The federal government has postponed its plans to announce the election date due to the threat of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is expected to make landfall on Saturday morning.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had been widely tipped to call the election this weekend, but has now ruled out making any announcements on Sunday or Monday.
What This Means for the Election
With the election announcement on hold, it's likely that the poll will be held on either May 3, 10, or 17.
The other April options coincide with the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends, making them less feasible.
Albanese has stated that he has no intention of doing anything that distracts from the efforts to ensure public safety during this difficult time.
A Change in Plans
The Prime Minister had until Monday to call an election for April 12, which would have allowed for a minimum 33-day campaign.
However, visiting the Governor-General this weekend would have meant cancelling the budget, which is expected to confirm that the commonwealth's finances are back in the red after back-to-back surpluses.
Instead, the budget will be handed down as planned on March 25, and will likely serve as the launch pad for the government's re-election campaign.
The Budget Takes Center Stage
Treasurer Jim Chalmers will hand down the budget on March 25, which will give him and Albanese the opportunity to sell Labor's vision to the public.
The budget is expected to be a key aspect of the government's re-election campaign, and will likely outline the party's plans for the future.
Reaction from Labor and the Coalition
Chalmers has welcomed Albanese's decision to hold off on calling an election, stating that the focus should be on supporting those affected by the cyclone, rather than on politics.
The Coalition was also preparing for the campaign to start this weekend, but will now have to wait until the election is officially called.
