Post by Flash on Nov 25, 2007 23:53:35 GMT -5
An incredible election
Like you we are excited and relieved to see the end of John Howard's government.
In a very polarised election, where votes for the major parties increased at the expense of other parties, The Greens vote increased.
Greens preferences were crucial to Kevin Rudd's victory, with many seats including Bennelong won because of Greens voters giving their second preference to Labor.
Our Senate vote was also higher than our vote in the House of Representatives, confirming that people looked to The Greens to restore accountability and a progressive focus to the Senate.
Bob Brown has been returned to the Senate and is likely to be joined by two new Senators, Scott Ludlum from Western Australia and Sarah Hanson-Young from South Australia. In Victoria Richard di Natalie, although behind, is still in with a chance as preferences are distributed. We may not know the final result for some time.
Unfortunately in NSW, Kerry Nettle has not been re-elected, despite an increased vote to 8.4%. Kerry will continue as a Greens Senator until the end of June 2008.
The coming parliamentary term will be important to The Greens as we play a responsible and constructive role in the Senate.
We also have a new responsibility to work as a positive and progressive Opposition to Labor, articulating the real action that is needed on global warming, dismantling WorkChoices and pushing the new government to take the correct direction.
Thanks to everyone who has been part of this election campaign. We hope you can continue to be part of that important work.
Greens
Like you we are excited and relieved to see the end of John Howard's government.
In a very polarised election, where votes for the major parties increased at the expense of other parties, The Greens vote increased.
Greens preferences were crucial to Kevin Rudd's victory, with many seats including Bennelong won because of Greens voters giving their second preference to Labor.
Our Senate vote was also higher than our vote in the House of Representatives, confirming that people looked to The Greens to restore accountability and a progressive focus to the Senate.
Bob Brown has been returned to the Senate and is likely to be joined by two new Senators, Scott Ludlum from Western Australia and Sarah Hanson-Young from South Australia. In Victoria Richard di Natalie, although behind, is still in with a chance as preferences are distributed. We may not know the final result for some time.
Unfortunately in NSW, Kerry Nettle has not been re-elected, despite an increased vote to 8.4%. Kerry will continue as a Greens Senator until the end of June 2008.
The coming parliamentary term will be important to The Greens as we play a responsible and constructive role in the Senate.
We also have a new responsibility to work as a positive and progressive Opposition to Labor, articulating the real action that is needed on global warming, dismantling WorkChoices and pushing the new government to take the correct direction.
Thanks to everyone who has been part of this election campaign. We hope you can continue to be part of that important work.
Greens