Australians will go to the polls on May 18, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced, adding that voters "now is not the time to turn back" to Labor.
The election will pit Morrison against Bill Shorten, a former labour union leader.
Arthur Stevens reports from Melbourne:

Explosion at mosque in Pakistan's capital kills 31
Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai to be sentenced on February 9
Danone recalls more infant formula in Europe
UN chief calls New START treaty expiration 'grave moment'
Pakistan military says it concludes week-long fight against Baloch separatists
