Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, seeking re-election in a tight race, is a pragmatic leader who pledged to end divisions but was set back by the failure of a referendum on Indigenous people and the headwinds of global inflation.

Anthony Albanese hopes to become the first Australian prime minister in 21 years to lead a political party to consecutive election victories

Economic and global issues are likely to be key campaign topics, with polls showing that the election will be closely fought.