[aap1966]

Just to clarify Aussie politics for the Americans....the "Liberal Party" is our conservative party, and essentially opposes everything that would be considered "liberal" in the U.S.. The "Australian Labour Party" (the ALP) is the main Left / centre left / liberal (in the U.S. sense) party. The "Australian Democrats" were the far left party and were wiped out in the election--they will rapidly die a natural death. Traditionally, Australia has only been able to sustain 1 minor party, and that role is now taken by the "Greens" who are best described as global warming fundamentalists / wackos: example, their official policy regarding Australia's HUGE coal export industry is that it be closed within 3 years. They have also expressed doubt regarding the official version of 9/11. The Greens may end up with the balance of power in our upper house, the Senate. Should be an entertaining 3 years.

Australia has had 13 years of continuous economic growth, 11 under Howard. Plus currently we have the lowest unemployment in 33 years. So no-one under 29 has experienced adult life under a Federal Labour government, or a less than booming economy. Consensus seems to be reasons for change were industrial relations, climate change concerns and the age of the Howard government. Iraq war (which Howard supported) probably did not change many votes--those most firmly against it were have never supported Howard anyway. Australia's long run of economic success has encouraged people to think it's an inevitable part of the landscape, so it's safe to change government.

We shall see.
Like I said, an entertaining 3 years lie ahead.