Protesters disrupt Australian election campaign

Canberra

Australia’s election campaign kicked off with drama as both prime ministerial candidates faced protests in Queensland. Incumbent PM Anthony Albanese of the Labor Party and opposition leader Peter Dutton of the Coalition were disrupted during their campaign events.

Albanese’s event in Brisbane, focused on boosting healthcare spending, was interrupted by a protester questioning the impact of immigration on healthcare and housing. The individual was quickly escorted out by security.

Later, Dutton faced similar disruptions. At a Brisbane brewery, a climate activist from a local group protested against his proposal to build nuclear power plants, holding a sign that read, “No New Gas or Nuclear.” This was the first of two protests for Dutton, with another activist interrupting his second event of the day.

Greens leader Adam Bandt also joined the campaign trail in Brisbane, underscoring the city’s importance as an election battleground. Queensland holds 30 of the 150 House of Representatives seats, making it a critical focus for both major parties.

Labor holds 77 seats nationwide but only five in Queensland, a traditional Coalition stronghold. Both parties are targeting three Brisbane seats won by the Greens in 2022.

If neither Labor nor the Coalition gains ground in Queensland, it could lead to a minority government, requiring negotiations with minor parties and independents to secure support. The first day of the campaign highlighted the tense atmosphere as Australia approaches the May 3 election.