Anthony Albanese accepts victory in 2025 Federal Election

Anthony Albanese has shared an emotional tribute to fiancee Jodie, as the couple finally becomes free to set a wedding date.

Anthony Albanese was jubilant on polling day. Picture: Jason Edwards / NewsWire

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has claimed victory in the 2025 Federal Election, sharing an emotional tribute to his fiancee Jodie Haydon in the passionate speech.

Addressing party faithful at Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL on Saturday night, Mr Albanese was already choking back tears as he walked on stage to raptuous applause.

As he wrapped up his near 30-minute address, he turned to fiancee Jodie Haydon, noting she “probably wasn’t expecting for this to be your life half a dozen years ago”.

“I am so grateful for your support, your friendship and your love,” he said.

“You make me so happy.

“You have my heart, I love you and I look forward to living our lives together.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese leaned in for a kiss with Jodie as Nathan watrcjed pm . Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Mr Albanese paid tribute to fiancee Jodie Haydon. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP)

Opening his address, Mr Albanese said serving as Prime Minister is “the greatest honour of my life.”

“And it is with a deep sense of humility and a profound sense of responsibility that the first thing that I do tonight is to say thank you to the people of Australia for the chance to continue to serve the best nation on earth,” he said.

He told supporters work would start “tomorrow”, with “new hope, new confidence and new determination”.

This is a time of profound opportunity for our nation,” he said.

“We have everything we need to seize this moment, and make it our own, but we must do it together, all of us, because for Australia to realise our full potential, for our nation to be the very best, every Australian must have the opportunity to be the best, to serve our Australian values. -- to be their best. We must value every Australian and Labor will govern for every Australian.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was tearful as he took the stage on Saturday night. Picture: Jason Edwards / NewsWire

Sky News election analyst Tom Connell called the election for Labor at 8.19pm, and just after 9pm declared Mr Albanese would form a majority government.

Mr Albanese is now the first prime minister since 2004 to serve the full term and be re-elected.

“Today, the Australian people have voted for Australian values,” he declared.

“For fairness, aspiration and opportunity for all. For the strength to show courage in adversity and kindness to those in need. And Australians have voted for a future that holds true to these values, a future built on everything that brings us together as Australians and everything that sets our nation apart from the world.

“Australians have chosen to face global challenges the Australian way, looking after each other while building for the future.

And to serve these values, meet these challenges, these these opportunities, and build that better and stronger future, Australians have chosen a majority Labor government.”

Mr Albanese said he had spoken to Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, scolding his supporters who booed at the mention of his name.

“No. What we do in Australia is we treat people with respect,” he said.

“I thank Peter for his generous words at the end of what has been a very hard fought campaign, and I want to take this opportunity to wish Peter and his family, all the best for their future.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appeared tearful as he claimed victory in the Federal Election at Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton paid tribute to the Labor Leader in his concession speech shortly before Mr Albanese took the stage, noting it was a “historic” occasion for the party.

“I congratulated the Prime Minister and wished he and Jodie and Nathan all the very best,” he said.

“And I said to the Prime Minister that his mum would be incredibly proud of his achievement tonight, and he should be very proud of what he’s achieved.”

Mr Dutton lost his seat and the election on Saturday, with Labor’s Ali France taking the seat of Dickson on her third attempt.

The Prime Minister made a special mention of Ms France, sparking wild cheers within the room.

Penny Wong took the stage ahead of Mr Albanese’s appearance, to chants of “Penny, Penny, Penny”.

“Thank you friends, thank you all. Thank you for believing in Labor,” she declared.

“Thank you for believing in the power of this great nation.”

She thanked the party’s “hard working” candidates and volunteers.

“Friends, three years ago, the Australian people made a collective decision, to turn the page and ride a new future for ourselves.

“We will write this next chapter so all Australians are part of our nation’s story.”

More to come