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Australia has voted. The polls closed eighteen and half hours ago, and we don't know who won the election. We may not know for sure for a week or more, and a hung parliament is looking the most likely outcome at this stage.
I have been surprised this morning at the number of people who I respect and admire that are crying foul over Liberal preferences flowing to the Greens, and helping to secure them one (and possibly two) seats in the lower house, and the balance of power in the Senate.
As far as I know, the Liberals' preferences are a matter for the Liberals, and don't require agreement from the Greens. What are they supposed to do? Say no thank you? It only becomes a concern if there's evidence of dodgy deals to shore up that support.
The only reason the Liberals' preferences came into play is because the Greens primary vote was strong enough to push them into second spot in the count, and those primary votes have drifted, by and large, from Labor.
Labor supporters, and the party itself, would be better served by honestly assessing why that drift has occurred, rather than bleating about how the Libs directed their preferences.
I've also heard, and read, the view that the election result (or non-result) was somehow due to people not paying attention, being distracted, or being tricked. I disagree. I think the will of the electorate, and growing distaste for our two-party system, has been clearly demonstrated. This is no accident. Suck it up folks.
Even the number of informal votes could be seen as a statement, although I'd prefer people frustrated with politics or election campaigns to express it in a way that really counts. It shits me to tears that over half a million votes were wasted, especially following a successful high court case to enable 60,000 additional voters to cast a ballot. I think informal voters are gutless and lazy. It takes courage to make a decision, especially when they're made tougher by not particularly liking any of the choices available.
Decisions will be all the rage in the coming week or two, as final votes are counted, independents are wooed, and the Governor General consulted.
Goodness knows how it will all pan out in the end, but getting there could be one of the most interesting and inspiring journeys our country undertakes.
And as an aside, I couldn't be more pleased that Labor regained the seat of McEwen. It holds a special place in my heart, and it was great to be back there again yesterday. Well done Rob.
