Australian voters ended nine years of Conservative rule in the country’s national election on Saturday, ousting Prime Minister Scott Morrison in favor of centre-left Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese, who is campaigning on promises of tough action on climate change advertised
Initial results showed Labor won 72 of the 76 seats needed to form a government as Morrison conceded defeat in the Liberal-National coalition he has led since 2018.
Albanese, 59, known as “Albo”, worked to improve free healthcare and serve the LGBT community.
Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese addresses supporters on Sunday May 22nd
He attributes his progressive politics to being raised by a disabled single mother in public housing.
“Tonight the Australian people voted for change,” Albanese said in his victory speech in Sydney.
Albanese celebrates with his partner Jodie Haydon, right, and Labor Senate leader Penny Wong.AP
Incumbent Prime Minister Scott Morrison concedes defeat on Sunday.REUTERS
He continued: “It says a lot about our great country that the son of a single mother who was a disabled pensioner and grew up in social housing in Camperdown can stand before you tonight as Australia’s Prime Minister.”