Early election fantasy
There are a number of factors against Anthony Albanese calling an early election — but there are few reasons why Peter Dutton would want to be talking about it.
With Parliament rising for the mid-winter break, speculation around a cabinet reshuffle and an early election has gone into overdrive.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision not to attend this week’s NATO summit in Washington sparked Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to warn Coalition MPs to prepare for an election as early as September. Dutton made the claim as he faces increasing disquiet in his ranks over policies such as the nuclear push and supermarket divestiture powers.
With underlying inflation remaining stubbornly high for longer than expected and the prospect of a Muslim Vote rebellion over Gaza, Dutton has some ammunition to claim that Albanese is planning to go early.
But there are a number of reasons why the prime minister wouldn’t want to make the dash to Yarralumla and ask newly installed Governor-General Sam Mostyn to call an election any time soon.
