The US president’s shadow loomed large over the campaign, described by some here and overseas as a test of anti-Trump sentiment.

In a similar test in Canada earlier in the week, the left-wing Liberal Party and leader Mark Carney pulled off what was described as a “political miracle”, winning the party a rare fourth term in power.

With the Australian election done and dusted, Albanese will work to negotiate a trade deal with Canada’s neighbour and Australia’s long-time ally.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered congratulations, calling Australia “a valued friend and a close partner”.

Former US president Joe Biden warmly congratulated a man he described as a friend.

“America and Australia have a vibrant alliance anchored in shared values and I know that Anthony will continue to stand for them,” he said on social media.

By the end of the weekend, his successor was yet to personally comment on Albanese’s win at the weekend.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke of defence collaboration, particularly AUKUS and the conflict in Ukraine.

“The UK and Australia are as close as ever — and we will continue to work together to deliver a brighter future for working people in both of our countries,” he said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also offered his congratulations.

“Ukraine sincerely values Australia’s unwavering support and its principled stance on ending Russia’s war and securing a dignified and lasting peace,” he said.

“We look forward to further strengthening our productive partnership in pursuit of peace, security, and freedom.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said Australia and France had much to achieve together, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Let us continue to write, with ambition and friendship, the new chapter of our partnership,” he said.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hailed Australia and Germany’s close cooperation on trade, business science and security. 

But the first congratulations came from much closer to home.

“The first person to call me was my friend [Papua New Guinea Prime Minister] James Marape,” Albanese said yesterday.

“He called me at about quarter to eight, I think. I told him it was a bit early to call it, at that time.”