Rumours of early election persisting

AUSTRALIANS could be lining up at the polls again this year, with Scott Morrison not ruling out a 2021 poll despite earlier commitments to be a “full- term Prime Minister”.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese is said to be preparing for an election, scrapping the unpopular franking credits policy that damaged Labor in 2019.

There is speculation within the government that the timing of any election will depend on how the vaccine rollout p r o c e e d s , , as well as the economic re- covery.

T h e earliest a full election can be held is August 7, 2021, while the latest is May 21, 2022.

Last year Mr Morrison ( pictured), attempted to shut down speculation about election timing by telling his Coalition party room in October that he would be “a full termer”, saying “elections are too hard to win”.

He dismissed questions on whether he would call an election this year as Canberra speculation.

“I have only one for priority this year. That is getting Australians continually through this pandemic and ensuring the economic recovery is achieved,” he told 3AW.

Asked again to rule out a 2021 poll, Mr Morrison said his view had not changed.

“The election is not due until 2022,” he said.

“I have enough to do in 2021 and so does the rest of the country.”

Mr Albanese, in a speech on January 2, said Labor’s task was to ensure it was able to form government, whether there was an election this year or next.