The year 2025 in Australia was a tumultuous period defined by profound tragedy, political upheaval, and moments of astonishing human resilience. From a horrific terrorist attack in Sydney to a landmark federal election and unprecedented environmental disasters, the nation navigated a complex landscape of persistent challenges and unexpected turns.
A Nation Grappling with Crisis and Conflict
The shadow of the climate crisis loomed large, with Cyclone Alfred causing severe flooding in Queensland and New South Wales in March, claiming one life and cutting power to hundreds of thousands. An environmental catastrophe unfolded in South Australia as a mysterious, toxic algal bloom killed thousands of marine animals and plagued coastlines for months.
Social and political tensions frequently spilled onto the streets. In August, a massive pro-Palestine protest saw tens of thousands march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, while a subsequent anti-immigration 'March for Australia' in several cities featured neo-Nazi speakers and culminated in an attack on an Indigenous protest site in Melbourne. The year ended in unspeakable horror with a devastating terror attack on Sydney's Jewish community during Hanukkah celebrations near Bondi Beach on 20 December. Two assailants allegedly killed 15 people and injured dozens in the worst such massacre since Port Arthur in 1996.
Political Earthquakes and Global Alliances
The political landscape was fundamentally reshaped in May when the Labor Party won the federal election by a stunning margin. The Coalition's defeat was so severe that Opposition Leader Peter Dutton lost his seat, triggering a brief split between the Liberals and Nationals. Sussan Ley took over the Liberal leadership, presiding over a fragile alliance.
On the international stage, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held a closely watched meeting with US President Donald Trump in October. The AUKUS security pact remained "full steam ahead" according to Trump, despite ongoing scepticism about the delivery of nuclear-powered submarines. Australia also formally joined other nations in recognising the state of Palestine.
Domestic policy saw significant moves, with Labor and the Greens uniting to pass new environmental protection laws in November. However, the Coalition faced internal strife after both the Nationals and Liberals abandoned their commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, a decision criticised by former MPs as electoral suicide.
Stories That Captivated the Nation
Beyond the headlines, 2025 produced uniquely Australian tales that gripped public attention. The mushroom murder trial of Erin Patterson became a global sensation, concluding in July with a guilty verdict for poisoning three people with death cap mushrooms. In a heartwarming counter-narrative, a dachshund named Valerie was found alive and well on Kangaroo Island after surviving over 500 days in the wild.
The year witnessed both profound loss and celebration. The death of revered film critic David Stratton was met with national mourning, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese married partner Jodie Haydon at The Lodge in Canberra, becoming the first sitting PM to wed in office.
Yet, grim realities persisted. A triple-zero network failure in September led to two deaths, embroiling Communications Minister Anika Wells in scandal. Horrific allegations of sexual abuse in childcare centres emerged, and a report revealed that Indigenous deaths in custody hit their highest level since 1980. As the year closed, Australia was left to reflect on a period of stark contrasts, where moments of unity and hope were persistently tested by division and disaster.
