Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the announcement early on Thursday 11 April after weeks of speculation.
On May the 18th, Australians will elect 151 M-Ps to the House of Representatives and 40 senators -- half of the 72 state senators plus the four senators representing the two territories -- to the Senate.
To have a majority on the floor of the House, plus provide a Speaker, 77 seats are needed.
The Coalition currently holds 74 seats and Labor 69, but a redrawing of the electoral boundaries means the Coalition starts with a notional 73 seats and Labor 72.
