he says his schedule flying around the country has been "a bit crazy" and that he is still nervous about Saturday's election."I'm nervous. Elections are tough and they're tough to win. And here's a little fun fact for you, there has not been a prime minister re-elected since John Howard in 2004. 21 years we've had a revolving door," he says.He was also keen to show off knowing the cost of hip pocked pressures, remarking that the average price of petrol yesterday was $1.78 a litre and two litres of milk cost $3.Asked whether he could ever imagine smoking marijuana with Kyle, he says: "No, I can't imagine that Kyle".ReactReactCopy link29m agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:55pmDavid Littleproud discusses Coalition's costings on News BreakfastCBy Caitlin RawlingNationals leader David Littleproud spoke with News Breakfast earlier this morning from Alice Springs.He was on to talk about the Coalition's costings, which are coming out later today.Littleproud said the costings would be about getting the "priorities right for this country" and "making sure that we are giving short-term relief in the immediacy".You can watch the full interview here:Loading...ReactReactCopy link42m agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:42pmLet's recap Peter Dutton's press conferenceCBy Caitlin RawlingThe opposition leader's press conference has wrapped up but here are the main points:The Coalition will work with parents on any curriculum changesPeter Dutton asked if party costings should've been released earlierDutton asked about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history being taught as a standalone subjectPeter Dutton says Coalition will be "the only party with a plan to achieve net zero"Dutton denies office asked for Exclusive Brethren supportReactReactCopy link51m agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:33pmHas Dutton done enough to separate himself from Trump?JBy Joshua BoscainiPeter Dutton has been asked about whether he's done enough to separate himself from US President Donald Trump.The reporter points out that the Coalition has dived in the polls following Trump's election to the White House.He says he thinks Australians will vote for a "positive plan" and goes on to list the Coalition's policies.ReactReactCopy link54m agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:30pmWhat hasn't Dutton stood up with Queensland's premier this campaign?JBy Joshua BoscainiPeter Dutton has been asked about why he hasn't stood by David Crisafulli this election campaign.He's avoided the question and has gone on to say he's a supporter of the Queensland premier."What we'll do at a federal level is come in as a Coalition and clean up Labor's mess, and we can do that fighting on federal issues," he says.ReactReactCopy link57m agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:27pmIs there anything Peter Dutton could have done differently?JBy Joshua Boscaini(ABC News: Matt Roberts)A reporter has asked Peter Dutton whether there's anything the opposition leader could have done differently this election campaign.He says the Coalition should have "called out Labor's lies" earlier.Dutton says he thinks Australians will look through the negative ads and put the blame on the government this election."I think Australians, as time has gone on through this campaign, they've seen the negative ads, and they've seen the posters, etc as they go to polling booths, people are smarter than that," he says."Bulk billing rates are down by 11 per cent, people are paying $43 out of pocket to see a doctor."He says he thinks there will be a protest votes against Labor this election.ReactReactCopy linkKey Event57m agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:27pmDutton says Dickson is always a 'tight seat'CBy Caitlin RawlingBack on the opposition leader's seat of Dickson, and he has been asked what makes people in this electorate susceptible to voting Labor."If you have a look at Dickson, it had what they used to call a one-term curse," he says.He says it has always been a marginal seat."It's been a marginal seat because as you look around us, there is a diversity of suburbs and socio-demographics."He says Dickson is always a "tight seat" but he is working hard and doesn't take it for granted."I am always very grateful to the people in this amazing part of the world," Dutton says.ReactReactCopy link1h agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:17pmWill Dutton authorise the PBO to release costings documents?JBy Joshua BoscainiPeter Dutton has been asked whether he'd authorise the Parliamentary Budget Office to release all relevant documents with the details of the Coalition's costings.He says Jane Hume and Angus Taylor will announce the details later today.ReactReactCopy link1h agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:17pmWill Dutton need a Morrison-style miracle this election?JBy Joshua BoscainiPeter Dutton has been asked whether he'll need a Scott Morrison-style miracle to win this election.He says the Coalition has selected high-profile candidates to contest the election."Our candidates have got a higher name ID than some lazy, sitting, Labor members. They have done more work. They're more connected with their local electorates," he says.ReactReactCopy linkKey Event1h agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:17pmDutton denies his office asked for Exclusive Brethren supportJBy Joshua BoscainiAsked if anyone from his office asked the Exclusive Brethren to help the Coalition this campaign, he says "no".Independent and Labor campaigns have raised questions about an apparently coordinated campaign of support for Coalition candidates by members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.ReactReactCopy link1h agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:17pmDutton asked about his thoughts on how the campaign has goneCBy Caitlin RawlingA reporter asked Peter Dutton about his comments that the election will be a referendum on the last three years, not on the Coalition's campaign.He was then asked if he thinks the campaign hasn't gone as smoothly as he would've liked.Dutton avoided the question, instead moving on to what Australians are thinking about what is in store for them."I think Australians now are most worried about what the next three years looks like and they're worried that if there is an Albanese government, it's going to bring higher costs, and that's what the last three years have meant," he says.ReactReactCopy linkKey Event1h agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:08pmCoalition will work with parents on any curriculum changesJBy Joshua BoscainiPeter Dutton has been asked about what changes he'd like to see to the school curriculum.According to the reporter, Dutton has previously said the opposition could condition school funding to the states based on their curriculum.Dutton doesn't answer the question directly, but says he'll work with parents to determine what they want in the curriculum.Pressed on what changes the Coalition is proposing to the curriculum, Dutton says "we don't have any".ReactReactCopy linkKey Event1h agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:06pmPeter Dutton asked if he's worried about losing his seatJBy Joshua Boscaini(ABC News: Matt Roberts)Peter Dutton has been asked why he is campaigning in his seat and if he's worried about