Western Australia calls election in test for Albanese before national vote

FILE PHOTO: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese leaves the 19th EAST ASEAN Summit (EAS) at the National Convention Centre, in Vientiane, Laos, October 11, 2024. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo

SYDNEY (Reuters) - The state of Western Australia has called an election, setting the stage for a final test for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's centre-left Labor party ahead of a national vote due by May.

An improved performance by the conservative opposition Liberal party in Western Australia will put pressure on Albanese, who faces a close contest in the upcoming federal election.