Australians vote in election shaped by cost of living, housing concerns

BBC, May 3: It's election day in Australia where 18 million voters will decide the next prime minister - and young voters are crucial.

Cost of living, crumbling public healthcare and unaffordable housing are top of the agenda, and an unpredictable Trump presidency looms over all of it.

PM Anthony Albanese of the left-leaning Australian Labor Party is seeking a second term, while on the other side is Peter Dutton of the conservative Liberal-National coalition.

Also on the ballot are a range of independents and candidates from the left-wing Greens, who could become kingmakers in case of a hung parliament.

Official results can take days or even weeks, but unofficial early results from the electoral commission usually indicate who will form the next government.

Stay with us as we bring you everything you need to know about voter sentiment, wins and losses, and the role of the beloved democracy sausage.