Although a mid-April election has been the most probable scenario for some time, the recent emergence of Cyclone Alfred has added complexity to the government’s plans.
It’s also worth considering that RBA Governor Michele Bullock indicated a second cut is very unlikely anytime soon.
If she had indicated that more assistance was on the way soon, it might have pushed the government to consider a delayed election, anticipating another rate cut before the polling day.
However, the Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to maintain its current rates in its upcoming decisions scheduled for April 1 and May 20, which might nudge the government to lean towards an early to mid-April election once again.
What about a double dissolution election?
A double dissolution election occurs when both houses of parliament are dissolved and every seat is contested (as opposed to regular elections, when only half the Senate goes to the polls) after a piece of legislation has been repeatedly rejected.
The latest both houses could have been dissolved this term was January 24.
It’s also worth noting that double dissolution elections are quite rare.
While one was held as recently as 2016, only six others have been called in Australian history.
