CIVICUS discusses the Australian election with Saffron Zomer, Executive Director of the Australian Democracy Network, a local organisation that campaigns for a more accountable, fair, open and participatory democracy.

On 3 May, Australians head to the polls in a tightly contested federal election where neither major party is likely to secure a clear majority. Labor Party Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is running for a second term amid growing concerns over the cost of living, healthcare and housing, which the opposition Liberal Party is trying to capitalise on. With trust in politics eroding and disinformation spreading, civil society is working to protect the vote and keep the public informed.

What are the key issues in this election?

The cost of living dominates voter concerns, with housing affordability at the forefront. Both major parties have proposed measures to address financial pressures, although experts criticise many of them for failing to tackle the root causes of the problems.

The centre-left Australian Labor Party emphasises healthcare access alongside economic relief, while the more conservative Coalition – an alliance between the Australian Liberal Party and the National Party of Australia – has focused on government efficiency and spending cuts.

The Greens campaign has highlighted housing affordability and increasing access to mental health and dental care.

International relations have gained prominence in this election, with both major contenders claiming stronger credentials to navigate global instability. But one crucial distinction between them concerns civic space and democratic freedoms. Over the past decade, the Coalition introduced several bills attempting to restrict civic space – silencing advocacy, limiting protest rights and using funding and tax mechanisms to stifle criticism. While Labor’s record on protest rights is also imperfect, it’s generally maintained a much more open approach to dissent.

How might minor parties and independents shape the outcome?

The surge in independent candidates has transformed Australian politics by creating genuine contests in formerly safe seats and engaging previously inactive voters.

Minor parties and independents have long influenced policy through the Senate, where governments rarely hold majorities. All legislation must be passed by both houses, giving these smaller players significant leverage over the government’s agenda.

Current polling suggests neither major party may secure enough seats to govern alone, raising the prospects of a minority government. In such scenario, minor parties and independents in the House of Representatives would also play a critical role in determining which party can form government and shaping its agenda.

If the share of seats held by independents and smaller parties grows significantly and major parties fall several votes short of a majority, the resulting parliament could be unlike anything we’ve seen before

From a civil society perspective, minority governments can function effectively. As the saying goes, ‘every day is minority government in the Senate’. Minor parties and independents have long worked with civil society to stop regressive proposals and advance progressive reforms.

How vulnerable is Australia’s electoral system to manipulation?

Australia’s electoral framework ranks among the world’s strongest. The Australian Electoral Commission, an independent and highly trusted body, manages electoral boundaries and oversees processes without political interference. Voting is compulsory, turnout is close to universal, ballots are secret and election information is widely accessible and comprehensive.

However, even this robust system proved vulnerable to disinformation campaigns, which played an important role in the outcome of a recent referendum about establishing a consultative body, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, to give Indigenous people a say in matters that concern them. Following a polarising campaign rife with disinformation and racist narratives, Australian voters rejected the proposed constitutional amendment. The campaign again exposed the fact that, at the federal level, we lack laws requiring truthful political advertising, while transparency around political spending is very poor.

In this context, civil society groups play a vital role in protecting electoral integrity, translating complex policy debates through scorecards, explainers, webinars and social media campaigns that help voters understand parties’ positions on key issues.

We advocate for stronger regulation of social media disinformation and campaign for laws on truth in political advertising. Working with international experts, we’re developing training programmes to help community organisations identify and counter disinformation campaigns before they take root.

What outcome appears most likely, and what are the implications?

Current trends suggest a Labor government with either a very slim majority or operating with a minority as the most likely scenario, although predictions remain difficult.

The result will significantly impact on both the domestic agenda and Australia’s international positioning. A Coalition government could revive attempts to restrict civic space and silence civil society voices. With Labor, we have a clearer sense of what to expect based on the past three years.

A minority government, however, is the most interesting possibility, potentially signalling a broader shift toward more diverse and contested parliaments that reflect Australia’s political complexity.

At a time when democracy is in crisis in so many parts of the world, Australia’s ability to hold free, fair and engaging elections is something to be grateful for. Yet, democracy is much more than just elections. It thrives through civic participation and community engagement. I am hopeful these challenging times will increase public awareness about democracy’s importance and inspire more Australians to engage with their communities to shape their lives and those of future generations.