The 2004 Australian federal election was held on 9 October 2004 to determine the members of the 41st Parliament of Australia. The incumbent Liberal/National Coalition government, led by Prime Minister John Howard, won a fourth consecutive term in office, defeating the Australian Labor Party, led by Mark Latham.
The election campaign was dominated by issues such as economic management, national security, and healthcare. John Howard’s government campaigned on its strong economic record and its stance on the War on Terror, while Mark Latham focused on issues like Medicare and education funding.
The Coalition achieved a significant victory, increasing its majority in the House of Representatives and gaining control of the Senate for the first time since 1977. This outcome was largely attributed to the public’s perception of the Coalition’s economic competence and Howard’s leadership during a period of global uncertainty.
The election results marked a turning point in Australian politics, solidifying the Coalition’s dominance and leading to a period of sustained Liberal-National government. For the Labor Party, the defeat prompted a period of introspection and leadership changes as they sought to rebuild and regain public trust.
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