Anthony Albanese hints at when next federal election will be

A TV host was quick to jump on Anthony Albanese seemingly letting slip the timing of the next federal election, but the PM quickly backtracked. When do you think we’ll hit the polls? Vote now.

Anthony Albanese has not ruled out an early election but said claims he would hold an election in March to help West Australian Premier Roger Cook were “a complete nothing story”.

Mr Albanese told Sky News host Andrew Clennell he has “a budget scheduled for March and the election will be in May”.

But when pushed by Mr Clennell if he had accidentally let the election timing slip, Mr Albanese said “it could be beforehand”.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Picture: Clare Armstrong

May is the latest month a federal election can be held, marking the completion of a three-year term for Labor.

“I don’t talk with any state premiers or journalists about when those options might be but we have a Budget scheduled for March and the election will be in May,” Mr Albanese said.

Before adding: “That’s when it’s due, it could be beforehand, but that will be a matter for me to make in conjunction with my Cabinet colleagues.”

He also said he has “not spoken to Roger Cook about a possible March election”.

The comments come after Mr Cook sought legal advice on potentially moving the West Australian state election date to avoid any clashes with a federal election.

The WA election is slated for March 8.

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