9 May, 2025
In a dramatic political turnaround, the Australian Labor Party, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has secured a decisive majority in the 2025 Federal Election. At the time of writing, Labor has won 93 seats in the House of Representatives—well above the 76 needed to form majority government—marking its strongest electoral performance in history.
This result makes Anthony Albanese the first Prime Minister to win re-election to a consecutive term since John Howard in 2004, defying months of polling that had Labor trailing the Coalition. The election outcome has been widely attributed to cost-of-living concerns, global uncertainty, and a disciplined Labor campaign, contrasted with internal divisions and policy missteps by the Coalition.
Key Takeaways:
- Labor majority confirmed with at least 93 seats; Coalition trails with 41 seats.
- Peter Dutton loses his seat, triggering a Liberal leadership contest.
- Greens retain one lower house seat but sustain heavy losses, including Green’s leader Adam Bandt’s seat of Melbourne.
- Teal independents have lost Goldstein.
- Labor-Greens on track for a majority in the Senate.
In his victory speech, Mr Albanese thanked voters and committed to advancing reconciliation, fairness, and economic stability. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has confirmed the second term will focus on productivity, while maintaining a close watch on inflation.
Wine Region Electorates
At the time of writing, one wine region electorate remains in doubt:
- Flinders (VIC) – Zoe McKenzie (LIB) currently ahead
One wine region electorate has a new member:
- Bass (TAS) – Jess Teesdale (ALP) has gained the seat from Bridget Archer (LIB)
The following wine region electorates have been retained by the incumbent party but are welcoming new representatives following MP retirements:
- Grey (SA) – Tom Venning (LIB) succeeds Rowan Ramsey
- Lyne (NSW) – Alison Penfold (NAT) succeeds David Gillespie
- Whitlam (NSW) – Carol Berry (ALP) succeeds Stephen Jones
- Parkes (NSW) – Jamie Chaffey (NAT) succeeds Mark Coulton
- Forrest (WA) – Ben Small (LIB) succeeds Nola Marino
Agriculture Election Commitments
Labor’s second-term policies present a mixed picture for farmers and rural communities. Key agricultural-related announcements include:
Positive Commitments
- On-Farm Connectivity: $20 million for rebates (up to $30,000) on equipment and ag-tech.
- Instant Asset Write-Off: Extended until June 2026 ($20,000 cap).
- Farmsafe Australia: $2.5 million to support farm safety over three years.
- Food Security Strategy: $3.5 million to develop a national framework via Feeding Australia.
- Tasmanian Freight: 25% increase in Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme rates (up to $1070 per container).
- Excise Reform: Wine Equalisation Tax rebate cap to rise from $350K to $400K from July 2026.
Contentious Measures & Sector Concerns
- Live Sheep Export Ban: Trade to end by May 2028, with $139.7 million allocated for transition, mostly targeting WA producers.
- Water Buybacks: A further 450GL to be recovered under the Murray–Darling Basin Plan by 2027.
- Transmission Infrastructure: Continued rollout of transmission lines across farmland to meet renewable energy targets.
- Superannuation Tax: 30% tax on unrealised capital gains in SMSFs valued over $3 million – potentially affecting thousands of farming families.
- Electricity Costs: Power prices expected to rise despite rebates; new battery program to be funded via increased consumer charges.
- Mandatory Climate Reporting: Scope 3 emissions reporting for large companies may result in compliance burdens across the supply chain.
Policy Shifts
- Biosecurity Levy Abandoned: Labor withdrew its controversial Biosecurity Protection Levy bill after industry advocacy and pledged to collaborate more closely with producers.
The National Farmers’ Federation and other peak bodies have expressed concerns about the cumulative regulatory impact of Labor’s platform but have also welcomed opportunities to engage on shared priorities such as food security, trade, and digital connectivity.
Nationwide Election Commitments at a Glance
Labor’s campaign included a broad suite of commitments, including:
- Health: $8.5B to expand bulk billing; 50 new Urgent Care Clinics
- Education: $4B for public schools; Free TAFE expansion; 20% HECS debt cut
- Housing: $10B for affordable homes; support for first-home buyers and tradies
- Infrastructure & Energy: Major investment in rail projects, battery subsidies, and a national critical minerals reserve
- Consumer Protection: ACCC taskforce to investigate supermarket price gouging
Next Steps
The Australian Electoral Commission continues to count ballots, with 4 seats still in doubt and final Senate results not expected for several weeks.
Federal Ministry Appointments Following Election
Following the recent election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed the continuation of his core leadership team, with key ministers retaining their existing portfolios:
- Jim Chalmers – Treasurer
- Richard Marles – Minister for Defence
- Penny Wong – Minister for Foreign Affairs
- Don Farrell – Minister for Trade and Tourism
- Katy Gallagher – Minister for Finance
Several ministerial appointments are of particular relevance to the grape and wine sector:
- Julie Collins continues as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- Senator Anthony Chisholm has been appointed Assistant Minister for Fisheries and Forestry
- Anika Wells becomes Minister for Communications
- Andrew Leigh continues as Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury
- Murray Watt takes over from Tanya Plibersek as Minister for the Environment and Water
- Anne Aly joins the cabinet as Minister for Small Business
- Matt Thistlethwaite takes on the role of Assistant Minister for Immigration, Foreign Affairs and Trade
Australian Grape & Wine will seek early engagement with new ministerial appointees and re-establish contact with returning ministers. In the coming weeks and months, we will also connect with new members of parliament representing wine region electorates to brief them on the current state of the industry and to build strong, collaborative relationships for the term ahead.
Liberal Party leadership
The Liberal Party have elected Sussan Ley MP as leader of federal parliamentary party, with Ted O’Brien MP as her deputy leader.
Nationals’ leadership
The Nationals’ have reaffirmed their support for David Littleproud MP as their leader, with Kevin Hogan MP serving as deputy leader.
Greens’ leadership
The Greens have elected Senator Larissa Waters as their new leader, following a significant electoral hit, despite a relatively strong primary vote.
Resumption of Parliament At the time of writing, indications are that parliament will not resume sittings until early August.
