Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ruled out holding a federal election in April, citing the need to focus on Australians affected by Cyclone Alfred. The announcement confirms that the government\u2019s planned March 25 budget will proceed, pushing the election timeline to May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With electoral laws requiring a minimum 33-day campaign<\/strong>, Mr Albanese would have needed to call the election by Monday for an April 12 polling day. Instead, he has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering the budget before Australians cast their votes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr Albanese\u2019s decision comes as Cyclone <\/strong>Alfred<\/strong> <\/a>approaches Australia\u2019s east coast, prompting emergency responses and concerns over public safety. Speaking to ABC\u2019s 7.30<\/em> programme, the prime minister stated, \u201cI have no intention of doing anything that distracts from what we need to do. This is not a time for looking at politics.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The decision to delay the election contrasts with earlier speculation that Labor would capitalise on momentum from a likely state election victory in Western Australia. However, senior government sources told the ABC <\/strong>that the cyclone had \u201cthrown plans into disarray\u201d, making an April election impractical.<\/p>\n\n\n\nElection Delay Follows Severe Weather Concerns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n