Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stands on the precipice of a pivotal decision, with an April 12 election potentially looming just days away. Yet, the specter of Cyclone Alfred, poised to strike south-east Queensland, casts a shadow of uncertainty over his plans.
Government insiders reveal that the timing of the anticipated election hinges on the cyclone’s impact. As the storm threatens to wreak havoc, Albanese must consider whether he can justify leading the nation to the polls amidst such chaos.
Preparations for the campaign have reached a fever pitch. In a recent correspondence, Liberal Party director Andrew Hirst urged Labor secretary Paul Erickson to arrange four debates between Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, to be hosted by prominent media figures. This last-minute push reflects the escalating tensions as both parties gear up for what promises to be a fiercely contested race.
However, skepticism looms within Labor regarding the upcoming budget, set for March 25. A senior party figure expressed doubts, suggesting the government may forgo the budget altogether. The current dilemma revolves around whether to proceed with the April 12 election or wait for clearer weather forecasts, which could extend the campaign into early May.
With the cyclone’s arrival imminent, sources indicate that the likelihood of an election this weekend hovers around 50 percent, with the storm’s potential fallout weighing heavily on decision-making. Yet, the government remains poised, with key staff already stationed at Labor’s campaign headquarters in Sydney, ready to spring into action.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that Tropical Cyclone Alfred could escalate to a category two storm, bringing winds of up to 120 kilometers per hour to a region that includes some of Australia’s most populous cities. As the prime minister’s planned trip to Brisbane coincides with the storm’s expected landfall, the political landscape remains as turbulent as the weather itself.
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