If you thought it was bad to get a new PM without an election, it turns out you can get a whole new government.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hung_parliament

Hung parliaments are rare at the federal level in Australia, as a virtual two-party system, in which the Australian Labor Party competes against an alliance of conservative parties, has existed with only brief interruptions since the early 20th century. Prior to 1910, no party had a majority in the House of Representatives as there were two non-Labor parties; the government changed a number of times because of this. Since 1910, when the two-party system was cemented, there has been only one hung parliament, in 1940. The incumbent Prime Minister, Robert Menzies, secured the support of the two independent MPs and continued to govern, but during the parliamentary term the independents switched their support to Labor, bringing John Curtin to power.



In countries used to decisive election outcomes, a hung parliament is often viewed as an unfavourable outcome, leading to relatively weak and unstable government. A period of uncertainty after the election is common, as major party leaders negotiate with independents and minor parties to establish a working majority.

An aspiring head of government may seek to build a coalition government; in Westminster systems, this typically involves agreement on a joint legislative programme and a number of ministerial posts going to the minor coalition partners, in return for a stable majority. Alternatively, a minority government may be formed, establishing confidence and supply agreements in return for policy concessions agreed in advance, or relying on case by case support.



In the Western Australian state election of 2008 the Australian Labor Party won more seats than the Liberal Party at 28 to 24. The National Party along with three independents had the seats needed to give either party a majority. To help the Liberal Party form government, the Nationals supported the party on the condition that the Royalties for Regions policy was implemented.

In the 1999 Victorian state election, the Labor Party won 42 seats, while the incumbent Liberal National Coalition retained 43, with 3 seats falling to independents. The Labor Party formed a minority government with the 3 independents.

The 2010 Tasmanian state election resulted in a hung parliament. After a period of negotiation, the incumbent Labor government led by David Bartlett was recommissioned, but containing the Leader of the Tasmanian Greens, Nick McKim, as a minister, and the Greens' Cassy O'Connor as Cabinet Secretary.

In the 2010 Federal election, neither Labor nor the Liberal coalition appear likely to secure a majority of seats required to form a Government in their own right. If this is the case, the sitting Prime Minister from the incumbent party, Julia Gillard, will remain Prime Minister (by convention, in a caretaker role) until the outcome of the election results become final and the Governor-General can invite a majority group to form the next government.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_federal_election,_2010

In a total of 150 seats, 76 seats form a majority.

"Since 1910, when the two-party system was cemented, there has been only one hung parliament, in 1940."

That's right, and now there are umpteen minor parties and we cannot get a government together. Duhhhh!

Although Abbott and the Coalition have performed exceptionally well over the past 12 months or more, this election result is a damning indictment on the very poor performance of the ALP.

I for one, cant` imagine how the ALP could have handled themselves worse in government than they did.  Apart from hijacking a few planes and crashing them into Parliament House, or God forbid, a brewery or two, they could not have better shown their contempt for this country.

It is unclear if the assassination of Rudd was an astute political move, or an egotistical blunder. On one hand, the feminine sexist vote was a clear advantage, while the lack of common decency was a definite handicap, hard call. Either way, prior to this federal election, Australia was a country on the skids, we might have a chance now.

gizmo_2655 wrote on Aug 24^th, 2010 at 9:06am:


I wouldn`t hold my breath, at least the damage by the ALP might be halted, or severely hampered now.

Equitist wrote on Aug 24^th, 2010 at 9:37am:


So self satisfied, so deluded.   

gizmo_2655 wrote on Aug 24^th, 2010 at 11:22am:


Hey Gizmo, hahaha, you wanna check your maths and get back to us - ta!?

Equitist wrote on Aug 24^th, 2010 at 11:34am:


Sure, and I'll make it easy for you.....from +5.44% down to zero is a change of ......5.44%..

From zero down to -2.04 is a change of ......2.04%

   5.44%+
   2.04%
= 7.48%

see, it's easy isn't it????

Quote:


Ummmmm no.
A "swing" is the relative change in votes (in %) when compared to the previous election.

The 5.44% swing to Labor in 2007 was relative to the 2004 election.
The 2.04% swing against Labor in 2010 is relative to the 2007 election.
In both cases the previous election is the baseline (0%).

If you want to compare 2010 to 2004 then the result is still a +3.4% swing to Labor.