Australia election 2025 live: PM leads tributes to Pope Francis; pre-poll voting begins

A palpable sense of grief permeated St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney this morning, following the announcement of the passing of the esteemed Jesuit pontiff, Pope Francis, last night. The news of Pope Francis’s death has prompted reflection and mourning globally.

Overcast skies mirrored the mood as parishioners arrived for the 6:45 am Easter Tuesday mass.

“I feel sad,” shared Marion, a local parishioner, before entering the church.

He championed social and economic justice. Now, my hope is that the next pope will also be a champion and emulate Pope Francis’s dedication.

He instilled hope in us. While faith is crucial, we also need tangible improvements in our lives. To have a leader who advocates for us, especially when our political figures falter.

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Pope Francis served as an outspoken advocate for the world’s impoverished, marginalized, and disadvantaged, and was a forthright critic of corporate avarice and socioeconomic disparities.

Within the Vatican, he condemned opulence and elitism, urging church leaders to embody humility.

Home affairs minister Tony Burke was among the congregation of nearly 100.

Mourners attending the 7 am mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne conveyed their tributes to Pope Francis.

Peter August, a regular attendee of the weekday 7 am mass, stated:

He evoked significant affection from people globally. I sincerely hope the future pope can achieve the same connection.

News Breakfast host Bridget Brennan questioned Peter Dutton about the absence of discussions on family violence during the current campaign.

Dutton clarified that the issue was raised yesterday following his announcement of a $750 million community safety initiative. Details of this announcement are available here.

Yesterday, at a press conference, when questioned about domestic violence, Dutton indicated he would elaborate further on the topic.

He then referenced his plan to establish a child sex offender disclosure scheme, emphasizing its role in safeguarding “the innocence of childhood”.

I firmly believe that we, as a society, must enhance our efforts to protect women in domestic settings more broadly, and the innocence of childhood is paramount. We must commit wholeheartedly to reversing the concerning trends… It’s a multifaceted problem, but our pledge yesterday underscored our dedication to investing in measures that ensure the safety of women and young girls within our community.

Peter Dutton, during an ABC News Breakfast interview, reiterated his condolences for Pope Francis.

He stated, “Today is not appropriate for explicit political campaigning,” and while he undertook morning media duties, he intends to dedicate the rest of the day to reflection.

I believe today is not the day for overt political activities. It is more fitting to spend this day in reflection. While pre-poll voting commences today and related activities will continue, I don’t think aggressive campaigning is appropriate today.

In a prior interview on the Today show, Dutton affirmed his participation in tonight’s leaders’ debate on Channel 9 with Anthony Albanese.

On Sunrise, Peter Dutton faced questioning from host Nat Barr regarding his personal approval ratings. Barr inquired why some voters cited Dutton as a reason for not supporting the Coalition.

Dutton began by stating, “Today is not for political skirmishes,” yet accused the Labor government of engaging in smear campaigns.

[Labor] has spent $20 million on negative advertising over recent months. Much of it based on falsehoods, particularly concerning Medicare. Bulk-billing rates have actually declined under the current government.

When you resort to smear tactics and invest $20 million into it, it inevitably has an impact.

Barr pressed further about the influence of his personality on voters, but Dutton maintained his stance, attributing negative perceptions to Labor’s “mud slinging.”

He added that Labor is currently focused on defensive strategies, reinforcing vulnerable seats.

Observe where the government is currently allocating resources—primarily to defend their existing seats. They are not launching new offensives.

Monsignor Stuart Hall, Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne, informed mourners that the “cherished” Pope Francis extended his voice to diverse groups, including the marginalized.

He noted that Christians worldwide are mourning Francis’s death, yet celebrate his spiritual homecoming.

A portrait of Pope Francis is displayed within the cathedral, with some attendees pausing to kneel before it in prayer.

Peter Dutton conveyed his thoughts and prayers to the Catholic community in mourning for Pope Francis.

Speaking on Sunrise earlier, the opposition leader paid homage to the Pope:

We witnessed a compassionate individual, filled with mercy and consistently caring for those in need. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Catholic community during this time.

Overnight, Greens leader Adam Bandt issued a statement on social media platform X:

People of all faiths are in mourning after the passing of Pope Francis – he stood as a powerful voice for peace, compassion, and refugees.

Even with declining health, Pope Francis remained a steadfast advocate for Palestine, reaching out to people in Gaza even from his hospital bed. Vale.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended mass at Melbourne’s St Patrick’s Cathedral this morning to honor Pope Francis.

Katy Gallagher, also the minister for women, is launching Labor’s women’s policy today, emphasizing women’s safety.

Gallagher told News Breakfast that safety is a major impediment to gender equality, highlighting healthcare, wages, and housing as key areas to support women facing violence.

Asked about the numerous women annually turned away from legal services, Gallagher responded:

We have increased funding for frontline services and community legal services to ensure sustained financial support.

The National Access to Justice Partnership, a new funding model for community legal services enhancing their financial resources, is set to commence in July.

Despite this, groups including the Law Council of Australia voiced concerns that the increased funding might still be insufficient compared to recommendations from a partnership review.

Anthony Albanese is participating in mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne to pay respects to Pope Francis.

The cathedral opened earlier than usual this morning to accommodate worshippers seeking to pray before the regular 7 am weekday mass.

The Prime Minister, who is Catholic, is among approximately 50 attendees at the service.

On Monday, Albanese offered initial tributes to Pope Francis, remembering him as a “devoted champion and a loving father”.

