Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Australia will go to the polls on May 18. Here's what's been said since.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
* "Now is not the time to turn back." - Prime Minister Scott Morrison
* "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 for the next decade." - Mr Morrison
* "The Liberal and National parties believe that the strength of our economy is rooted in the hard work and effort, and enterprise and aspiration and the champion in every single Australian." - Mr Morrison
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a May 18 Federal election today at Parliament House Press Conference in Canberra Source: AAP
Labor Leader Bill Shorten
* "This election is very straightforward. It is about being stuck in the past, or a bright future and a positive view of what Australians can do together." - Labor leader Bill Shorten
* "What we believe in is making sure that the economy works in the interests of working and middle-class people; when everyday Australians are getting a fair go, then this economy hums." - Mr Shorten
* "My feet are firmly planted in the backyard of a Mitcham house because I understand that politics should be about the people, it's about cost of living, education, health, good jobs, renewable energy." - Mr Shorten
Opposition leader Bill Shorten speaks to the media in Mitcham, Melbourne, following election announcement, April 11, 2019. Source: AAP
Nationals leader Michael McCormack
* "I don't intend to lose and I don't intend for the Nationals not to be in government." - Nationals leader Michael McCormack
Greens leader Richard Di Natale
* "Time is running out to act on climate change. We need to make it the biggest issue of this election." - Australian Greens leader Richard Di Natale
Australian Greens leader Richard Di Natale speaks to media, backing Royal Commission into Murray Darling Basin Source: AAP
Tweets Across Australia
As soon the PM announced an election date, social media lit up.
Labor MP Ged Kearney
* "I hope Sir Pete's out of his jarmies!" - Labor MP Ged Kearney on the PM's early morning meeting with Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove
Victorian Labor Premier Dan Andrews
* "Scott Morrison has finally called the election. Can't come soon enough." - Victorian Labor Premier Dan Andrews
