Malcolm Fraser had been commissioned as prime minister following the dismissal of Gough Whitlam's Labor government by Governor-General Sir John Kerr, on 11 November 1975.
The same day, Fraser advised the calling of the election, in accordance with Kerr's stipulated conditions.
Thus the Liberal Party of Australia, led by Fraser, with Coalition partner the National Country Party, led by Doug Anthony, went to the election as a caretaker government.
The election resulted in the Coalition securing government with a 30-seat swing away from Labor in the House of Representatives.
The first five senators elected in each State were allocated full six-year terms ending on 30 June 1981 while the other half were allocated three-year terms ending on 30 June 1978.