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher stated that the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, was profoundly moved by Pope Francis’s death and is attending mass in Melbourne this morning.

Anthony Albanese adjusted his morning schedule and Gallagher explained on ABC News Breakfast that the government’s immediate reaction was to “pause and show reverence.”

Having been born and raised Catholic, and educated in Catholic schools, it’s a significant part of Mr. Albanese’s background. Consequently, his plans for today have been revised. Events initially planned for today are cancelled or postponed. Some activities will proceed, albeit in a more subdued and respectful manner, acknowledging the loss of a prominent global leader overnight.

When questioned about Australia’s representation at the Pope’s funeral, Gallagher confirmed arrangements are underway.

The immediate focus is to pause and honor Pope Francis’s passing. Formal arrangements for representation are being organized, and it is expected that an Australian representative will be present.

Krishani Dhanji reporting. Thank you to Martin Farrer for commencing our live coverage.

As global leaders and faithful mourn Pope Francis, Australian political leaders are also paying their respects, leading to a likely deceleration of the election campaign today.

Despite the somber atmosphere, early voting for the federal election commences nationwide, and the window for politicians to appeal to voters is narrowing.

While Labor has presented its key policy platforms, the opposition is still anticipated to reveal its defense spending commitments.

Stay with us for continued updates throughout the day.

With the commencement of early voting in the federal election, political candidates are facing increasing pressure to present their key platforms to the Australian public.

Today marks the start of early voting for the May 3rd poll, and projections indicate millions of Australians are expected to utilize pre-poll options, thus avoiding Election Day queues.

This early voter trend has raised concerns about political parties’ strategies, particularly regarding the timing of policy releases. Delaying announcements might reduce their impact as many votes are cast before the campaign’s final stages.

The Coalition is yet to detail its defense spending plan and clarify potential public service job reductions aimed at decreasing the commonwealth payroll by 40,000 positions.

Labor has capitalized on the Coalition’s perceived lack of fiscal balance, launching attacks focusing on “secret cuts” while heavily promoting their Medicare and health policies.

The government’s campaign message, “When Peter Dutton cuts, Australians will pay,” was reiterated by Anthony Albanese during a visit to an urgent care clinic in the marginal NSW seat of Gilmore.

Albanese criticized the opposition leader’s “extraordinary arrogance” for deferring the disclosure of specific cuts until after the election.

Dutton defended this approach, stating that governmental resources are necessary to identify areas for efficient spending.

Both major parties have committed to publishing full policy costings before May 3rd.

Coalition members have defended their strategy of late campaign policy releases, arguing that these will gain maximum attention from voters closer to polling day.

However, this approach carries risks, especially if early voter turnout mirrors the 2022 election, which saw over 5.5 million early votes.

Analysts suggest that the upcoming Anzac Day long weekend and school holidays will further boost pre-polling, potentially compelling parties to adjust their campaign tactics.

“If parties aim for maximum impact, they can no longer rely on last-minute reveals as in previous campaigns,” noted Professor Kate Crowley, a public policy expert at the University of Tasmania, in a statement to AAP.

Professor Crowley added that the increasing popularity of pre-polling, reflecting voter disenchantment with major parties, necessitates that both Labor and the Coalition refine their strategies for deploying electoral incentives throughout the campaign.

– via AAP

Following the passing of Pope Francis at 88, cardinals globally, including Melbourne’s Ukrainian-born Bishop Mykola Bychok, are preparing to convene in Rome to elect his successor. This pivotal moment for the Catholic Church follows the Pope Francis death announcement.

Cardinal Bychok, elevated to cardinalship by the late Pope, was en route to the Middle East when the news broke and will now proceed to Rome to participate in the papal election.

In a released statement, Cardinal Bychok described Pope Francis as “a resolute defender of life and the dignity of every individual”:

Each Pope bestows a unique character upon the Church. Holy Father Francis was notably a Pope for the marginalized and those on society’s edges. He was a man of humble piety who earnestly sought to bring the Church closer to the people. He generously shared his talents and engaged with everyone uniquely and personally. His life embodied his chosen motto, Miserando atque Eligendo, meaning “Lowly but chosen.”

Pope Francis was an advocate for global peace. Amidst a world ravaged by conflict, he passionately called for peace and justice. I am deeply thankful for the late Holy Father’s consistent appeals for peace in Ukraine and the Holy See’s efforts, both public and private, which offered solace to the imprisoned and afflicted.

The Holy Father was a staunch protector of life and human dignity. He dedicated himself to bridging divides between East and West and fostering greater interfaith understanding, emphasizing commonalities over differences.

Welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer, starting with today’s main overnight stories before handing over to Krishani Dhanji shortly.

Across Australia, flags will fly at half-mast on official buildings today as the nation mourns Pope Francis, who passed away last night at 88. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a heartfelt tribute to the pontiff and paid respects at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne. Our reporters are positioned at St Patrick’s Cathedral and St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, where masses are anticipated to celebrate the legacy of the first pope from the southern hemisphere. We will bring you live updates as events unfold, following the news of Pope Francis death.

In election news, Allegra Spender, Independent MP for Wentworth, has condemned “anonymous and misleading” pamphlets distributed in her electorate. She described the pamphlets as a “smear campaign” that alienates the public from politics.

Meanwhile, federal election early voting commences today nationwide. The Australian Electoral Commission is hosting an event in the Northern Territory to promote remote voting services. Stay tuned for election updates and further news.