Anthony Albanese sworn in as Prime Minister - but what's next for the Liberals? | 6NewsAU
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  • Writer's pictureAustin Pollock

Anthony Albanese sworn in as Prime Minister - but what's next for the Liberals?

Updated: May 25, 2022

It's official - Anthony Albanese is the 31st Prime Minister & Scott Morrison is now a former PM.

At 9am this morning in Canberra, Anthony Albanese, Richard Marles, Penny Wong, Jim Chalmers and Katy Gallagher arrived at Government House, where they greeted Governor-General David Hurley and Linda Hurley.


After the national anthem was played, the five Labor frontbenchers wore sworn in as interim ministers, until the full ministry is sworn in next Wednesday.

However, there hasn't been a lot of time to celebrate Labor's victory, with the PM and Senator Wong arriving in Tokyo to meet with officials from the US, India and Japan.


This is one of the swiftest changes of Government in the nation's history.


"[I want to] send a message to the world that there is a new government in Australia," Albanese said at his first press conference as PM.

Just hours after being sworn in, the PM arrived at Parliament House and conducted a press conference in the 'blue room,' alongside his new ministers and new flags.


One of the first changes by the new Labor government was the addition of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, featured in the background.

As the vote tally continues Anthony Albanese is still confident that they may be able to form a majority government, however, says he is happy to work with the crossbench.

"At this stage that looks most likely, but counting continues...my expectation is that we have a majority in the Labor Caucus. I have received and have had discussions with the existing members of the crossbench and received confirmation from Rebekha Sharkie, Bob Katter, Andrew Wilkie, Helen Haines and Zali Steggall that they would not support any no-confidence motions against the government and that they would also secure supply."


Leaders around the world weigh in


Anthony Albanese has already been congratulated on his victory by leaders around the world. Leaders such as Boris Johnson congratulated him on social media.


The French have also weighed in after former Prime Minister Scott Morrison was accused of lying by President Emmanuel Macron.


"The defeat of Prime Minister Morrison suits me very well," French Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.

Boris Johnson congratulated Anthony Albanese, while US President Joe Biden gave the PM a call to commend him on his election win, before they met at the Quad summit.


Who will lead the Liberal Party?


After projections that Peter Dutton may lose his seat, he has retained Dickson for the 8th straight time - but it didn’t come without a strong fight from Labor’s Ali France.


So, does this mean he will be the new Liberal leader? As many have predicted, it is likely he will lead the Coalition for the next few years.


However, as 6 News analysed, some other contenders may be Stuart Robert, Alex Hawke & Karen Andrews.


The Former PM is set to stand down as leader of the Liberal party at the next party meeting.


Check out the latest impartial coverage of the 2022 Federal Election here.

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