Julia Gillard announces (Australian) federal election date

news.com.au ^ | 30th January 2012 | Malcolm Farr and Simon Benson

[naturalman1975]

VOTERS will go to the polls on September 14 in what will mark the longest election campaign in the nation's history.

In a speech at the National Press Club Prime Minister Gillard confirmed the election date.

The Prime Minister said her early announcement would allow business and consumers to "plan their year". But it was also a challenge to the Opposition to deliver policy detail sooner than it might want.

"The benefit of fixing the date now is not just the end of speculation about election timing. It gives shape and order to year," she said.

[naturalman1975]

This is highly unusual. Election dates are normally set for Australian Federal elections, only when the Prime Minister asks the Governor General to dissolve Parliament and issue the writs for an election. An election follows within weeks.

[melsec]

Abbott obviously caused this by starting to campaign and not waiting for the PM. First win to Tony. Now if he can just get the press to pay some attention to his “plan” rather than them making personality the issue.

Mel