Scott Morrison reveals federal election date

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called the Federal Election for May 21, the Prime Minister's Office has confirmed.

The Prime Minister met with the Governor General David Hurley at Government House in Canberra this morning, where he requested a federal election be triggered.

We are expecting Mr Morrison to address the media in a press conference soon.

READ MORE: Your guide to the key seats that could decide the Election

Under the Australian federal electoral system, a Prime Minister must advise the Governor General of his intention to hold the election.

The Governor General then sets the process in motion by dissolving either or both houses and issuing writs for election for the House of Representatives and territorial Senators.

Nine political reporter Jonathan Kearsley has provided a full breakdown of the protocol involved in calling an election, which can be seen here.

READ MORE: The key seats that will determine the outcome of the election

Yesterday opposition Leader Anthony Albanese called on Scott Morrison to call an election, after the Prime Minister spent a Saturday at home rather than visiting the governor-general.

The election isn't officially on yet, but a video posted to Mr Morrison's Twitter account very much shows the PM in campaign mode.

The video named "Why I love Australia" is a combination of swelling orchestral music and Mr Morrison touting his government's achievements.

"40,000 people are alive in Australia today because of the way we handled the pandemic," he said.

"700,000 people still have jobs."

READ MORE: Redistribution - The brutal game of musical chairs for parliamentary MPs

Speaking in Sydney earlier yesterday, Mr Albanese expressed his impatience.

"He's keeping Australians waiting before he calls the election," Mr Albanese said.

"But he should just get on with it.

"He should let the Australian people decide."

READ MORE: How is the Australian government elected?

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