Australian Election 2025: Albanese, Dutton wish Australians happy Easter as campaigns wind down for long weekend

Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have wrapped up campaigning for the May 3 federal election as Australian voters switch off for the four-day Easter long weekend. The leaders are expected to suspend full campaigning until at least Monday, while most Australian enjoy the break. Fresh out of a stint painting eggs and rabbits with young children at the Goodstart Early Learning centre in Wishart in Brisbane on Thursday, the Prime Minister wished Australians a happy Easter. “Easter is a particularly important time for Christians,” he said. “This year, I’m aware, being the representative for Marrickville, we have orthodox Christian Easter at the same time as Catholics and others are celebrating, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Sunday. “It’s an important time of the year and I hope people get to spend time with their loved ones and that it is a happy and holy time.” But, surrounded by kindy-aged toddlers, the Prime Minister did have a word of advice for the youngsters. “Of course for the young ones, I hope they have success in their Easter egg hunts and don’t eat too many chocolates,” he said. The Opposition Leader remained on point with his Easter message for voters. Mr Dutton said he believed family members sitting “around kitchen tables or over the barbecue” would be “nodding in agreement” that the nation couldn’t afford three more years of Labor. He labelled the election a “sliding doors moment”. “I hope that over Easter people are able to have a conversation. Parents to grandparents and to grandchildren about what the next three years will look like,” the Opposition Leader said. “It doesn’t need to be like this. We can pull out of this mess.” Mr Dutton finished his day with the 11th stop at a petrol station to spruik his 25 cent cut to fuel excise and visit a chocolate factory in the seat of Dobell. There he wished Australians a “happy and holy” Easter but also a safe one, urging young drivers in particular to adhere to the road rules and be careful in the wet. Voting will begin straight after the Easter long weekend, when early polling stations open on Tuesday. It will be another short week, with campaigning again to be suspended for Anzac Day next Friday. The leaders will be holding another two debates – one on Nine on Tuesday night and the final one on Seven on the following Sunday as the last week of campaigning gets underway.