Liberals win by default in Victoria

Well, the Liberals allocation did "suck the oxygen" out of his party's campaign, but why would he expect the Liberals to take friendly action? Bob Brown's answer is to have an open preferencing system, but as Greens voters don't pay much attention to their party's How-to-Vote cards, what difference would this make?

If the Greens are going to continue to prosper they have to think more strategically and understand that they are a protest vote vehicle, and at best a balance of power party in a de facto coalition with Labor.

That might well mean spending less time promoting gay marriage and a carbon tax and more time looking at public transport or education issues, for example, at the same time appealing to voters for their tactical, rather than ideological vote, and doing their best to keep out of the way of the Liberal Party.

They are dependent on Liberal Party preferences, but they can't control them, so they are in a difficult position.

There is also a message for Julia Gillard. While I don't think the Labor brand is "toxic" it's certainly not in great shape, and Labor governments that prove to be all talk and no action are likely to feel the wrath of the electorate.

After only three years the electorate had made that judgement on the Rudd government, which is how Gillard came to power. They're close to making that judgement on her government as well. If things don't improve quickly at the next election electors are not likely to vote to make it 9 years of indecision and mismanagement.

If you needed any confirmation of that judgement, then the Victorian election result says it all.