Australia elections 2019: Aussies head to the polls as Labor expected to win (Image: GETTY)
After six years in the political wilderness Australian bookies are predicting a return to power for Labor in a campaign which has put climate change at the forefront of the agenda. Current Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has placed the economy at the heart of his bid to reclaim power for his conservative Liberal-National coalition. Mr Morrison’s coalition, which has held power since 2013, looks likely to be reaching the end of its tenure.
Polls opened at 8am (11pm BST on Friday) and will close at 6pm (9am BST).
In a nation where voting is compulsory turnout will inevitably be high before the result is announced on Saturday evening.
The death of Labor Party stalwart and former Prime Minister Bob Hawke, who was known for his larger-than-life persona and pioneering policies, has buoyed Labor leader Bill Shorten who said it had made him more determined than ever.
Prime Ministerial hopeful Mr Shorten told Channel Nine: “I already feel a responsibility to millions of people to win.
“But sure, I want to do it for Bob as well. I don't want to let his memory down.”
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Australia elections 2019: Bob Hawke with Margaret Thatcher at 10 Downing Street, London, 1986 (Image: GETTY)
Mr Turnbull was the second Prime Minister to be ousted while in office by the ruling Liberal Party (Image: GETTY)
While it seems unlikely Mr Hawke’s death will have a direct impact on how voters cast their ballots in the South Pacific nation, the sombre death
