Federal election 2025 LIVE updates: Polls open in Australia’s eastern states as Albanese eyes three terms; Dutton predicts close race

Albanese says one of the highlights of this campaign has been his visits to schools.

On Thursday, he visited Winthrop Primary School in the Perth seat of Tangney where he was greeted by a throng of excited children.

Ahead of his final breakfast TV interview at the MCG, the prime minister reflected with journalists on the campaign, saying photos from his last school visit showing the children cheering, with hands raised in the air, was beautiful.

“I’m going to get someone to put it up,” he said of the photos. “I love going to schools.”

While those students had a few practice runs, directed by the school’s deputy principal, and reminders to be “regulated” and well-behaved, their genuine excitement at seeing the prime minister was palpable.

Albanese also joked he would push back election day.

“The good news is I’m going to extend the election to May 17,” he said. “Because it’s getting better every day.”