PM Morrison calls federal election for 18 May

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the date after visiting the Governor-General early this morning to ask him to dissolve the 45th Parliament and issue the writs for a federal election.  

“At this election there is a clear choice. It is a choice that will determine the economy that Australians live in, not just for the next three years, but the next decade,” the PM said on Thursday morning.

“We live in the best country in the world. To secure your future, the road ahead depends on a strong economy,” he added.

The Governor-General Peter Cosgrove prorogued the Parliament from 8:29am on Thursday morning until Saturday, 18 May, before dissolving the House of Representatives a minute later.  

Labor leader Bill Shorten welcomed the news on Twitter and said he is "ready to deliver a fair go for Australia".

Mr Shorten is expected to speak later this morning in Melbourne to deliver his case for the election.

Campaign starts

Mr Morrison launched the election campaign last night by posting a video, featuring his family, on Twitter. In the video the PM makes a pitch to families, small businesses and seniors, and asks them to think long term.

“Our plan will build our economy, without increasing taxes, securing the future for all Australians,” Mr Morrison said.

Labor and the Coalition earlier agreed to a campaign truce over the Easter long weekend and Anzac Day.