PM expected to call Australian election on Friday morning with poll likely to be held in early May

Anthony Albanese's move would steal thunder from Peter Dutton hours after he delivers budget reply speech

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The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is expected to call the federal election on Friday for a polling day in early May, according to Labor sources.

Speculation had been rife in Canberra that Albanese could visit the governor general on either Friday or Sunday to capitalise on momentum from Tuesday's federal budget and draw attention away from Peter Dutton's budget reply speech on Thursday night.

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