losing Dickson.He says he always attends the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal breakfast in his electorate.But when pressed if he's worried about losing his seat, Dutton doesn't respond.ReactReactCopy link1h agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:06pmWill Queensland be worse off under Coalition's gas policy?JBy Joshua BoscainiPeter Dutton has been asked about whether Queensland will be worse off under the Coalition's gas reservation policy.He's also asked if it could potentially be unconstitutional.Dutton says the Coalition's policy will reduce energy bills."Our policy is about getting more gas into the domestic market. So if we do that, as Frontier Economics points out, we can bring the cost of wholesale gas down by 23 per cent," he says.ReactReactCopy link1h agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:06pmShould party costings be released earlier?JBy Joshua BoscainiPeter Dutton has been asked about whether people should be given more time to examine a political party's costings.The Coalition will release their costings today. Labor also released its costings the Thursday before the last election.Dutton says the detail will be there for people to see and says debt will be lower under a Coalition government."We've been responsible in relation to the PBO work that we've done in relation to the costings, and all of that will be presented today," he says.ReactReactCopy link1h agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:05pm'Interest rates will always be lower under a Coalition government': DuttonCBy Caitlin RawlingDutton has been asked about the cutting of 41,000 public servants in Canberra over five years, after he said it will save $7 billion.He has been asked by a reporter if the costings will back this."The costings will include all of the policies that we have announced," he tells the reporter.He then went onto talk about inflation and how a Coalition government will bring interest rates down. "I want to make sure we can bring downward pressure on inflation and that means that we can drop interest rates. Interest rates will always be lower under a Coalition government, and that's something I'm very proud of and something I will strive for in government," he says.ReactReactCopy link1h agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 10:55pmDutton asked whether he's still learning on the jobJBy Joshua BoscainiPeter Dutton has been asked whether he's still learning in the job even though he's been in parliament for years."I'm sure I do," he says.ReactReactCopy linkKey Event1h agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 10:51pmCoalition 'the only party with a plan to achieve net zero'JBy Joshua Boscaini(ABC News: Matt Roberts)Peter Dutton has been asked how he plans to reach younger voters if he's elected as prime minister.He says young Australians are concerned about climate change and the energy transition."The Coalition is the best party for you because we're the only party with a plan to achieve net zero by 2050 and the government's plan is not going to achieve their targets," he says.Dutton says the Coalition also has policies for home ownership, and lists other policies.ReactReactCopy link1h agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 10:49pmDutton asked about cutting skilled migration programCBy Caitlin RawlingDutton has been asked if the Coalition's costings have factored in the potential impacts on productivity that comes with cutting the skilled migration program."We have done work with the PBO (Parliamentary Budget Office) and that will be reflected in our costings that we will release today".He was asked again by another reporter about the program but ignored them and moved on.ReactReactCopy linkShow more postsPosted 3h ago3 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 8:59pm, updated 2m ago2 minutes agoThu 1 May 2025 at 12:22amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)TimelineRead nextCommentsTimelineKey EventsLatestCoalitionLabor won't pursue a Voice to Parliament if re-elected, Marles says4m ago4 minutes agoThu 1 May 2025 at 12:20am'I'm nervous': Anthony Albanese does a blitz of commercial radio in Sydney and Perth10m ago10 minutes agoThu 1 May 2025 at 12:14amDutton says Dickson is always a 'tight seat'57m ago57 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:27pmDutton denies his office asked for Exclusive Brethren support1h ago1 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:17pmCoalition will work with parents on any curriculum changes1h ago1 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:08pmPeter Dutton asked if he's worried about losing his seat1h ago1 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:06pmCoalition 'the only party with a plan to achieve net zero'1h ago1 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 10:51pmOpposition leader asked about teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history as standalone subject1h ago1 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 10:40pmDutton responds to reports Liberal candidates are telling voters he won't be leader for long1h ago1 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 10:32pmPeter Dutton is speaking now1h ago1 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 10:31pmFinal polls show Labor extending lead over Coalition2h ago2 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 10:07pm'More holes than a golf course': Anika Wells on the Coalition's costings preview statement2h ago2 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 9:45pmAnika Wells on News Breakfast now2h ago2 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 9:26pmNeo-Nazi flyers delivered to Jewish households in Melbourne, plus stunt at pre-poll both3h ago3 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 9:13pm'You bet': PM on visiting WA 10 times a year if he wins election3h ago3 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 8:56pmOpposition Leader Peter Dutton back in Brisbane3h ago3 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 8:56pmWelcome to our live blog3h ago3 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 8:53pmTop StoriesThe strange 'ballot-fellows' revealed on parties' how-to-vote cardsTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows green how to vote cards in the background with a text box that says enter your suburbDutton turns to Voice as cost of living alone won't save the CoalitionDAnalysis by David SpeersPeter Dutton drops vow to change school curriculum, after 'indoctrination' claimsTopic:Public SchoolsUS, Ukraine sign resources deal two months after Oval Office clashTopic:World PoliticsHackers have 'compromised' almost 100 bank employees, experts sayTopic:Cyber CrimeJust InMurder trial over Erin Patterson's role in mushroom deaths continuesLIVE16m ago16 minutes agoThu 1 May 2025 at 12:08amVictorian farmer target of 'coordinated' sheep heist costing him $175kTopic:Livestock Farming26m ago26 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:58pmProfessor warns of carbon farming risk in 'unlikely' success areasTopic:Agricultural Technology27m ago27 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:57pmYamal hailed as a talent 'born every 50 years' after Barça draw with InterTopic:UEFA Champions League32m ago32 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:52pmMore Just InBack to top