Australia / Change of Government / 23rd May with 1st June Update

On Saturday 21st May, Australians voted for both the House of Representatives and half the Senate.

It had been a long drawn out and somewhat acrimonious six week campaign, particularly from the incumbent conservative coalition, the Liberal National Party (LNP).

They had been in power for nine years and for the last three or so been ‘much on the nose’ under the leadership of probably one of our worst ever Prime Ministers, Scott Morrison.

Their performance during the covid pandemic, disastrous bushfires and floods left a lot to be desired.

They had ‘attacked’ social programs, had pork barrelled their own constituencies, inaction on climate change and gave unnecessary financial support to big business…..among a host of other unpopular moves.

They knew they were in for trouble.

New Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese

The opposition Labor Party (ALP/Democratic Socialists) had played the small target game during the campaign in an effort to let the government sink themselves.

However, they had tried this ploy 3 years ago during the last election and had not got across the line.

So there was always a little bit of doubt how things would go this time. 

But there was no need to worry.

The polling booths closed at 6pm and we knew by 9pm that the Australian population had had enough and that Labor would be in power.

Not quite a landslide, but a win is a win.

What we didn’t know, and still don’t, is if they will be a majority government.

The Greens, others and a new influx of Independents may still hold the balance of power.

Counting continues. Pre poll, postal and absentee votes are still in the pipeline.

Below is the situation as of this morning.

We will update when the situation becomes clearer.

Update: 1st June

The Labor Party has won 77 seats enabling them to form a majority government. 

The new ministry was sworn in today.

Note the number of women!

The major opposition, a coalition between the Liberal Party (don’t be confused by the name, they are conservatives) and National Party (who represent mainly rural seats) has the lowest representation in parliament since they were formed in 1946.

The new government will have quite a job on their hands.

Nine years of conservative rule has left the country in a bit of a mess.