Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has snapped at a journalist for asking about the election date, despite the public’s eagerness to know when the big day will be.
The question was posed during a press conference in South Australia, where Albanese had just announced a $2.4 billion taxpayer bailout to save the Whyalla steelworks.
What Sparked the PM’s Frustration?
The journalist’s question revolved around the potential clash between the election and the AFL Gather Round in Adelaide, which could affect thousands of fans who would need to cast pre-poll votes.
However, before the reporter could finish, Albanese cut them off, saying, “It’s so boring.”
He expressed his frustration with the constant questioning about election timing, which he claimed had been going on for a year.
Albanese’s Bigger Concerns
Instead of focusing on the election date, the PM shifted the conversation to more pressing topics, such as the benefits of his government’s tax cuts.
He accused the opposition leader, Peter Dutton, of trying to stop these tax cuts by calling for an early election.
Albanese also reiterated his support for four-year fixed terms, which he believes would put an end to speculation about election dates.
Why the Election Date Matters
With the election required to be held on or before May 17, experts believe April 12 is the most likely date.
However, this coincides with the AFL Gather Round and school holidays, making it challenging for many to cast their votes in their home electorate.
To avoid these issues, some, including ACT independent Senator David Pocock, are calling for the election date to be legislated to eliminate speculation and uncertainty.
A Potential Solution
Senator Pocock has suggested fixing the election date to the first Saturday of a specific month, which could be determined by parliament.
This approach would put an end to the ongoing speculation and allow voters to plan ahead.
As the election date draws near, it remains to be seen whether Albanese will heed these calls and provide a more definitive answer to the question on everyone’s mind.