Understanding the 2019 federal election results and what to do about climate change

Still on climate, according to The Australian, 14 independent candidates signed a climate change pledge under the heading ‘Independence Day’. Only 3 of the 13 were successful – Steggall who as stated above almost certainly didn’t win on her climate change policies; Andrew Wilkie who was going to win anyway because of his personal popularity; and Rebekha Sharkie who also was a sitting member, up against Alexander Downer’s daughter in a country where the promise of political dynasties generally do not attract a great deal of support – e.g., Hanna Beasley failed to win her WA seat in spite of her father’s high profile as the state’s governor and his long political history.

 

There were other issues. The Australian reported on a swing against Labor in outer Sydney seats where voters had voted against same sex marriage at the referendum in 2017.

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Quadrant magazine suggested 11 important reasons why the ALP lost the election. You can make up your own mind on the actual or relative importance of each of these reasons but here they are for your edification:

11. Bob Brown’s motor convoy from Tasmania to the Galilee Basin in April to protest the Adani mine

10. Shorten’s offer to public broadcasters of massive bribes to guarantee their support

9. The shredding of Israel Folau’s $4 million rugby contract for quoting the Bible’s disapproval of homosexuality

8. The Tasmanian Parliament’s decision in April to drop the sex of babies from birth certificates

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7. Clive Palmer

6. The birth of royal baby Archie to Meghan and Prince Harry on May 6

5. As a slogan, “Real action on climate change” turned out to be a loser